From the New York Times:
The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre Jr., who in his 27 years as dean of the National Cathedral in Washington raised his sonorous voice against McCarthyism, segregation, poverty and the Vietnam War while presiding over construction of the cathedral’s majestic Gloria in Excelsis Tower, died Oct. 3 at his home on Martha’s Vineyard, in Massachusetts. He was 93.
He was the grandson of Woodrow Wilson and was born in the White House.
On the fight for civil rights:
...he urged his parishioners to join the struggle. He invoked the Prophet Elijah’s Old Testament challenge, “How long will ye go limping between the two sides?” Then he said, “That question, chilling in its candor, probes rather painfully; and I’m afraid we’ve been doing a good bit of limping ourselves, and the testing may not be far off.”
Of Joe McCarthy and his supporters:
...one of a crew of “pretended patriots” and said, “There is a devilish indecision about any society that will permit an impostor like McCarthy to caper out front while the main army stands idly by."
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Amen
ReplyDeleteA True Episcopalian HERO...we ought start a BLOG (complete with biographies and quotes like the two above)...really neat...made me think of Woodrow and his wife quietly and elegantly positioned in the nave...I wonder if he will join them?
Amen chere Grandmere, Amen
ReplyDeleteleonardo, a wonderful idea- perhaps something along the lines of 'Anglican Lives' witnessing to the lives of faith of Anglican women and men.
David@Montreal
Where has the main army been for the last eight years?
ReplyDelete"The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre Jr., who in his 27 years as dean of the National Cathedral in Washington raised his sonorous voice against McCarthyism, segregation, poverty and the Vietnam War."
ReplyDeleteHere, succinctly stated, we have the root causes - not women's ordination; not gay bishops - of the right-wing attacks on TEC. No messing around with African provinces and archbishops for those who would carry entire dioceses out of the Church and have the option of hiding in the shadow of the wings of a nice white Anglican colonial bishop.
What are McCain and his minions but the likes of McCarthy and his crew, except they cry, "Terrorist!" instead of "Communist!".
ReplyDeleteLapin, OCYCBR.
Requiem aeternam dona ei, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pacem. Amen
ReplyDeleteUber-g, welcome. Amen to your prayer.
ReplyDelete