Grace Thompson
The Washington National Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, is a cathedral of the Episcopal Church. It is located in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. The cathedral is open to people of all faiths and has been promoted as a house of prayer for all people. While it is not a Catholic cathedral, it has hosted major religious and secular events, including state funerals for five American presidents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul |
| Location | Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. |
| Design | Neo-Gothic, modelled on English Gothic style of the late fourteenth century |
| Funding | Private sources |
| Maintenance | Private support |
| Type | Episcopal |
| Denomination | Inter-denominational |
| Founders' vision | A house of prayer for all people |
| Current vision | Welcoming, Deepening, Convening and Serving |
| Leadership | The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith |
| Affiliation | The Episcopal Diocese of Washington, the Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Communion |
| Grounds | 59 acres, including a medieval-style Bishop's Garden |
| Notable features | Stained-glass windows, Gothic spires, flying buttresses, gargoyles, and a moon rock |
| Burials | Helen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson |
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What You'll Learn
The Washington National Cathedral is Episcopal, not Catholic
The Washington National Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, is a cathedral of the Episcopal Church. It is located in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. The cathedral is the seat of both the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church and the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
The Washington National Cathedral is an active member of the Episcopal Church and is supported by donors from across the globe. It receives no direct support from the federal government or any national church body. The cathedral is led by the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, who was installed as the 11th dean in 2016. He is assisted by the provost, the Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope, and a full-time staff of more than 85 employees, as well as hundreds of volunteers.
The cathedral is overseen by a board of directors known as the Cathedral Chapter and works closely with the Episcopal Bishop of Washington. It is managed by the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, which also includes three schools: Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School, and the National Cathedral School.
The Washington National Cathedral is grounded in the reconciling love of Jesus Christ and is a house of prayer for all people. It was conceived to serve as a great church for national purposes and holds a unique place at the intersection of sacred and civic life. The cathedral strives to be a trusted voice of moral leadership and a sacred space where the country gathers during moments of national significance.
The cathedral has a long history of welcoming people of all faiths and has been the site of many significant events, both religious and secular. It has hosted state funerals for five American presidents, memorial services, and other important gatherings. With its stunning architecture, majestic music, and thought-provoking public programs, the Washington National Cathedral is a beloved landmark that embodies the ideals of unity and reconciliation.
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The Cathedral welcomes people of all faiths
The Washington National Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, is part of the Episcopal Church. However, it is not a Catholic cathedral. The cathedral stands at Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., and is the third-tallest building in the city.
The Washington National Cathedral welcomes people of all faiths to its site on the highest point in Washington, D.C. From its earliest days, the cathedral has been promoted as more than just an Episcopal cathedral. Its founders envisioned it as a ""house of prayer for all people", a ""national house of prayer", and a "spiritual home for the nation". This idea is reflected in the cathedral's history and architecture, which is designed to bring people of all backgrounds together.
The cathedral is an associate member of the inter-denominational Washington Theological Consortium, further emphasising its commitment to interfaith dialogue and cooperation. It has also been the site of numerous major religious and secular events that have drawn people from all over the world, including state funerals for five American presidents.
The cathedral's mission and vision statements reinforce its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. It strives to be a "refuge for those who have been harmed by the church" and to create an atmosphere that is welcoming to all, regardless of religious background, race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. The cathedral's strategic plan and vision are guided by four pillars: welcoming, deepening, convening, and serving.
The Washington National Cathedral is a place where people of all faiths can come together in a spirit of unity and reconciliation. Its doors are open to everyone, and it invites all visitors to bring their "authentic selves" and find their stories reflected in the art and architecture of this majestic space.
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It is a house of prayer for all people
The Washington National Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, is a cathedral of the Episcopal Church. It is located in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. The cathedral is an active member of the Episcopal Church and does not receive direct support from the federal government or any national church body. It is funded entirely by private sources and welcomes people of all faiths.
The phrase "a house of prayer for all people" has been used to describe the cathedral, reflecting its role as a spiritual home for the nation and a place where people of all backgrounds can come together in prayer and worship. The cathedral has achieved this status by offering itself as a space for religious and political leaders, as well as the general public, to gather during moments of national significance.
The history of the cathedral is rooted in the ideal of reconciliation, with its name uniting the memory of two powerful early fathers of Christianity, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, who did not always agree but whose unification reflects the sought-after unity among all people. The cathedral strives to embody this spirit of reconciliation and inclusivity, welcoming people of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity.
The cathedral has played a significant role in the spiritual and civic life of the nation, hosting major events and services during times of national unity and emergency. It has been the site of state funerals for five American presidents and memorials for notable figures, such as Princess Diana and Katharine Graham. The cathedral also has a unique place in American history, with its construction beginning in 1907 and completing 83 years later in 1990, making it the second-largest church building in the country.
The Washington National Cathedral is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of national unity and a gathering place for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Through its architecture, art, and community outreach, it strives to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the diversity of the nation it serves.
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It is not a national house of prayer
The Washington National Cathedral, located in Washington, D.C., is not a national house of prayer. While it has been promoted as more than just an Episcopal cathedral, and its founders conceived of it as a "house of prayer for all people", playing a role similar to Westminster Abbey, the government has not designated it as a national house of prayer.
The cathedral is officially named the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Episcopal Diocese of Washington. It is commonly referred to as the Washington National Cathedral or simply the National Cathedral. It is overseen by the Episcopal Church and is an associate member of the inter-denominational Washington Theological Consortium. The cathedral is located at Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues in the northwest quadrant of Washington, on the highest point in DC.
The history of the National Cathedral is rooted in the ideal of reconciliation. The unification of the two saints, Peter and Paul, reflects this ideal, as the two apostles did not always agree on everything. The cathedral strives to be a place of unity and reconciliation, welcoming people of all faiths. It is a sacred space where the country gathers during moments of national significance, such as state funerals for five American presidents, including Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan.
The National Cathedral is funded entirely by private sources and receives no direct support from the federal government or any national church body. It is managed by the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation and led by the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, who was installed as the 11th dean in 2016. The cathedral is a grand structure, boasting Gothic spires, flying buttresses, and 215 stained glass windows, including one embedded with a moon rock. It is the second-largest church building in the United States and the third-tallest building in Washington, D.C.
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The Cathedral is a spiritual home for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington
The Washington National Cathedral, officially named the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, is a cathedral of the Episcopal Church. It is located in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. The cathedral is the seat of both the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church and the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
The Washington National Cathedral is a spiritual home for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. It welcomes people of all faiths to its site on the highest point in D.C. The cathedral has been described as "a house of prayer for all people", reflecting its role as a spiritual refuge for all individuals, regardless of their religious or spiritual background. The cathedral community actively engages in social initiatives, such as providing backpacks and school supplies to youth in need in Wards 7 and 8 of Washington, D.C.
The cathedral's mission is grounded in the reconciling love of Jesus Christ, emphasizing unity and reconciliation. This is symbolized by the unification of Saints Peter and Paul, two powerful early fathers of Christianity, in the cathedral's name. The cathedral strives to be an inclusive and welcoming space, embracing individuals from all walks of life, including those who have been marginalized or harmed by the church. It celebrates the belief that every person is a beloved child of God, reflecting the beauty of God's creation.
The Washington National Cathedral has played a significant role in the nation's history, hosting major religious and secular events. It has been the site of state funerals for five American presidents, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, as well as memorial services for notable individuals such as Princess Diana and Katharine Graham. The cathedral also holds a unique place at the intersection of sacred and civic life, serving as a gathering space for the country during moments of national significance.
The cathedral's architecture is impressive, featuring Gothic spires, stained-glass windows, and flying buttresses. It is constructed from Indiana limestone and boasts a 30-story-tall central tower. The interior includes a nine-bay nave, numerous chapels, and an intricately carved wooden choir area. The grounds surrounding the cathedral encompass 59 acres, featuring gardens, stone paths, and old-growth forests.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Washington National Cathedral is not Catholic. It is a cathedral of the Episcopal Church.
The Washington National Cathedral's official name is the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
The Washington National Cathedral is open to people of all faiths. It is a house of prayer for all people.
