March 5, 2023
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.
–Romans 14:8

Dear People of God in the Diocese of Chicago,

I am sad to share the news that the Most Rev. Frank Tracy Griswold III, Tenth Bishop of Chicago and 25th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, died earlier today in Philadelphia. He was 85.

Episcopal News Service has published an obituary of Bishop Griswold, who was known for his ecumenical work and for the depth of his spirituality and life of prayer. He led our church during difficult times of change and conflict, and called us again and again to unity in Christ. He was a kind and loving man of God, and I give thanks for his ministry among us.

I last spoke with Bishop Griswold a few weeks before my ordination and consecration as your bishop, and he was enormously kind and supportive of me. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for his wife, Phoebe, and their children and grandchildren.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Frank. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

Peace and blessings,

Bishop Paula Clark

image: Bishop Frank Griswold, second from left, gathered with former bishops of Chicago James Montgomery, left, and William Persell, second from right, and with Bishop Jeffrey Lee, right, at the funeral of Miriam Hoover in 2018.