wfn.org | [ENS] Sonia Francis, advocate for church communication, dies at

["mika larson" <mini.mika@verizon.net>]

61

10/22/2003 

Sonia Francis, advocate for church communication, dies at 61

[Episcopal News Service] Dr. Sonia Francis, whose career at the
Episcopal Church Center spanned 37 years and the terms of four presiding
bishops, died of heart failure at her home in New York on Oct. 16. She
was 61. 

She retired from her position as the presiding bishop9s executive
director of program in March after a leave of absence, during which time
she was hospitalized and treated for multiple myeloma.

During a visit to Minneapolis for this summer9s General Convention she
was honored by her colleagues in Episcopal Communicators, the national
association for church-based communications professionals, which she
helped establish in 1971.

Her lengthy career at the church center began in 1966. 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.

She remained involved in religious communication within the
denomination, the Anglican Communion and wider ecumenical circles. In
her work experience and study at the State University of New York, she
specialized in documentary film and the emerging video technology.

With the National Council of Churches she served on various key
committees, including broadcasting operations, and held positions with
the World Association for Christian Communication, the National Academy
of Television Arts and Sciences and the Religious Public Relations
Council.

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 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. She was also a
professional performing artist in voice, drama and dance.

"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. 

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 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."

At her retirement, Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold said in a note to
staff and the Executive Council that "Sonia has been a valued friend and
colleague to me and a true servant of the Gospel."

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 25, at 12:00 p.m. at
Calvary/St. George's Church, 209 East 16th Street in New York. A
memorial service will also be held at the Episcopal Church Center on
Thursday, October 30, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make
donations to Gilda's Club of NYC, 195 West Houston Street, NY, NY 10014,
phone: 212-647-9700.