Farewell to the Rev. Canon Malcolm Boyd (1923-2015)

Malcolm Boyd, 1969
episcopalarchives.org

Integrity USA mourns the loss of the Reverend Canon Malcolm Boyd (1923-2015).  Canon Boyd, author of several spiritual books, shared his interactive relationship with God with millions of people. It could be said that his down to Earth poetic voice enables a generation a way to understand their journey with God.  In fact, his voice has enabled several generations a way to communicate the grace of God. 

Malcolm Boyd was already beloved as a symbol of faithful seeking when he became one of the first Episcopal priests to come out of the closet.  His risk was our gain.  Malcolm Boyd showed LGBTQ Christians that honesty of life within the church can bring blessing and growth.  He never ceased to share his special gifts with us; a true exemplar of Christ.

We mourn especially with his spouse Mark Thompson, his family and especially his diocesan family at this time.  As a Canon and writer-in- residence for the Diocese of Los Angeles, his reassuring presence will surely be missed.  The world has been blessed for 91 years with the talented, loving voice and presence of Canon Boyd.  The Church has been blessed by 60 years of priesthood. 

The title of Malcolm Boyd’s groundbreaking book, “My Book of Prayers—Are you running with me, Jesus?", posed an important rhetorical question.  We have faith that Malcolm Boyd has found out the answer and is running with Jesus even as we mourn.  Rise in Glory, Malcolm! 

Bruce Mason: rest in peace, rise in glory

Dear Friends,

I am very sad to announce that our brother Bruce Mason of Portland died
suddenly Monday morning. He leaves behind his beloved life-partner Robert
Byrd, and a host of family and friends.

Bruce was a kind, faithful and loving servant of Christ. For decades he has
served in a large variety of ministries at SS Peter and Paul's Episcopal
Church in Portland. He worked with that parish's feeding program and was an
active member of the Companions of St. Columba. He was well known for his
leadership in the Diocese of Oregon as well.

Bruce volunteered locally and nationally for Integrity. As an Integrity
Vice-President, Bruce worked tirelessly for the full inclusion of gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians. He was a true mentor to
those who followed in his footsteps.


Bruce's funeral is scheduled for Saturday, November 28th, at 10:00 at SS
Peter and Paul Episcopal Church 8147 SE Pine St. Portland OR 97215
** Update**
I wanted to make certain that his family would be able to attend if they chose. The date posted here is incorrect and has been changed to December 5 at 10 a.m. Initially I hadn't even thought about it being around the Thanksgiving and it made it impossible for people to come because there were simply no available flights. It is my hope that this will better accommodate family and friends.

Thank you,
Robert Byrd
Please keep Robert in your prayers as well as the countless people who mourn
the loss of such a great friend. We will all miss him greatly

--
Matt Haines

Integrity USA, Inc.
Province VIII Coordinator