For over 40 years, Reverend Cecil Williams has challenged and raised the limits of spirituality, compassion and diversity as CEO and Minister of Liberation of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco. As minister, author, lecturer, community leader and spokesperson for the poor and marginalized, Reverend Williams is respected and recognized as a national leader on the forefront of change. His spirit and ministry are experienced every week at the Sunday Celebration, underscoring his roots in liberation theology and his commitment to explore and define spirituality that is both meaningful and relevant. Reverend Williams challenges his congregation to place action above apathy, community above isolation, and the force of faith, hope and love above traditional religious symbolism. Every Sunday, people of all races, ethnic backgrounds, cultures, social classes, ages, faiths and sexual orientations join together with the voices of the 140-strong Glide Ensemble and the rhythms of the multi-talented Change Band.

Glide Church has evolved into the most comprehensive nonprofit provider of human services in San Francisco, offering over 80 different services. This extensive network of services includes the only food program in the city offering 3 meals a day, 365 days a year, an innovative and nationally recognized outpatient substance abuse treatment and recovery program, and an AIDS prevention, testing and case management program which provides comprehensive medical services to the homeless. Additional programs offer companion services in support of families and children with academic tutoring and support, training classes and individual and family counseling. The nine story, 52 unit Cecil Williams Glide Community House provides housing for as many as 140 people. Residents include people in recovery, the homeless, people living with HIV/AIDS and women and children surviving physical and sexual abuse. The facility, which has a licensed infant care center, offers a stable community for residents to work toward recovery and self-sufficiency.

He is married to Janice Mirikitani, the President of the Glide Foundation and Executive Director of Glide Programs. Together they have created a radical and unique partnership, bringing a powerful yet sensitive direction to Glide's many activities.