John Francis (priest)

John Francis is an American peace activist, environmentalist, and author, best known for his 22 years of voluntary silence and walking across the United States as a form of environmental protest. Ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church after his long period of silence, he is now often referred to as Father John Francis.

His environmental activism began in the wake of a 1971 oil spill in San Francisco Bay. Disturbed by the environmental damage, he stopped riding in motorized vehicles, beginning his walk across America. Soon after, to better listen to others, he voluntarily stopped speaking. He maintained this silence for 17 years.

While walking and silent, Francis earned a B.A. from Southern Oregon State College, an M.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana, and a Ph.D. in Land Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His doctoral research focused on oil spill prevention and clean-up.

After 22 years of silence, he spoke again on Earth Day in 1990. He then worked with the U.S. Coast Guard to revise oil spill regulations, helping to develop a more unified and equitable approach to environmental policy.

Francis is the author of Planetwalker: 22 Years of Walking. 17 Years of Silence. and The Ragged Edge of Silence: Finding Peace in a Noisy World. He continues to lecture and advocate for environmental awareness and personal responsibility. His work emphasizes listening, empathy, and thoughtful action as pathways to positive change.