Remembering +Jim Kelsey
This morning I celebrated a requiem Eucharist with the Community of St. Francis and the brothers of the Society of St. Francis at the community’s home on Cezar Chavez Street in San Francisco. Bishop Kelsey was the protector of the Community of St. Francis and within that intimate gathering they and I sorrowed for the loss of leadership in the wider church and society that is almost incalculable.
Bishop Kelsey’s commitment to justice and reconciliation, and to the reinvigoration of the parish and mission structure of the Episcopal Church were both unparalleled. Over a simple breakfast after the Eucharist, I heard Franciscan sisters and brothers witness to Jim’s deep humanity and kindness. One brother said that Jim was the kindest person that he had ever met. I’ve lost both a close colleague and a very dear friend.
On a personal note, Jim and I sang together in the bishop’s choir for five years, sitting next to each other and praying twice with the words and the music of the hymns we sang.
(Photo from Brother Jacob)
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