Louis Weil, 86: Liturgist, Theologian, Professor, Ecumenist
With Louis Weil’s death on March 9 at age 86, the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion, and indeed the ecumenical Church lost one of its premier liturgical theologians. His life and ministry affected so many people, both directly and indirectly.
Louis grew up in a non-observant Jewish family, but always treasured that heritage. In his youth he bore the sting of anti-Semitism, but in maturity he claimed that his heritage gave him a more profound appreciation of Christianity. How he came to that transformative understanding is a tale worth remembering.
A native of Texas, Louis completed his undergraduate degree in 1956 at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and seemed destined for a career in the fine arts. An accomplished pianist, he continued an arts trajectory with an MA from Harvard (1956). During that time, however, a path with an unexpected difference presented itself. Walking by the monastery of the Cowley Fathers in Cambridge one late afternoon, he stepped into the chapel of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist just in time for Solemn Evensong. He later testified to a moment of conversion: “I entered as an agnostic and left as a Christian.” Read More
Louis Weil influenced my thinking in regard to the corporate nature of worship, the assembly as the celebrant of the Eucharist, and music in the liturgy. I read a number of his essays as well as Liturgy in Living. I greet the news of his passing with feelings of sadness. He wrote with clarity and conviction. He helped to spark my own interest in liturgy and church music.