Richard L. Crawford Named Publisher of Episcopalian
Episcopal News Service. [84187]
PHILADELPHIA (DPS, Sept. 20) -- Robert L. Hartford, president of The Episcopalian, Inc., has announced appointment of Richard L. Crawford of the Diocese of Oklahoma to be second publisher of The Episcopalian. Crawford succeeds Henry L. McCorkle, who headed the publication from its first issue in 1960 until his retirement in September.
"Beginning with a BA in journalism and public relations from Oklahoma City University, Crawford has developed a solid background in editing and publishing," Hartford said. For sixteen years he was writer/editor for daily papers, then managing editor of a mid-western daily. Five more years were spent in public relations, mainly with Public Relations International, a Tulsa-based firm with offices in Houston, Washington, D.C., London, England and Madrid, Spain.
In 1979, Crawford accepted the dual role of assistant to the Rt. Rev. Gerald McAllister, Bishop of Oklahoma, and director of communications and public relations for the diocese. An ecumenical Christian, he founded the state "Sooner Chapter" of the Religious Public Relations Council, which represents seven Christian denominations and the Jewish community. He also presided over the Central Oklahoma Multi-Media Association (COMMA), an interfaith agency assisting churches and arts organizations throughout the state. With McAllister, he contributed to "Family Focus," a TV series featuring six family life styles.
COMMA also produced a special TV program on Oklahoma's companion diocese, West Ankole, Uganda. Crawford and John Gross, an architect, were the first official representatives of the Diocese of Oklahoma to visit Uganda. They have been in close contact ever since.
For the past three years, Crawford has edited Oklahoma's Mission. The diocesan newspaper, it has been printed as part of The Episcopalian since 1977.
Other diocesan ministries in which Crawford has been involved include clergy deployment and a diocesan Venture in Mission campaign. He is currently enrolled in the master's program of the School of Religion, Oklahoma City University.
Crawford, 46, is married and has four children.