Biola University joins the global church in mourning the passing of civil rights leader and friend of Biola, John M. Perkins. He was a courageous follower of Christ whose life and witness profoundly shaped generations of believers committed to the gospel and the work of reconciliation.

In 2019, Biola University had the privilege of honoring Dr. Perkins with the Charles W. Colson Conviction and Courage Award, recognizing his lifelong commitment to courageous Christian conviction and his unwavering dedication to advancing biblical justice and reconciliation. The award celebrates leaders who demonstrate the kind of faithfulness and moral clarity exemplified by Chuck Colson, and Dr. Perkins embodied those virtues throughout his extraordinary life.

For decades, Dr. Perkins faithfully proclaimed the reconciling power of Jesus Christ while calling the church to embody that reconciliation in tangible ways. Through his leadership in Christian community development, he challenged believers across the nation to love their neighbors, pursue dignity for every person made in the image of God and live out the transforming message of Christ. Dr. Perkins spoke with prophetic clarity but always with pastoral warmth. He reminded the church that reconciliation is not merely an aspiration but a gospel calling — one rooted in the cross of Christ, where dividing walls are torn down and the family of God is formed.

His legacy will endure in the countless pastors, students, scholars and community leaders who were shaped by his teaching and example. His influence lives on not only in institutions and ministries but in the lives of those who have been inspired to pursue justice, reconciliation and faithful gospel witness.

While we grieve his passing, we do so with the hope that anchors every believer. Dr. Perkins now rests in the presence of the Savior he loved and served with humility, courage and conviction.

On behalf of the Biola University community, I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the Perkins family and to all who were touched by his remarkable life and ministry.

May we honor his legacy by continuing the work he so faithfully advanced — proclaiming Christ, pursuing reconciliation and loving our neighbors as ourselves.