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WHO WE ARE

“Our vision is to be a welcoming place; a stronghold of Christian faith; a model of service in our community and diocese in liturgy, spiritual formation, education, outreach, stewardship, pastoral care; and a parish willing to take risks in pursuing our Mission.”

We at Christ Church Cathedral welcome all people no matter where they are in their spiritual and personal journeys. We embrace those secure in their faith, those who doubt, and those who are looking for God; those with differing viewpoints, social backgrounds, income levels, or sexual orientations. We seek to be a place where open dialogue across different perspectives is possible and encouraged. We look to accommodate the tension between conservative and liberal viewpoints without losing our unity, our sense of community or our sense of humor.

We embody contradictions: we are traditional in our liturgical practices and are imbued with a sense of history and responsibility to the heritage of Christ Church, while we are also passionate about social justice and the care of the marginalized in society. We strongly support the new initiative of Sacred Space for the City that stretches our boundaries in content and form, while offering that outreach in a way that respects the beauty and sacred nature of our historic building. Many parishioners are upper middle class, white, and married; others are black or single or unemployed or in recovery. We may be born Nashvillians or hail from far-flung places. Some of us want some distance in our relationships with each other and the church, while others of us make the parish our primary community. We are serious in our commitment to carry out the work of the church, but we like to have fun together and wish we did it more.

Central to our identity is our inner city location. With the problems of the less fortunate daily in our sights, we feel a special responsibility for and identification with the urban center of Nashville. A major focus of our outreach programs is ministering to local needs. Our Sacred Space for the City programs extend our spiritual reach so that we may function as a Cathedral to the whole city as well as to the diocese.

Despite being situated in the heart of downtown Nashville, most of our congregation comes from the residential neighborhoods, suburbs and outlying areas of the metropolitan area. To attend Christ Church Cathedral, many of our parishioners drive a significant distance, demonstrating an extraordinary level of commitment to this parish.

We number 2,076 active, baptized members. About three quarters of us have been members more than 5 years. A further 202 individuals are active in the parish but have not registered their baptism with the Cathedral. Average attendance at Sunday services is 588.

We come from a wide range of individual situations—economically, ethnically and spiritually. We are a warm, lively, articulate, theologically curious, ideologically diverse congregation with discriminating homiletic and musical tastes. We are eager for spiritual in¬struction and enrichment. We interest, entertain and buoy each other. We form a mutually supportive assembly as challenging of itself as of its clerical leadership.

HISTORY OF CHRIST CHURCH & THE DIOCESE OF TENNESSEE

Christ Church and the Diocese of Tennessee have grown in tandem over the last 179 years, but it is only in the last eleven years that Christ Church took on the role of Cathedral for the diocese.

In June 1829, a congregation in Nashville elected the first Vestry of Christ Church and a little over a year later laid the cornerstone of the first Episcopal church structure in Tennessee. By 1837, Christ Church Parish had grown to 72 members. Despite dissension over the issue of rented pews in 1858 when part of the parish left to form the Church of the Advent, membership continued to grow steadily. Christ Church was fortunate to escape occupation by Federal troops during the Civil War and by 1867 had 145 communicants on its rolls. Construction began in 1889 on the current structure at 9th Ave. and Broadway, a building now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It opened its doors for services in December 1894.
Christ Church has a history characterized by internal stability and a commitment to fostering growth both in the diocese and the national church. Of the nine rectors leading the parish between 1894 and 1940, eight went on to become bishops. By 1960, Christ Church had spawned thirteen mission churches in the diocese, an average of one every decade. Five of those churches are still flourishing. Over the last 100 years, only three organist-choirmasters have served the parish, providing unusual continuity that has fostered a strong musical tradition. In 1969, the parish elected its first woman to the Vestry and in 1985, employed its first female priest as Assistant Rector.

Over the last twenty-five years, Christ Church has almost tripled its rolls. The past ten years alone saw a 25% increase in numbers, with the parish leading the diocese in growth. The parish currently has almost 2100 communicants, representing more than an eighth of the total diocesan membership.

In 1984, the Diocese of Tennessee became more geographically circumscribed when East and West Tennessee became independent dioceses. Long considered the mother church of Tennessee, Christ Church officially became the Cathedral of the Diocese of Tennessee in 1997. Founded in tandem with each other, Christ Church parish had always been a sturdy supporting partner in the diocese, but in the role of Cathedral, it strives to become a model for the diocese in liturgy, music, outreach, education, spirituality and collaboration. In 2007, the Cathedral earned designation as a center of the Community of the Cross of Nails in recognition of leadership in Reconciliation Ministries.

The Diocese of Tennessee is now presided over by our eleventh bishop, John Bauerschmidt. It consists of 50 parishes and missions, urban and rural, small and large. About 16,000 communicants make up an ethnically, theologically, and economically diverse body.

SPIRITUAL LIFE AT CHRIST CHURCH

Liturgy and Music

“In corporate worship we unite ourselves with others to acknowledge the holiness of God, to hear God’s word, to offer prayer, and to celebrate the sacraments.” (Book of Common Prayer).

Liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer has long been understood to be the core of everything that we as a parish do. On Sundays, Holy Eucharist is celebrated three times (twice in the summer months). This is supplemented on weekdays by daily offices (Eucharist at noon and Morning Prayer). Weekly healing services minister to the sick in body and spirit.

In addition, alternative liturgical forms attract non-traditional worshippers. First Friday Sacred Soul Space reaches beyond the parish with a monthly Eucharist enhanced by liturgical dance and more varied instrumental and vocal music. Taizé Prayers for Peace, First Sunday Eucharist and fellowship supper, the annual Blessing of the Animals, Nativity Pageant, and other commemorative services provide additional opportunities for worship.

Central to the worship experience at Christ Church Cathedral is our commitment to beauty. As a refuge and haven from the busy, at times ugly context of modern life, the beauty of the physical space of the nave, the timeless elegance of the liturgy and the radiance of sublime music soothe and nurture the spirit. The neo-Gothic sanctuary has special resonance as a holy place. We treasure both its inherent majesty and its historic significance. The interior is distinguished by an imposing stone colonnade supporting a clerestory of stained glass windows and a barrel vaulted wooden ceiling. Two Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass triptychs are especially fine as is the ornately carved reredos forming the focal point of the chancel. Beautifully hand carved pews, lectern and pulpit are also historically and artistically significant. In the rear balcony framing the wheel window stands the splendid Lively-Fulcher organ installed in 2003. The imposing exterior is bordered with gardens.

 

The parish has long had a commitment to the Anglican church music tradition. The high level of musical excellence provided on Sunday mornings by the Cathedral organists and choirs is inseparable from the worship experience at Christ Church. Choral evensongs and Lessons & Carols enhance the liturgical seasons. A rigorous Royal School of Church Music Chorister program provides not only a regular ministry to the parish by supplying the music for one of the Sunday services, but also fosters a meaningful involvement in church life for scores of children.

In no aspect of Christ Church is the work of lay volunteers more extensive than in our liturgical life. Hundreds of parishioners serve as musicians, sacristans, unction officiants, chalice bearers, lectors, acolytes, altar guild and flower guild workers, ushers, sound technicians, and greeters. These enact the definition of liturgy as “the work of the people.”

Christian Education

The shaping priority of the Christ Church Cathedral education program is the continuing Christian formation of the lives of all parishioners. With the help of a staff coordinator, lay committees and clergy fashion many vehicles for spiritual development. The resource of two major divinity schools (Vanderbilt and University of the South) gives an unparalleled richness to our educational offerings.

A thought-provoking and intellectually challenging adult education program supports the spiritual life of the parish. Through the school year, there are at least four options on Sunday mornings:
- The Focused & Faithful Forum offers a lecture style format on various topics with both clergy and invited speakers.
- A nine-month long Catechumenate led by clergy prepares candidates for confirmation.
- The Family Matters class led by various professionals relates our faith to domestic living.
- The Centering Prayer class offers a contemplative option.
On many Wednesday evenings, invited speakers, clergy or parishioners present ongoing classes coupled with evening prayer and dinner. Twice yearly weekend symposia with outstanding invited scholars offer unique theological perspectives. Men’s and Women’s annual retreats provide further spiritual nourishment. Regular opportunities during the week include Centering Prayer, Companions in Christ, Gifts and Talents Workshops, EFM, Bible Study, Men’s and Women’s Book Study groups, Emmaus Group, Spirit of Anglicanism, Men’s Breakfast and others. These offerings are supported by an on-site bookstore.

Spiritual formation for children and teens is an important priority and is responsible for the growth in young family membership. Children age 3 through sixth grade participate in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd taught by a committed and trained lay teacher contingent (see sidebar). To complement the Catechesis, special children’s events highlight major liturgical seasons. The Advent Event, Christmas pageant, Palm Sunday Walk and Liturgy of Light provide important participatory experiences for our youth.

A new teen curriculum was recently adopted that leads the students on their journey to begin to understand the Bible, their Episcopal faith, and ultimately themselves. It invites the youth to ask the deepest questions - of God, of promise, of belief. Teens discover ways to reflect on their own relationship with God, with their community, and with those taking this journey with them. To complement this exploration, a Youth Minister and a Youth Coordinator facilitate Bible study groups for teens, EYC activities, retreats, pilgrimages and service opportunities. Summer pilgrimages support our outreach programs. Ranging from local projects to our ministry in Bolivia, they are an integral part of the Youth program. Fund-raisers throughout the year, led by the youth, help finance these trips. As with many other churches, engaging and supporting teens in grades 7 – 12 is both a priority and a challenge.

REACHING OUT TO OTHERS

At Christ Church Cathedral, we feel a strong call to look beyond ourselves, to share ourselves both materially in helping those less fortunate and spiritually in opening our space, our traditions, and our heritage to the community.

Ministering to Physical Needs

Ministering to the physical needs of the world around us is a keenly felt imperative. Literally on our front doorstep, we find the poor, the disabled, the sick and the weary, reminders of our call to serve those living on the margins of society. Our commitment to this type of outreach is demonstrated first and foremost by the establishment in the late 1990’s of the tithe as the standard for funding local and global outreach ministries. Ten percent of the total pledge income and plate offerings are designated for traditional outreach programs administered by the Outreach Committees. Passionate personal involvement has also been a hallmark of the Cathedral outreach whether at home or abroad with hands-on involvement in many local and global programs. Alternative Christmas Gift Market, an idea first implemented by the youth, has become an annual holiday tradition. The Market provides an opportunity for personal investment in outreach by facilitating donations to parish-selected local agencies and global ministries in honor of family and friends while introducing the parish to a wide range of opportunities to become involved as volunteers.

Community outreach at Christ Church has a long history. Ninety-five years ago, Christ Church founded St. Luke’s Community House as a “well-baby” clinic for dependents of prisoners at the nearby State Penitentiary. Since then, Christ Church Cathedral has been instrumental in the development of this center into a comprehensive source of family services in the low-income area of West Nashville. Our parishioners continue to be intimately involved as volunteers in the many ministries of this center.

Christ Church has continued to be instrumental in recognizing needs in the community and helping to create new initiatives to address these needs such as Magdalene House, a ministry for former prostitutes and Rooftop, preventing homelessness with short-term rental assistance. The Cathedral houses one local agency, The Bethlehem Center. This childcare program for low-income families occupies the Cathedral childcare rooms during the week. The Cathedral has also joined with other denominations to provide seasonal overnight housing for the homeless as part of Room in the Inn. A Wayfarers Committee at the Cathedral ministers to the homeless that come to us on Sunday mornings. Volunteer and financial investment in other local outreach has expanded to include dozens of organizations providing services to the homeless, recovering addicts, teens in crisis, victims of domestic violence and AIDS, immigrants and many others living on the margins of our society.
Community Investment and Economic Justice supports community investment and micro-lending agencies in Nashville and around the world.

Global Missions extend our reach out into the world with a particular emphasis on children’s homes adopted by the parish in Bolivia and South Africa. A sabbatical priest program serving clergy from Liberia and South Africa has been another form of global outreach.

The concept of outreach also includes the responsibility we have for the natural world around us. Christ Church is a leader in Environmental Ministry, encouraging environmental stewardship on a personal and institutional level. The Christ Church Cathedral program has recently earned national recognition by the Sierra Club.

Ministering to Spiritual Needs: Sacred Space for the City

In 2003, as one outcome of a parish-wide strategic planning session, a new Cathedral outreach, Sacred Space for the City, was launched. Its mission was to open ourselves, and our facilities to minister to the whole community of greater Nashville through special liturgies and commemorations, artistic programs and performances, and educational offerings. In this manner, we share our unique historic space and our Christian commitment with those outside the parish. With our urban location, we see the Cathedral as an important non-sectarian spiritual gathering place.

The First Friday Liturgy, Sacred Soul Space, was inaugurated in 2000 to offer a monthly evening Eucharist with an alternative format. Grounded in the Book of Common Prayer, each service is nevertheless unique and contemporary and uses liturgical dance and varied musical styles to carry out a seasonally appropriate theme. This nationally recognized liturgy draws in worshipers of all denominations.

The Sacred Space Arts Series, now completing its fourth season, offers a range of outstanding artistic events encompassing music, theater and visual art. Intended to enrich the spiritual lives of those who attend, this series actively celebrates God’s gift of creativity featuring artists of international caliber, drawn from outside the city as well as from the prodigious talent of Nashville. Bachanalia, a yearly marathon Bach festival involving hundreds of local professional musicians donating their services; concerts of varied genres featuring vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles; theater performances using the natural backdrop of the chancel; poetry readings; floral and art workshops highlight not only the talent within the parish and the city, but also increase the sense of connection with the Cathedral felt by the city and the diocese.

Other programs further the goal of Sacred Space for the City to open the Cathedral to the community:

 - Another example of liturgical outreach, the annual Blessing of the Animals is a much anticipated community event drawing people and their pets from all avenues of life.

 - Cathedral Guides offer regularly scheduled tours of the Cathedral twice a week and are available for previously arranged tours at any time. This ministry has introduced the Cathedral not only to visitors in our city, but to its natives.

 - The Civic Committee marks important occasions in community and public affairs with commemorative services on major national holidays, political forums and, together with the Arts Series, theater or musical productions to commemorate Black History Month.

 - The Education Committee’s biannual educational symposia bring nationally recognized speakers who broaden the perspective of the parish and offer the diocese as well as the whole intellectual community of the region a unique service.

 - Cathedral Ministries for Reconciliation works to forge links on a personal and institutional level with other denominations and religious traditions within the city, in particular the Muslim community and the African-American religious community. They seek to foster understanding among different faiths, races, and genders. An important aspect of that ministry is the recent designation of Christ Church Cathedral as a Center for the Community of the Cross of Nails and the election of Canon Anne Stevenson as President of CCN North America.

 - Faith & Ethics in the Workplace sponsors regular programs for the business community on integrating Christian values into the workplace.

- The Church Growth Commission actively pursues ways to incorporate more people - from both within and without the parish - into the life and ministry of Christ Church Cathedral.

- Friends of the Cathedral is an organization established in 2003 for anyone who would like to support Sacred Space for the City ministries with a financial contribution. Friends of the Cathedral has grown to more than 60 members, encompassing both individuals and business sponsors with over 80% of these supporters from outside the Cathedral parish. The long-term goal of this effort is to support one-third of the cost of Sacred Space programs, complementing the funds from event revenue and pledge income.

CARING FOR OUR OWN

To maintain a healthy, compassionate mission to the outside world, it is important to nurture our members as they try to live a Christian life. Because of the size of the congregation, it is sometimes easy for people to feel disconnected. Indeed some people come to the Cathedral because they can be anonymous. While respecting that, we consider fostering fellowship and building personal relationships among parishioners important aspects of our corporate life. Lay persons play a vital role in creating community within the Cathedral and caring for those in physical and emotional distress.

One of the major ways Cathedral parishioners forge bonds is through working together to accomplish the mission of the church. Over a quarter of the parish is active in the many committees that carry out God’s work in the parish, the community and the world. An annual “volunteer fair” each fall helps connect parishioners to the many opportunities to serve and build fellowship.

A Visitor/Newcomer Committee promptly follows up with visitors and interested persons, making them aware of the opportunities for fellowship and service at the Cathedral. A group of Greeters, supported by rotating members of the Vestry, is available at Sunday services to provide information and a first point of contact for newcomers. Monthly information sessions after the 8:30 service also provide newcomers a way to connect and learn about the Cathedral.

The “Cornerstone,” a monthly newsletter, communicates parish and diocesan activities to the parish. This is complemented by weekly bulletin inserts on upcoming events and weekly email Happenings notices. The newly re-designed website is user-friendly and is kept current by staff and select lay volunteers in the various program areas under the supervision of the Communications Committee.

A Women’s listserve keeps more than 250 women of the parish in cyber-contact providing a forum for discussing all manner of common concerns and facilitating the organization of meals for new mothers and the ill as well as the matching of volunteers with volunteer opportunities. The Family Life Committee plans and effects ways to meet the needs of families, particularly those with children at home.

An annual Women’s Retreat serves to build friendships and community as do the annual Parish Picnic and Parish Weekend Away. A Men’s Breakfast Group meets monthly for fellowship and program, and an active Young Adults Group socializes and engages in service, worship and study together. Childcare is offered at most Cathedral programs to encourage the participation of young families.

Small Foyer Groups match interested parishioners to share meals in each other’s homes. Both Men’s and Women’s Book discussion groups are active.

Highly trained Stephen Ministers provide unique one-on-one pastoral care as an adjunct to that provided by the clergy. They minister to those suffering from illness, divorce, unemployment, depression, substance abuse, bereavement or other life tragedies.

The Bereavement Committee supports those dealing with death.  A Meals Committee ministers with food to new mothers, the ill, and the bereaved.

GIVING OF OURSELVES - STEWARDSHIP

Giving of our time and our money is the foundation of our ministries. Christ Church Cathedral is graced with extraordinary lay leadership. In 2008, lay volunteers filled almost 1400 leadership positions with many parishioners involved in multiple functions. In local and global outreach, in Cathedral administration, in pastoral care, in liturgical functions, in Christian Education, laity are passionate in their commitment to the parish and the Cathedral. Stewardship is viewed in terms of gifts of time and talent as much as in financial parameters. Many ministries would not function without the committed leadership of talented individuals. The many areas of outreach on a global and a local level, the Sacred Space programs, and the facilitation of the liturgy are lay organized and generated. Other areas, such as adult education, are coordinated by committed volunteers with staff support. An annual Parish Fair presents the work of the committees to the parish and solicits volunteers. Identifying the many skills and interests within the congregation and encouraging parishioners to assume leadership roles remain priorities for continuing and expanding program areas.

We view financial stewardship as a serious responsibility. We pledge our financial support out of a sense of thanksgiving for the many blessings we enjoy and the gift of the community at Christ Church Cathedral.

BUDGET SUMMARY for 2008

INCOME
2008 Pledge Income	2,005,105
Offering & Contributions	140,000
Endowment Income	256,934
Other Income	205,616
Total Income	2,607,655
EXPENSES
Salary & Benefits	1,483,523
Property and Administration	383,100
Education, Music and Sacred Space	114,465
Lay Ministries	267,090
Diocesan Support	246,897
Other	107,500
Total Expenses	2,602,575

ADMINISTRATION OF THE CATHEDRAL

Clergy
Canon Precentor Anne Stevenson was named Interim Rector in January of 2008. She is assisted by Canon Pastor Geoffrey Butcher, Canon Residentiary Matthew Corkern and Deacon Dolores Nicholson.

Lay Leadership
The Vestry is the lay governing body of the parish, currently composed of fifteen persons elected by the parish in groups of five to serve three-year terms.

A strong lay committee structure ensures the smooth operation of the Cathedral’s ambitious program agenda and physical complex. A large cadre of dedicated, highly professional, volunteer laity offer their considerable talents in coordinating and presenting programs, providing professional advice, in-kind services, and oversight to staff in the areas of education, communications, IT, grounds beautification, building upkeep, finance, personnel, stewardship, fundraising, and many program areas.

Staff
Four full-time clergy (including the currently vacant rector/dean position) are assisted by a deacon, a youth minister and five unsalaried priest associates. They are supported in their work by a full-time Christian Education coordinator, business manager, membership coordinator, events coordinator, receptionist, as well as two full-time clerical staff and two sextons. A full-time Organist Choirmaster and an Assistant Organist Choirmaster, seven part-time singers, and a part-time musical director/composer for First Friday services constitue the music staff. Other part-time personnel include a Youth Program Coordinator, a Bookshop manager, a public relations coordinator, a building maintenance person, an accountant, receptionists, and childcare workers.

Physical Plant
Aside from the historic 600-seat sanctuary, the facilities at the Cathedral are barely adequate for the growth experienced in the past decade. A small chapel augments the nave for daily offices and contemplative classes. Gathering spaces include the multipurpose Parish Hall and Cheek Hall each seating about 150. The smaller Wheeler Room (housing the Bookstore) and classrooms in both the Cathedral building and in the Cathedral Annex (an adjacent former bank building) serve for Christian Education, meeting spaces, and community outreach ministries. There are 15 administrative offices, a choir room and a small workroom. We rent additional Sunday School and youth program space in an office building next door. The Cathedral owns three flat parking lots that supplement on-street parking for services and events.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

A Master Plan concluded in 2004 addressed preservation issues, some improvements of the existing buildings and the acquisition of a new organ.

We initiated a new Master Plan in 2006 identifying current needs and incorporating parts of the previous master plan that had not been completed. We wanted a structure reflecting our desire to be open and welcoming as well as maintaining a sense of community and continuity with our past. We also wished to honor the shared vision of utilizing 75% of the structure 75% of the time. Paramount is the need for adequate fellowship and Christian Education space for the growing congregation. The architectural firm Hammond, Beeby, Rupert, Ainge of Chicago has proposed a plan to expand the main Cathedral building creating better fellowship space, more classrooms and offices, a modern kitchen, accessible entrances to the building and the sanctuary, and a cloister garden. The historic sanctuary space would remain unaltered. This plan is on hold now as we transition to a new dean.

OUR CITY

The well-known moniker “Music City” symbolizes the prominent role of the country music industry, but Nashville might better be characterized as a “15-minute” city. It is easily navigable with a number of pleasant residential neighborhoods still within 15 minutes of downtown. A recently revitalized and vibrant urban center offers another residential option as well as a multitude of cultural attractions, minor and major league sports, a diverse business climate, and a rich history.

Recognized as one of the 15 best U.S. cities for work and family by Fortune Magazine, Nashville’s cost of living is 5.3% below the national average. The mild climate, low property taxes and family-friendly environment contribute to its reputation as one of the most livable cities in the country. Despite a city population of over 613,000 and a metropolitan area of nearly 1.5 million people, Nashville has held onto its charm, melding an appealing blend of southern graciousness and northern energy and intensity.

An abundance of colleges and universities, notably Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University and Fisk University, bring diversity to its populace and a wide mix of cultural and educational opportunities to its residents. Two major divinity schools (Vanderbilt University and University of the South) provide unique intellectual opportunities. Cultural venues like the new Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and the Frist Center for the Visual Arts join the historic Ryman Auditorium, small theaters, universities, sports venues and countless clubs in presenting every conceivable form of entertainment. Whether your taste runs to a Broadway show or intimate theater, honky tonks or ethnic restaurants, major league sports or nature trails, you can find it in Nashville.

Known as the “Buckle of the Bible Belt,” Nashville is home to over 700 churches. The Nashville Association of Rabbis, Priests and Ministers offers dialogue and fellowship among the city’s clerical community. The many charitable and religious organizations, the expanding economy, and the low cost of living in Nashville have fueled a three-fold increase in the foreign-born population between 1990 and 2000.

As with any rapidly growing city, Nashville faces challenges. The increase in immigrants and the 13% of the population below the poverty line create stresses on social services, the school system and the social fabric of the city. With students from nearly 100 countries, classroom dialogue is more global than ever before. Improving reading levels and graduation rates are priorities in the public schools as is increasing affordable housing throughout the city. The challenges of controlling urban sprawl and preserving green spaces come hand in hand with a burgeoning economy.

However, the recent cultural, commercial and residential revitalization downtown; the unprecedented expansion of parks and greenways; the strong presence of universities in the civic and cultural life; and the population’s growing diversity make Nashville an ever more desirable place to live, work and learn.

THE NEW RECTOR AND DEAN

Parishioners’ expectations of a new dean and rector derive from our understanding of the historic mission of the Church, from our respect for the particular history and traditions of Christ Church Cathedral and the national church, and from our wish to discern God’s will for the future of our diverse church community.

The overwhelming expression of desire for a gifted teacher and homilist reflects the belief that spiritual formation is the vital core of the Christ Church vision.

We seek someone who will care about us, fully join our community and share our concerns and our hopes.

We want a spiritual guide who will lead by example as well as by word. We look for someone invested in the spiritual journey of the youth in the parish.

We seek a facilitator who can utilize and continue to inspire the passionate commitment and investment of time and talent by parishioners that is one of our major strengths.

As a place that is home to many divergent theological perspectives and as a Cathedral for a diocese struggling to incorporate widely differing views on national church policy, we seek the generosity of spirit that allows for dialogue and reconciliation. That person should respect our firm commitment to ECUSA and our responsibility to treat all humans equally as children of God, but be able to reach out to those with radically different views. We believe the Cathedral should play a leadership role in the diocese, and we seek a Rector and Dean who will actively model reconciliation of opposing stances on contemporary issues.