Celebrating Pride and Progress at the Washington National Cathedral

The old Anglican/Episcopal Church is making progress in the USA. There is hope on Ascension Day, as the Washington National Cathedral embraces Pride Month with a series of events and initiatives that demonstrate the Church’s ongoing journey toward greater inclusion and affirmation of the LGBTQ+ community.

On June 1st at 11:15 am, the Cathedral will host a special Holy Eucharist service to honour the lives and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals (1:15 AM on Monday June 2nd in Sydney, Australia). The service will feature special prayers, music, and a guest preacher, the Reverend Charles Graves IV, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Shaker Heights, Ohio, and member of the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church. The service will also be live streamed.

Show your support with the new "House of Prayer for All People" gear, available in-store and online, allowing everyone to express their Pride boldly and faithfully. At 4 pm on Pride Sunday, you can join a virtual event with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jericho Brown, featuring conversations with poets Pádraig Ó Tuama, Jennifer Grotz, and Hayan Charara, including readings and a Q&A session.

Visitors are also invited to pay their respects to Matthew Shepard (1976–1998) at the Cathedral's Columbarium. St. Joseph’s Chapel will be open from 9-11 am and 1-5 pm, with a portrait of Matthew by iconographer Kelly Latimore on display.

This series of events highlights the progress within the Anglican/Episcopal Church and offers a message of hope and inclusion for all.