Russell J. Levenson Jr. has been an ordained Episcopal priest for over thirty years and the spiritual advisor to thousands. He served as Rector of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, the largest Episcopal Church in North America, for seventeen years until his recent retirement. Levenson co-officiated and offered a homily at the state funeral for President George H.W. Bush in Washington, D.C. and in Houston. He also officiated and preached at the funeral for First Lady Barbara Bush in Houston. He is the author of many books, included the acclaimed, Witness to Dignity. He lives in Alabama.