Tennessee civil rights leader Rev. Will Campbell dies at age 88

NASHVILLE - The Rev. Will Campbell, a white minister who drew acclaim for his involvement in the civil rights movement, has died at the age of 88.

John Egerton, a close friend of Campbell's for nearly 50 years, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Campbell died Monday night from complications following a stroke he had about two years ago. Egerton said he was contacted by Campbell's son, who was at the minister's bedside in Nashville when he died.

Campbell was the Nashville representative of a pro-integration operation called the National Council of Churches. Because he was white, he was allowed entry into rooms unapproachable by some of those at the forefront of the movement.

While he supported integration, Campbell preached to those against it.

The Tennessean newspaper reports that former President Jimmy Carter said of Campbell: "He used the force of his words and the witness of his deeds to convey a healing message of reconciliation to any and all who heard him."

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