Jane Goodall’s surprising lesson on death changed how this retired pastor sees life

Author reveals Jane Goodall's deep faith through final interview months before her death, showing how spirituality guided her conservation work and fearless view of dying.

The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson Jr. has been an ordained Episcopal priest for over 30 years and a spiritual advisor to thousands. He served as Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, the largest Episcopal Church in North America, for 17 years until his retirement. Levenson co-officiated and offered a homily at the state funeral for President George H.W. Bush. He also officiated and preached at the funeral for First Lady Barbara Bush. He is the author of many books, including the acclaimed Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush" (Hachette, 2022) and "In God’s Grip." His latest book is latest book is "Witness to Belief"  (Church Publishing, October 7, 2025.) He lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama.

Dr. Goodall was well known — and rightly praised — for her remarkable efforts to leave the world better than she found it. She traveled globally for as many as 300 days a year, engaging world and corporate leaders, supporting the thriving Jane Goodall Institute she founded in 1977, and more than 20 additional institutes that take a holistic approach to conservation. Her Roots & Shoots program empowers young people to create projects that benefit animal, human and environmental life in more than 70 countries.