Episcopal News Service January 2, 2007
Gerald Ford remembered as 'statesman, churchman, and family man'
Rector recalls Ford's concern about Episcopal Church's conflict
By Mary Frances Schjonberg
[ENS] Gerald R. Ford "was a man who sought the image of God in each and every person, who respected their God-given dignity, who worked all his life for justice and peace on earth; a man who let the light of Christ shine brightly in his life," his rector told mourners gathered January 2 for the 38th President's state funeral at Washington National Cathedral.
The Rev. Dr. Robert G. Certain, rector of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, California, said during his homily that "on St. Stephen's Day 2006, Jesus said to Gerald Ford, 'Welcome home, good and faithful servant.'"
About 3,000 people, including the United States' three living former presidents, attended the portion of the state funeral conducted at the cathedral for Ford, who died December 26 at his California home at the age of 93. A state funeral often has many elements, including times during which the coffin lies in repose for public and private viewing, and often lasts a number of days.
The service used the Rite One Burial Office from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Ford's son John read the Old Testament lesson (Isaiah 40:28-31) and his daughter Susan Ford Bales read the Epistle lesson (James 1:19-25).
The service included tributes by former president George H.W. Bush, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former NBC Television news anchor Tom Brokaw, and President George W. Bush.
Full story and photograph:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_80859_ENG_HTM.htm
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