Right Reverend Grant Lynn Ford

It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the transition of the Right Reverend Grant Lynn Ford from this experience of life to the next.

We will miss our friend, and as he would want, we also rejoice in the knowledge that his journey is not over but continues on another plane. He will undoubtedly keep us in his prayers in realms beyond, and we will remember him in ours.

Grant would have been 80 next month. My last moment with him was sacramental. It was on Ash Wednesday when I imposed Glitter Ashes on his brow and performed the Sacramental Rite of Anointing. It was preceded by an hour of chatting and joking, which was always requisite with Grant.

Grant occupied multiple sacred spaces: Pentecostal, Sacramental, and New Thought. He blended them with joy and offered his hybrid spirituality freely to all who might benefit. Even in his rehab facility, he was offering prayer and pastoral guidance to the staff even as he tickled them with one liners and mirthful zingers.

He continued to be proud of Sunshine Cathedral. He was the pastor of the Cathedral for 22 years and after moving to Northern Florida and then Texas, he returned home to Ft Lauderdale and began his ministry as the Senior Minister Emeritus. As such, he reminded me of successes of the past, celebrated with me the successes of the present, and encouraged me for the road leading ahead.

I could say so much more, and will – but not in this email. My primary task in this moment is to share with the multitudes who loved Grant that his body no longer houses his essence. Let us grieve each in our own way, but let us in our grieving also remember happy times. Laughter always blessed our dear friend, and will do so still.

Memorial services are being arranged and will be anounced as soon as possible. In the meantime, we wish comfort and strength for Grant’s daughter, Terri, and for all his family and friends, near and far.

Goodbye, dear one. Rest in peace; Rise in glory. Amen.