Frank Griswold, former presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church has died at the age of 85. According to a report from Episcopal News Services, Griswold died on Sunday, 5th March 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Concurrently, the news about Griswold’s demise was disclosed by her daughter Eliza Griswold. “My beloved dad, the Most Reverend Frank Tracy Griswold III, died this morning. A revered preacher and teacher and very funny human with a boundless heart, as he believed God’s is” she tweeted.
Bishop Michael Curry, the current presiding bishop of the church has however offered his condolences. He urged the people of God to join him in prayer for Bishop Griswold. In his statement, he said “Please join me in prayer for Bishop Griswold’s family and others for all of us who give thanks for a remarkable and faithful servant of God who served among us as the 25th presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church”
Rt. Rev. Frank Tracy Griswold was the 25th presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. He was elected in July 1997. He however assumed office on January 10, 1998, at the Washington National Cathedral where he had served for 9 years. Furthermore, his time in office ended on November 1, 2006.
Indeed, not only was Frank Griswold a renowned preacher but also well-known for interdenominational works. While on duty as a bishop, he had transformed the presiding bishop’s fund for World Relief into Episcopal Relief and Development
He is survived by his wife, Phoebe Wetzel Griswold, his two daughters, Eliza Griswold and Hannah McFarland, and three grandchildren.
Nevertheless, Griswold’s demise news seems likely to be received by many with mixed feelings. An obvious feeling of Sadness for the loss of a great man and in contrast, gratitude to God for his service years.
My beloved dad, the Most Reverend Frank Tracy Griswold III, died this morning. A revered preacher and teacher and very funny human with a boundless heart, as he believed God’s is.
— Eliza Griswold (@elizagriswold) March 5, 2023
Please join me in prayer for Bishop Griswold’s family and for all of us who give thanks for a remarkable and faithful servant of God who served among us as the 25th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church. pic.twitter.com/7Ne2PHGeC0
— Presiding Bishop Michael Curry (@PB_Curry) March 5, 2023