Funeral services in two parish churches and Washington National Cathedral will reflect President Gerald R. Ford’s faith tradition as an Episcopalian active in lay ministry.
Ford’s volunteer accomplishments, including work for the 1990 completion of the National Cathedral, were praised by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori in a December 27 statement recognizing his “care-filled ministry.” The statement’s full text is available here.
Ford and his wife, Betty, also shared in fundraising initiatives for Episcopal Relief and Development, formerly the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief. The former President joined in saluting Mrs. Ford when she addressed the 1985 meeting of the General Convention in Anaheim, California, also attended by Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie.
The Fords have been active member of several congregations. During their 1974-1977 White House tenure they often attended St. John’s, Lafayette Square, known as the “Church of the Presidents.”
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The Rev. Robert Certain, rector of the Ford family’s church in California will preach at the funeral. He had recently announced his retirement. You can read some of his writings here and here. His General Convention blog is here.