John M. Perkins, a towering figure in American Christianity and civil rights, passed away on March 13, 2026, at the age of 95. Born into deep poverty in rural Mississippi, Perkins rose to become an internationally recognized minister, author, and advocate for racial reconciliation and Christian community development. His life was a testament to unwavering faith and courageous action in the face of systemic injustice.

Perkins' early life in New Hebron, Mississippi, was marked by hardship. Born on June 16, 1930, he lost his mother to pellagra at seven months old and was abandoned by his father, growing up in a sharecropping family. A pivotal moment came in 1947 when, at 17, he fled to California after his older brother, Clyde, was fatally shot by a white police officer, an incident that deeply shaped his understanding of injustice.

Despite vowing never to return to Mississippi, a profound conversion to Christianity in 1957 in California redirected his path. In 1960, he moved his wife, Vera Mae, and their children back to Mendenhall, Mississippi, a decision driven by a divine call to share the Gospel and confront the racial inequities of the Jim Crow South.

In Mendenhall, Perkins established the Voice of Calvary Bible Institute in 1964, laying the groundwork for what would become a holistic ministry addressing spiritual, social, and economic needs. He became a leading voice in the civil rights movement, organizing voter registration drives, boycotts, and advocating for school desegregation. His activism, however, came at a great personal cost.

In 1970, Perkins endured a brutal beating and torture by white police officers in Brandon Jail following a student protest, an event that left him with lasting physical and emotional scars. Yet, rather than deterring him, this experience deepened his resolve and commitment to nonviolent change and forgiveness, reinforcing his belief that racial injustice was fundamentally a spiritual problem requiring a spiritual solution.

His philosophy of Christian community development, centered on the "three Rs" – relocation, redistribution, and reconciliation – became a foundational model for ministries nationwide. He articulated these principles in his influential autobiography, "Let Justice Roll Down," published in 1976, one of more than a dozen books he authored or co-authored.

In 1989, Perkins co-founded the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), an organization that has since grown into a significant network of evangelical congregations and organizations dedicated to holistic restoration in underserved communities. His work extended globally, and he received numerous honorary doctorates and awards for his tireless efforts in promoting justice and reconciliation.

In 2016, he transitioned to President Emeritus of the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation, with his daughters taking on leadership roles, ensuring the continuation of his profound legacy. John M. Perkins leaves behind a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith, demonstrating how one individual's commitment to justice and love can inspire generations and bring about enduring change.