In memory of my editor: Stephanie Egnotovich

Stephanie Egnotovich

I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Stephanie Egnotovich, one of the visionary editors who helped give birth to my book “Equal Rites: Lesbian and Gay Worship, Ceremonies, and Celebrations.” She died April 13 after a brief illness. Stephanie worked with Westminster/John Knox Press (part of the Presbyterian Church) since 1992, most recently as executive editor. I appreciated her knowledge, enthusiasm, intelligence, editorial sense, and commitment to building faith through books. “Equal Rites,” and by extension its editor, brought liberation to many lives and churches In recent years Stephanie continued to give me editorial guidance with kindness and professionalism. I will miss her. With her passing, the world loses a great editor. She lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, and in the good books she brought into being. I close with an excerpt from a funeral service in “Equal Rites,” words that Stephanie herself edited:

“Let the best that was her be renewed in strength in us. May we now give to others the love that we no longer can give to her. For the lives we lead are now her honor and her memorial. She would bless our courage. May we dwell in peace. She would wish it so.”

A Web page has been set up for friends to leave their cherished memories. It can be accessed at http://stephanie.wjkbooks.com.