William Sloane Coffin

Date of Birth: June 1, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: April 12, 2006

Biography

William Sloane Coffin Jr. was a prominent American clergyman and social activist. Born into a wealthy and influential family, Coffin attended prestigious schools, eventually graduating from Yale University. He initially pursued a career in music before turning to theology and social justice. Ordained as a Presbyterian minister, Coffin became known for his passionate advocacy for civil rights and opposition to the Vietnam War. As the Chaplain at Yale University, he was a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy and actively supported draft resisters. Coffin later served as the Senior Minister at the Riverside Church in New York City, where he continued to advocate for social justice, nuclear disarmament, and environmental issues. His life and work inspired many, leaving a lasting impact on American religious and social movements.

5 Interesting Facts about William Sloane Coffin

1. William Sloane Coffin was a CIA officer before becoming a clergyman.

2. He was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and was arrested multiple times for his activism.

3. Coffin was one of the original Freedom Riders, challenging segregation in the South.

4. He was a founding member of Clergy and Laity Concerned About Vietnam, which played a significant role in the anti-war movement.

5. Coffin received numerous awards for his work in social justice, including the Gandhi Peace Award.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Sloane Coffin

1. “The world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love.”

2. “It’s one thing to say with the prophet Amos, ‘Let justice roll down like mighty waters,’ and quite another to work out the irrigation system.”

3. “There are three kinds of patriots, two bad, one good. The bad ones are the uncritical lovers and the loveless critics. Good patriots carry on a lover’s quarrel with their country.”

4. “Faith is being seized by a power that is greater than we are.”

5. “We are all included in the circle of God’s love; there are no outsiders.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William Sloane Coffin’s net worth was not publicly documented, but he was known more for his advocacy and social contributions than for personal wealth.