Conservative icon led the way for a generation of leaders

Contact: Valerie Mosher, Concerned Women for America, 202-488-7000, ext. 126

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today, the nation has lost a conservative icon, a leader to leaders, Paul M. Weyrich.

Paul Weyrich laid the foundation for the modern conservative movement. A challenging writer and speaker, Mr. Weyrich advised Presidents and prominent leaders for over 40 years.

The Economist named Paul Weyrich "one of the conservative movement's more vigorous thinkers." He co-founded the highly influential think tank, Heritage Foundation, and the Moral Majority. As Chairman and CEO of the Free Congress Foundation, he coordinated coalitions to build a conservative force of Washington insider and grassroots activists.

Beverly LaHaye, Founder and Chairman of Concerned Women for America, said, 

"The conservative movement has lost a leader of unparalleled depth and breadth of influence.  Paul Weyrich, a giant of faith, was more than a vital force for uniting Judeo-Christian principles with democratic processes, he was also a warm and generous friend and a faithful follower of His Lord.  He leaves a great vacuum in the conservative movement.  I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and to all whose lives were profoundly touched by the high principles and deep faith of this singular man."

Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America, noted, "Paul Weyrich was a leader to leaders, a giant in the movement to guide America to common-sense policies. His ability to articulate conservative principles and keen vision on how to implement them - especially through building effective coalitions - made the movement a powerful force. And his deep love for God kept him grounded in his true purpose in life."

Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse, Director and Senior Fellow of Concerned Women for America’s Beverly LaHaye Institute, stated, "Paul Weyrich's death is a personal and overwhelming grief for me; I had numerous opportunities to admire and respect this conservative leader in so many different policy and personal arenas.  His ability to unite the diverse members of the conservative coalition was remarkable. It is impossible to envision the future of the conservative movement without Paul Weyrich's wisdom and insights. He was the glue that kept the conservative movement on the right path.  His Christian commitment was unshakable and his life will continue to inspire and challenge future generations of conservatives."

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.