Tammy Sue Bakker’s apology marks a rare public statement from Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s daughter. She said she left her father’s ministry in 2022 because its message no longer reflected her own and admitted to years of estrangement from Jim Bakker, only learning he was in hospice just three hours before his death. She found out about his death from a friend.
Jim Bakker died Oct. 5 at age 86. He first rose through PTL (Praise The Lord) broadcast, but later served prison time for fraud and returned to broadcasting.
A Painful Reckoning With Church Harm
Bakker apologized “from the depths” of her soul to people hurt by the church or her family’s ministry. She acknowledged that PTL changed many lives, but she also cited people who gave their last dime.
She described the burden she has carried since childhood pointing to the pain of others tied the church including rejection, depression, homelessness, suicidal ideation and suicide.
Her words framed church harm as a human crisis. Because of that, she urged Christians to stop judging and show unconditional love.
LGBTQ Support Echoes Tammy Faye’s Legacy
Bakker asked mourners to donate money or time to local LGBTQ communities instead of sending flowers or gifts. She said support could save lives and reflect Christ’s love. The appeal recalled Tammy Faye Bakker’s public compassion during the AIDS crisis. It also aligned with her brother Jay’s progressive ministry and his support for full LGBTQ inclusion. Jay Bakker has called his relationship with his father complicated, and he is asking for privacy as he mourns his father’s death while criticzing the anger directed toward Jim Bakker after death.
Photo by Alfonso Scarpa on Unsplash
Source: Tammy Sue Bakker apologizes to those hurt by her father
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