October 23, 2006, New York, NY -- William G. Andersen, Jr., former Executive Director of the Episcopal Church Foundation, died peacefully at home on Friday, October 20, 2006. Bill joined the Foundation in 1987 and served as its Executive Director from 1992 until 2005. Under Bill’s leadership, the Foundation evolved in many ways; its ministries have reached across international borders, built financial resources for dioceses and parishes, and enhanced the health and wholeness of congregations and clergy. Initiatives launched under Bill’s guidance have supported and strengthened Episcopal congregations, and his focus centered on creative programs and services that would ultimately enable Episcopalians in their mission and ministries.

A graduate of Cornell University, (B.S.) and New York University (M.P.A.), Bill also received an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, from Berkeley Divinity School, Yale University, in 2005. In addition to serving the Church through his work with ECF, Bill was also a member and leader at St. Georges Church in Maplewood, NJ, and the Diocese of Newark.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at St. Georges Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, on Saturday, October 28, at 3 pm.

The Episcopal Church Foundation was truly fortunate to have been led by Bill’s faith, wisdom, and experience. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his wife Lydia E. Andersen, his daughter, Susan Andersen-Earley, his son, John Eric Andersen, his daughter Kristin Chamorro, and his seven grandchildren.