SAN FRANCISCO — Cecil Williams, the favored co-founder of Glide Memorial Church and its deliverance minister, died Monday, based on the church. He was 94.
Williams and his late wife, Janice Mirikitani, founded the church in San Francisco's Tenderloin District greater than 60 years ago. Together, the couple built a “nationally recognized social justice center,” based on the church website.
Today, Glide's mission is to “break the cycle of poverty and exclusion,” however the eatery is maybe best known for its massive Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
In one opinionThe church described Williams as a “pastor, author, social activist, lecturer, community leader and tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized.”
“With the death of Reverend Cecil William,” the church said, “we have lost an incomparable champion of social justice, civil and human rights, and liberation theology.”
Plans for the memorial were still being prepared as of Monday evening.
Mayor London Breed called Williams “the conscience of our San Francisco community.”
“He spoke out against injustice and he spoke up for the marginalized,” Breed said in an announcement posted on social media. “He led with compassion and wisdom, always putting people first and never relenting in his pursuit of justice and equality. His kindness brought people together and his vision changed our city and the world.”
Breed said Williams also helped guide and support generations of city leaders.
“Without the legendary Cecil Williams, we would not be who we are as a city and as a people,” she said.
Reverend Cecil Williams was the conscience of our San Francisco community. He spoke out against injustice and he spoke out for the marginalized. He led with compassion and wisdom, at all times putting people first and never relenting in his pursuit of justice and equality. His kindness… pic.twitter.com/XRJ74fo8Cx
– London Breed (@LondonBreed) April 22, 2024
In 2013, Williams and Mirikitani published a book about their journey called Beyond the Possible. It told the story of Glide's explosive growth from a dying church operating on $35,000 a yr to a $17 million community organization that gives celebrations, housing, health care, support groups and a pair of,560 free meals a day.
The book was a difficult undertaking, the couple told this news organization on the time.
“We almost decided to get divorced on this book,” Williams said, half-jokingly. “It was just so difficult. This is a book in which tears can be seen.”
Mirikitani replied: “I would say the book is a love story. Not just between two people, but in a community where there is more than just talking.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
image credit : www.mercurynews.com