The Legacy of Father John

The "Legacy of Father John" is a remarkable true story about a great man who just happened to be my father. Born in Houston, Texas in 1933, John Sanders went on to become a prominent minister in the Episcopal church and an important leader during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. From his writings to being rector of a transitioning parish in Houston's third ward, he helped improve the state of race relations during a controversial period in the South.

Throughout his career, my father advocated for the gay community and gender equality. He never shied away from voicing his opinion on controversial topics within the church and in his life. This may have hampered his career, but he refused to bow to popular opinion. He led fearlessly by example and departed this world in 2019 having left his mark on the church and the people and communities he touched. In addition, he managed to help turn his three rowdy sons into responsible men and was an adoring husband to my mother, Frances.

The book is also the story of my family and our many relocations to a wide variety of diverse cities. His legacy lives on in these places and the lives of his children. While my brothers contributed to this narrative, I felt it was my responsibility to ensure his legacy was recorded and ultimately remembered. His is a story that needed to be told.