Requiescant in pace: Cynthia Gilliatt

Dr. Gilliatt was a fervent golfer, a lover of 17th century English poetry and a passionate priest whose ministry was marked by a lived commitment to give voice to the voiceless and to respect the dignity of every human being.

We just received word that long-time Integrity leader Cynthia Gilliatt died on Tuesday, August 16th. Pictured below (back row, far right) with the 2000-2003 Integrity Board on a visit to retired Presiding Bishop Ed Browning, Cynthia was an valiant witness to God's inclusive love and a true Giant of Justice.


From the obituary in The Newsleader. com:

HARRISONBURG — The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Ann Gilliatt, 67, of Harrisonburg, passed away on Tuesday Aug. 16, 2011, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Dr. Gilliatt was born Dec. 2, 1943, in St. Louis, and was the daughter of the late Sidney George and Aline Day Gilliatt.

The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Ann Gilliatt helped to found and was a major supporter of Integrity/Virginia during its 1998-2004 existence, often driving to Northern Virginia to attend worship services and programs and to provide spiritual leadership and to share her wise counsel. Integrity/Virginia was a worship-based organization that provided safe spiritual space for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender [LGBT] people in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.

Cynthia also served as secretary on the Board of Directors of the national integrity organization in 2000-03 and in 2007-09. Integrity/USA continues to work for the equal access to all the rites of the church for all people.

Dr. Gilliatt also was an active member of Safe Zones at James Madison University. Safe Zones is a voluntary network of faculty, staff and students who promote an atmosphere of acceptance and assistance for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Safe Zones was established in 1997 and Dr. Gilliatt was instrumental in its founding and served as a co-coordinator of the program for many years. She was a strong advocate for equal rights and addressed many issues related to sexual orientation through seminars, information sessions and programs.

Dr. Gilliatt was an associate professor of English for James Madison University, Priest Associate at Emmanuel Episcopal Church and Priest-in-Charge of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Blue Grass.

Dr. Gilliatt was a fervent golfer, a lover of 17th century English poetry and a passionate priest whose ministry was marked by a lived commitment to give voice to the voiceless and to respect the dignity of every human being. She was ordained deacon in 1988 and priest in 1989 in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. During her tenure as english professor, she also served as chaplain to the Canterbury Club at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Harrisonburg.

A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 660 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, with the Bishop of Virginia, The Right Reverend Shannon Sherwood Johnston, presiding. Visiting clergy are invited to vest for the service (white stole). Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church or to First Tee of Harrisonburg, c/o Heritage Oaks Golf Course.

Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity: We give you heartfelt thanks for the good examples of all your servants, who, having finished their course in faith, now find rest and refreshment. May we, with all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have perfect fulfillment and bliss in your eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.