Contact: David Runnion-Bareford, Biblical Witness Fellowship, 207-505-0600 

MEDIA ADVISORY, Aug. 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- Theologian and friend, Dr. Donald Bloesch died Tuesday, August 24th in Dubuque, Iowa, where he taught and was professor emeritus at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

Dr. Bloesch inspired and informed the passion of an entire generation of renewal leaders, not only in his own denomination, the United Church of Christ, but throughout the Mainline Church. His earlier work such as "The Reform of the Church," "Evangelical Renaissance," "Wellsprings of Renewal," and "The Invaded Church," were the battle cry and blueprint for those calling their drifting churches back to authentic ecumenical orthodoxy. His later "Christian Foundations Series" will remain a part of classical theological education for years to come. Dr. Bloesch largely authored the founding document of the Biblical Witness Fellowship, the confessing movement in the UCC, known as the Dubuque Declaration.

BWF Executive Director, David Runnion-Bareford said, "Donald Bloesch was the major theological force in shaping our radical vision for church renewal in the 1970's and 1980's. He gave us not only an understanding of the deep perversity in the mainline church, but theological skills to be effective witnesses in a difficult time. He was my inspiration in the early years, and when I found myself in leadership, Dr. Bloesch became an invaluable mentor and friend. It is ironic that this evangelical was the most widely read and respected UCC theologian of his generation. He will be received into glory with great joy! Thank you Dr. Bloesch."

BWF is a confessing movement in the United Church of Christ. First organized in 1978 as the United Church People for Biblical Witness, the national-wide renewal group became Biblical Witness Fellowship in 1984.