Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Reverend Cecil Williams

San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of Reverend Cecil Williams, co-founder of the GLIDE Foundation:

“Reverend Cecil Williams was a spiritual giant, whose saintly good works have transformed countless lives in the Bay Area and beyond.

“Reverend Williams was a clarion voice for love and justice: whether fighting against racism, protesting the Vietnam War, addressing poverty and addiction, and so much more.  Despite rampant discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, he began presiding over weddings of same-sex couples five decades before marriage equality became the law of the land. 

“Alongside his beloved wife Janice Mirikitani, who was his partner not only in marriage but in service, Reverend Cecil Williams helped launch and lead the GLIDE Foundation.  For six decades, strengthened by his unconditional love and devoted leadership, GLIDE has built a community of compassion and inclusion in our City.  

“Reverend Williams embodied the spirit of our City’s patron saint, Saint Francis of Assisi, who taught us to ‘Preach the gospel.  Sometimes use words.’  May it be a comfort to his children Kim and Albert, his stepdaughter Tianne, his dear grandchildren and all his loved ones that so many San Franciscans mourn their loss and pray for them during this sad time.”