wfn.org | Episcopalians: Sonia Francis announces decision to take early retirement

[dmack@episcopalchurch.org]

March 7, 2003

2003-051

Episcopalians: Sonia Francis announces decision to take early 
retirement

by James Solheim

(ENS) Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold has announced that, 
following "a very good conversation," Sonia Francis, his 
assistant for program, has decided to take early retirement "in 
order to make her own health and healing her first priority."

Griswold said in a note to staff and the Executive Council that 
"Sonia reports that her treatment is coming along in an 
encouraging way and it is important that she focus on getting 
well rather than the significant demands of her position. Sonia 
has been a valued friend and colleague to me and a true servant 
of the Gospel. I know from her absence just how much she will be 
missed."

Francis, who has been on the staff at the Episcopal Church 
Center for over 37 years, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma 
last summer. "My prognosis is good," she said, "but I need to 
pay attention to my treatment and focus on getting well."

In 2000 Francis received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree 
from Episcopal Divinity School in Massachusetts "for 
distinguished witness and service in church and society." The 
biography prepared for the occasion cited "a long and diverse 
career marked by unwavering dedication and service, " adding 
that "with grace and sensitivity you have filled the position of 
Assistant to the Presiding Bishop for Program since 1997, 
working with congregations, dioceses and provinces to help them 
realize their aspirations and needs in ministry."

Bridge-builder

The biography added, "Yours was a family where multiculturalism 
was normative." Francis was born in Honduras to Jamaicans with 
links to Cuba and Bengal. After graduating from an 
English-speaking boarding school in San Antonio, Texas, Francis 
served in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) from 1960-65. "This 
diverse background has given you a unique ability to understand 
people from many different cultural backgrounds, and has helped 
you serve as a bridge-builder between persons and organizations 
in the church," the biography said.

Francis spent most of her career at the Episcopal Church Center 
in communications, at a time when "a rapidly expanding 
communication agenda...addressed the church's increasing 
involvement with national social issues, especially the Civil 
Rights Movement," according to the EDS biography. In her work 
experience and study at the State University of New York, she 
specialized in documentary film and the emerging video 
technology.

In 1971, Francis was one of the founding members of Episcopal 
Communicators, the national organization for church-based 
communications professionals. After serving as a radio and 
television specialist, she was appointed executive of the 
communications office at the Church Center in 1983 and was 
instrumental in planning and launching Episcopal Life, the 
church's national newspaper, in 1989. In 1995 she was appointed 
director of program.

Role model

Former colleague Kris Lee, now on the staff of the Anglican 
Communion Office, said that "Sonia was among the very first 
denominational communication executives in the early 80's to 
produce network radio and TV spot campaigns for evangelism and 
for social justice causes. She was also a striking media 
performer and I remember well that evening when she received a 
standing ovation for her singing tribute to Presiding Bishop 
Edmond Browning at his final General Convention. At the 
Episcopal Church Center, Sonia championed the need for collegial 
partnerships with other departments by creating a successful 
inter-unit working group for planning and evaluating 
communication projects."

Several former colleagues also pointed out the significance of 
her career in the life of others. Bishop Arthur Williams, 
interim director of ethnic ministries, said that his career in 
the church has paralleled Sonia's. His comments echoed many who 
said that she  has been "an effective and persistent presence on 
the national church scene--and we will miss her warm and 
welcoming ways. Over these years she has served as a wonderful 
role model for black women, in the church and in society."

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--James Solheim, director of Episcopal News Service, was hired 
by Sonia Francis in 1989.