Pastor Arnold and his wife, Verena, in August 2013
RIFTON – The senior pastor of the Bruderhof Community died on Saturday.
Pastor Johann Christoph Arnold passed away after a months-long battle
with cancer. He was 76.
Arnold served as a pastor in the church community for 43 years including the 18 years up to 2001 in which he served the Bruderhof as elder.
“Since then, he has carried on his ministry with his wife, Verena, guiding and encouraging many within our church and around the world,” said Spokesman Paul Winter. He said Arnold was “an internationally known peacemaker and trusted advocate for children and family.”
The pastor authored a dozen books with over two million copies in print in more than 20 languages.
Pastor Arnold was the chaplain for the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum said he was saddened by the pastor’s death.
Arnold leaves behind his wife, seven of his eight children, many, many children and great grandchildren.
“He will be missed greatly by the members of the Bruderhof around
the world and by the thousands whom he inspired to a way of selfless service
and dedication to Jesus through his words and example,” said Winter.
(LISTEN:
In December 2012, Pastor Arnold commented on the Newtown, CT classroom
shootings)
