Elected 1970, Day 6; re-elected 1973, Day 4, but resigned before serving 1976 term

Charles Vert Willie is an educator, social activist, sociologist, and expert in school desegregation. A Professor of Sociology, his distinguished career has led him to leadership positions at Syracuse and Harvard University, where he is currently the Charles William Eliot Professor of Education at the Graduate School of Education. Committed to applying sociology to solve societal problems, he has contributed his expertise to major school desegregation cases across the nation. President Jimmy Carter appointed Dr. Willie to the President’s Commission on Mental Health. In 1968 he was elected to the Church’s Executive Council, and was elected vice president of the House of Deputies in 1973. He was the first African American elected to this office. In 1974 Dr. Willie participated as a lay-preacher in the ordination of women of the “Philadelphia 11.” When the ordinations were declared invalid, Willie resigned his Vice Presidency in protest. In recognition of his contributions to the Episcopal Church, Willie has honorary degrees from Berkeley Divinity School, Episcopal General Seminary, and Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, as well as the Episcopal Divinity School for distinguished and faithful ministries in social justice. He has authored or edited more than 25 books and articles addressing issues such as women’s rights, community development, race relations, and urban education.