poverty
Died: Lamar Hardwick, ‘The Autism Pastor’
By Cody Benjamin at Christianity Today
· June 5, 2026
· 3 min read
The Rev. Lamar Hardwick, a disability activist, author and preacher known as “The Autism Pastor,” died on May 22. He was 47 years old. “With heavy hearts, we want to share that Lamar has transitioned after his journey with colon cancer,” Hardwick’s wife, Isabella Hardwick, said in a recent post on F
Key takeaway Lamar Hardwick, a disability activist, author and preacher known as “The Autism Pastor,” died on May 22.
Why this matters
The passing of Rev. Lamar Hardwick, known as "The Autism Pastor," leaves a significant void in the Christian community's efforts to promote disability inclusion and challenge ableism. His work, particularly through his books, has highlighted the need for churches to create welcoming environments for individuals with disabilities, such as providing sensory accommodations and prioritizing accessibility. Hardwick's unique perspective, shaped by his own experiences with autism and cancer, has helped to raise awareness about the intersection of disability and racism, and the importance of addressing these issues in faith communities. His legacy is likely to continue inspiring churches to re-examine their practices and strive for greater diversity and inclusion, ultimately enriching their ministries and fostering a more compassionate and equitable environment for all members. As the Christian community mourns his loss, it is also poised to build upon the foundation he laid, driving further progress in disability advocacy and inclusion.
About this story
Original reporting by Christianity Today . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Christianity Today . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: poverty ·
Published: June 5, 2026 ·
Source: Christianity Today ·
Reading time: 3 min
newsletter" aria-label="Newsletter signup" style="margin:24px 0;padding:20px 24px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1e3a5f 0%,#2d5a8c 100%);border-radius:10px;color:#fff">
Get more Christgiving stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering poverty and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Rev. Lamar Hardwick, a disability activist, author and preacher known as “The Autism Pastor,” died on May 22. He was 47 years old. “With heavy hearts, we want to share that Lamar has transitioned after his journey with colon cancer,” Hardwick’s wife, Isabella Hardwick, said in a recent post on F
When was this published? This article was first published on June 5, 2026 by Christianity Today and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Cody Benjamin at Christianity Today. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more poverty coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .