Norman A. Hjelm, of Wynnewood, a Lutheran pastor, Christian theologian, and an expert poet, died on February 13 at Lankenau Medical Center aged 92, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Hjelm, who was also a writer, senior editor, and educator, was an energetic intellectual who championed the union of Christian churches worldwide and said that the unity of all people is “a goal to be cherished.”

His family said in a tribute that his life’s work “reflects his faith and a career devoted to Christian theology.”

Hjelm, who moved to Philadelphia from Illinois in 1962, served as theological editor, senior editor, and director at Fortress Press in Germantown. Among others, he published works by civil rights leader Coretta Scott King.

In 1985, he moved to Europe where he worked for the Lutheran World Federation. In 1991, he returned to the United States to take on the position as director of the Commission on Faith and Order for the National Council of the Churches of Christ.

Most recently, he had served as an editorial consultant and series editor for various publishers.

“Retirement held little interest for Norman,” said his family.

Read more about the life and times of Norman A. Hjelm, a Lutheran pastor and Christian theologian who passed away last week in The Philadelphia Inquirer.