(RNS) — Cecile S. Holmes, a veteran faith reporter, editor, journalism professor and interfaith champion, died in Columbia, South Carolina, Thursday (Sept. 29), after an sickness. She was 67.
Holmes was a longtime correspondent for Faith Information Service and served as faith editor for The Houston Chronicle. She later taught journalism on the College of South Carolina’s College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Earlier in her profession she was the faith and meals reporter for the Greensboro, North Carolina, Information and Report.
Holmes was devoted to her craft and an inexhaustible supply of cheer for her colleagues, buddies, sources and college students. She served as president of the Faith Information Affiliation from 1996-1998. In 2016, RNA awarded her with the William A. Reed Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Being a faith author gave me deep respect for perception and perception programs,” she stated upon receiving her award. “It taught me to by no means cease asking questions, to not be afraid to ask different reporters for assist — so many guided me and inspired me early on.”
Holmes traveled to Italy, Israel, Jordan and Mexico on reporting assignments, writing about popes in addition to odd folks of religion. She wrote two books, “Witnesses to the Horror: North Carolinians Keep in mind the Holocaust,” and “4 Ladies, Three Faiths: Inspiring Religious Journeys.”
Her work strived to tell each folks of religion and folks of no religion.
She noticed faith reporting as a calling and was devoted to its survival.
“Cecile not solely left a legacy of of fantastic journalism, however she had the imaginative and prescient to maneuver RNA towards professionalization within the mid Nineties,” stated Debra L. Mason, former government director of the Faith Information Affiliation. “Below her management, RNA employed its first government director, which led to a interval of development and affect.”
Holmes was equally recognized for her kindness and generosity. She was inquisitive and made buddies simply — even on crowded elevators.
“Cecile was a particular gentle on this planet,” stated Kim Sue Lia Perkes, a buddy and former journalist. “Her expertise, humor, curiosity, effervescence, kindness and love are unparalleled.”
In her native Columbia, South Carolina, Holmes helped discovered Ladies of Many Faiths, an interfaith group. She was energetic at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral the place she served on the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Work Group of the South Carolina Christian Motion Council.
A number of years in the past she started finding out for a Physician of Ministry diploma by the Graduate Theological Basis in Indiana.
Holmes was identified with most cancers in 2020 and retired from educating to concentrate on her well being. Her husband, Jace Holloman, a contract photographer, preceded her, dying in 2009.
A celebration of her life will likely be held at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 5, in Columbia. A location has but to be decided. Donations in Holmes’ reminiscence could also be made to the Faith Information Affiliation, P.O. Field 370258, Brooklyn, N.Y., 11237.
