Dear Friends in Christ,
It is with tremendous sadness, and with great gratitude for a beautiful, faithful life and ministry, that I announce the death of the Rev. Iain Stanford, Rector of St. Peter’s, Redwood City.
Iain+ came to the diocese early in his life as an ordained person, after an academic career, with doctoral study at Harvard Divinity, with his beloved and dear friend, the Rev. Dr. Cameron Partridge. Iain’s first ordained ministry in the Diocese of California was at Grace Cathedral, where he was a colleague of our great team of liturgists there.
He left DioCal for a brief time, but during the Covid 19 lockdown, Iain+ was called to serve at St. Peter’s, Redwood City. Iain’s call to St. Peter’s was courageous in that it was a process carried out entirely by digital, remote means. Both Iain+ and the people of St. Peter’s leaned into the possibilities of the moment, uncharted as they were, and the result has been, I believe, a blessing for all. My sincerest condolences go to the good people of St. Peter’s who have lost more than a priest and rector.
Along with Cameron+ and our own Deacon Vickie Gray and Sarah Lawton, Iain+ was a pioneer for transgender rights in the Episcopal Church. The entire Church owes Iain+ thanks for his persistent work for equality and justice.
I understand that at his death, Iain’s sister was with him, and that for these months leading up to his death he was in a circle of loving clergy and lay friends, who prayed and sang him into the welcoming arms of God. My blessings to this close circle, who are themselves grieving now.
Very shortly after his diagnosis, Iain+ asked for a pastoral Zoom meeting with me, and we have stayed in communication throughout, even up to a telephone conversation as Sheila and I drove across the country, and texts on the night before his death. I am so grateful for those moments we shared.
Though we trust in God’s loving care and providence, yet the eyes of our faith are misted by tears of sorrow, sorrow only for our loss, for Iain+ truly lives with God now, unveiled. Please join me in praying for his family and closest friends.
+Marc
I am so saddened to hear that Iain’s ministry has been cut short, that our lives will no longer be graced by his presence. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Iain preached at Trinity St Peters a couple of times while I was viaje there. He was an engaging preacher and a brave and open person.
Reverend Iain was a true blessing for St. Peter’s. I greatly appreciated his wisdom and knowledge, which he disseminated through our Bible studies and his thoughtful homilies. As a Vestry member, I was grateful for his attention to detail and patience with the myriad of challenges facing our parish at any given time. In addition, he educated me further about transgender challenges and discrimination. I will fondly remember his Celebration of Ministry, when he was clearly full of joy.
So sorry to hear this. RIP Iain
Iain was a beloved brother at Grace. He had humor, love and great humility. He will be missed greatly. Im sorry more of us did not realize he was ill. As a matter of fact, I dont know how many knew he was leading St Peter’s in RWC. May he continue to rejoice and sing praises in the heavenlies!
Thank you, Bishop Marc, for your support of Ian in his ministry and for being so closely in touch as he completed his journey to God’s warm embrace.
My deepest condolences to hear about Pastor Iain Stanford passing. He’s such a wonderful human being who always greet us with his beautiful smile. Fly high Iain and may you rest peacefully from our Tongan congregations ??????
Prayers of peace and blessing to all who knew and loved Iaian+. This Sunday I am honored to serve at St. Peter’s, reflecting on the hope we find in the witness of Simon Peter’s witness of Jesus in a state of celestial transfiguration–revealing the truth of Resurrection beyond this mortal life.
My brief encounters with Iain+ at CDSP brought joy to my heart. Sad such a beautiful life gone from this world ‘too soon’ from our perspective ?
Thank you for your words of comfort, Bishop Marc.