Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States passed onto eternal life this evening.

I remember discussing the pardon of Richard Nixon in grade school. I was in the 7th grade then. The Felician sister who taught us stated in effect: an act of forgiveness and healing should never be criticized and should be encouraged.

I was a news junkie as far back as I can remember. I absorbed events and their implications. The pardon seemed incongruous at first, but after I heard sister’s words I thought ‘how wise, how appropriate.’ That act exemplified simple Christian virtue to me. The reaction to the event exemplified the worldly ‘need’ for vengeance.

The NY Times has an excellent retrospective in Gerald R. Ford, 38th U.S. President, Dies.

Mr. Ford was an Episcopalian. I wonder whether the Presiding Bishop will interject herself. Was Mr. Ford High Church?

Eternal rest grant onto him O Lord.