Colman McCarthy, a distinguished American journalist, dedicated peace activist, and influential educator, passed away on February 27, 2026, at the age of 87, in La Romana, Dominican Republic. McCarthy was widely recognized for his nearly three-decade tenure as a columnist for The Washington Post, where his writings consistently championed nonviolence, social justice, and ethical living. His unique voice, often described as "the liberal conscience of The Washington Post," resonated with readers and challenged conventional thinking on issues ranging from politics and religion to education and poverty.

Born on March 24, 1938, in Glen Head, New York, McCarthy's early life included a significant period of spiritual formation. After graduating from Spring Hill College, he spent five years in a Trappist monastery, an experience he often cited as profoundly shaping his commitment to peace and discipline. He transitioned from monastic life to journalism, beginning his career by covering the civil rights movement, including the work of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1966. This early focus on social change set the stage for a career dedicated to advocating for a more peaceful world.

McCarthy joined The Washington Post in 1969, where his syndicated column became a prominent platform for his progressive views. Beyond his impactful journalism, he became a passionate educator, initiating courses on nonviolence and peace literature in 1982. In 1985, he founded the Center for Teaching Peace, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping schools establish or expand peace studies programs. Through his teaching at various institutions, including high schools, colleges, and law centers, McCarthy inspired thousands of students to explore the philosophy of pacifism and nonviolent conflict resolution.

Throughout his life, Colman McCarthy received numerous accolades for his tireless efforts. He was honored with the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award and an Alicia Patterson Foundation fellowship for journalism. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious El-Hibri Peace Education Prize, further recognizing his significant contributions to peace education. McCarthy's legacy is not only in his prolific writings but also in the countless lives he touched as a teacher and mentor, consistently advocating for peace as a practical and achievable way of life.