In 1984, when Reagan again addressed the NAE’s convention, Gay made it clear in his own presidential address that he thought the association should be nonpartisan.
“Brothers and sisters, it is because of integrity and self-definition that the NAE must not become identified with a particular political party or ideology,” Gay said, The Washington Post reported.
Gay invited President George H.W. Bush to speak at the World Relief annual luncheon during the NAE’s 50th anniversary celebration at its convention in 1992, according to the history posted on the organization website.
During his leadership of World Relief, the humanitarian group further developed its U.S. refugee resettlement program and started new programs in Liberia, Rwanda, Yugoslavia, Myanmar, Croatia, Sierra Leone, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Art continued to care and pray for the global ministry of World Relief for decades after his own retirement from this role,” said Myal Greene, current president and CEO of World Relief, in a statement. “He is a model of kingdom leadership who leaves a remarkable legacy.”
Gay also was a leader in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference denomination and long pastored South Park Church in Park Ridge, Illinois.
“We are incredibly grateful for Pastor Art’s enduring legacy at South Park Church of deep commitment to the Gospel and passion for global missions,” said a church spokesman in an email.
Added NAE President Emeritus Leith Anderson: “We are so thankful for Art’s faithful leadership and ministry with the NAE, World Relief, South Park Church and so many more.”
RNS National Reporter Bob Smietana contributed to this report.
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This article originally appeared on ReligionNews.com.
