Paul Weyrich, icon of the 'religious right,' dead at 66
December 18, 2008
Paul Weyrich, perhaps the most influential figure in the rise of the 'religious right' in American politics, died on December 18 at the age of 66. The founding president of the Heritage Foundation-- now Washington's most important conservative think-tank-- he went on to establish the Free Congress Foundation, which he continued to serve as chairman. A brilliant and often combative political analyst, he helped to found the Moral Majority and is credited with giving that group its name. A deeply religious man, he was devoted both to his large family and to his ministry as a deacon of the Greek Melkite Catholic Church.
Weyrich had long been in declining health because of diabetes and spinal problems; he had lost strength as well as mobility when both his legs were amputated in 2005. Yet he remained an influential political strategist and commentator. His final newspaper column appeared on the day before his death.
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