Dearest Reverend Cecil Williams,

As I write this letter to you, I can’t help but think of your impact on the Tenderloin, San Francisco, and the world. I know I have been personally, prophetically, and poetically been impacted by your teaching, your preaching, and your unconditional love. And I know that millions of people from around the world have experienced your impact and have taken that impact with them to their homes and homelands.

From the time you took up the unconditional love mantel of Lizzie Glide, you have infused a love ethic so strong that continues to inform all of the works of Glide Memorial Church. Through your visionary and tireless dedication to social justice and creating a beloved community, you’ve created a space where all are welcome, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. You’ve built a community that is centered around love, justice, and compassion, and we are committed to continuing that work.

We, the leadership of Glide Memorial Church, feel honored to have the opportunity to continue your legacy­ by creating and sharing a vision of liberation so compelling, that people for generations to come will know that while we are carrying the torch, you started the fire.

From the moment you decided to take down the cross at Glide Memorial Church, we stopped talking about “a house of prayer for all people,” and we became that house, and that prayer. The cross was no longer a barrier to those who don’t identify with the religion, and its removal allowed those who were religious to have the space to heal from church wounds.

Drawing upon your legacy, a black preacher who continued to point to the soul of spirituality and the resilience and transformative powers it holds, we have a unique role to play in justice and recovery work. We will continue to be a prophetic voice, calling for justice and healing for all. And when the hearer does not speak of spirit, we will continue to speak translate it into empowerment and work with anyone who wants to help create a more just and equitable world.

Please know Reverend Cecil Williams, that we will work tirelessly to continue the legacy that you have built at Glide Memorial Church. Our church, on the corner of Taylor and Ellis, will always be welcoming, inclusive, and committed to justice and recovery work. The challenge is not the “big shoes to fill,” but instead, the “big heart” you gave us, to grow even bigger.

Thank you, Reverend Cecil, for all that you’ve done for Glide Memorial Church and for the world. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we move forward. We are honored that you will be making your wisdom, light and love available to us as elder, as griot, and prophet. As you step down from Glide, we know that you have not stepped away from Glide Memorial Church.

With love and gratitude, and as always, love always,

Minister Marvin K. White, The Board of Directors of Glide Memorial Church, Lay Leaders, Congregational Life Leaders, Congregational Life, Congregation, Clients and Community.