Honoring the Legacy of Reverend Cecil Williams: A Tribute from Saint Francis Foundation

We at Saint Francis Foundation are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Reverend Cecil Williams, Co-Founder and Minister of Liberation of GLIDE. Reverend Williams was a towering figure in the fight for civil and human rights and a beacon of hope and healing in San Francisco. His commitment to social justice, compassion, and diversity has left an indelible mark on our community.

Reverend Williams’ visionary leadership and passionate advocacy for the marginalized helped reshape the social fabric of our city. For over six decades, he tirelessly worked to expand the limits of spirituality and community engagement, touching countless lives through his ministry, activism, and writings.

At Saint Francis Foundation, we were fortunate to collaborate closely with GLIDE over the decades, particularly through our joint efforts at the Glide Health Services (GHS) and providing community-based navigation resources in our Emergency Department. This partnership was pivotal in providing vital healthcare services to the homeless and medically underserved residents of the Tenderloin neighborhood. Together, we have strived to uphold Reverend Williams’ legacy of service and advocacy, offering compassion and care to those most in need.

As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his remarkable life and contributions. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the GLIDE community and all who were inspired by Reverend Williams. His spirit will forever inspire us to continue our work with dedication and love.

Memorial plans are still being arranged, and updates will be shared at glide.org/CelebrateCecil. We invite you to join us in honoring his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.