For decades, visitors from around the globe would flock to Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday mornings, filling every pew to capacity. At the front of the congregation, with a twinkle in his eye, stood President Jimmy Carter, greeting the crowd with his customary question about visitors. He was there to teach Sunday school, as he had done for most of his life—a simple act emblematic of his humility and faith.
Many who attended were drawn by President Carter’s achievements during his four years in the White House: his historic role in brokering the Camp David Accords, which transformed the Middle East; his groundbreaking efforts to diversify the federal judiciary, including the nomination of trailblazer Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the federal bench; and his early leadership on environmental reforms, recognizing the urgency of climate change long before it became a global priority.
Others came because of his extraordinary post-presidency, one of the most impactful in American history. As a global advocate, he monitored over 100 elections, worked tirelessly to nearly eradicate Guinea worm disease, and became the only former president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Alongside his beloved Rosalynn, he devoted himself to building and repairing homes through Habitat for Humanity, directly improving the lives of thousands.
Yet, many in that church were drawn to something even more fundamental: President Carter’s unwavering decency.
Elected in the aftermath of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised a weary nation that he would always tell the truth, and he kept that promise. He prioritized integrity, compassion, and service over political gain, firmly believing that certain principles—truth, dignity, respect—were greater than any election. At his core, he held a deep conviction that every human being is created in God’s image, a belief that guided his life and leadership.
Every encounter with President Carter revealed these values in action. He didn’t just speak about grace, justice, and service—he lived them. In his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, he said, “God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace.” Time and again, he chose to alleviate suffering and pursue peace, leaving the world profoundly better for it.
Maranatha Baptist Church may be quieter now, but the legacy of Jimmy Carter will resonate forever. He rests alongside Rosalynn under the shade of a willow tree, a short distance from the church where he taught so many. His memory remains a call to action for all of us to heed our better angels.
Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the Carter family and everyone whose life was touched by this extraordinary man.