WASHINGTON (August 27, 2009)--The family of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell and the Liberty University community are among those mourning the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Liberty Law School Dean Mat Staver says Kennedy and Falwell were longtime friends, despite their political differences.

Staver says Kennedy spoke at Falwell's Thomas Road Baptist Church and even wrote a letter of recommendation that helped Jerry Falwell Jr. gain admission to the University of Virginia law school.

The younger Falwell is now chancellor of Liberty University, which his father founded.

Staver says the Falwell and Liberty University families are praying for Senator Kennedy's family, and send their condolences.