Cathedral Connects

Dear Friends,

I am writing to share that Bishop Mariann Budde has asked the Diocesan leadership to begin preparing for the election of the next Bishop of the Diocese of Washington. (Please see Bishop Mariann’s letter below.)

Marking the 119th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone, Washington National Cathedral celebrated Cathedral Day this week with a joyful Sunday of worship, music and gratitude.

Washington National Cathedral hosted Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on September 16, 2026, the eve of Constitution Day.

The Cathedral's Garth, including All Souls Memorial Garden, is currently closed to the public due to ongoing restoration work of the central tower.

On Thursday, April 9, at Morehouse College, The Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, Cathedral Dean, was inducted into the Board of Preachers of the Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers & Laity. At the same ceremony, the Rev. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas, Canon Theologian, was awarded the 2026 Community Builders Prize and inducted into the Board of Scholars.

At Washington National Cathedral, we are committed to being a place of welcome for all who enter. As part of that commitment, the Cathedral will begin requiring all guests to enter through an enhanced security system that will include permanent magnetometers.

Severe weather may affect the Cathedral's schedule. As we monitor throughout the day, updates will be posted here. Please refer to this page for the most current information.

As people of faith, during difficult times we find solidarity in Jesus’ teachings and in one another. See below for messages and prayers from Bishop of Washington Mariann Edgar Budde, Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith, and Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe.

Winter weather continues to affect the Cathedral's schedule. Updates will be posted here; please refer to this page for the most current schedule information.

Every December 1 marks the anniversary of Rosa Parks’ arrest, which sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. This year, on the 70th anniversary, Washington National Cathedral tolled the bourdon bell in her honor, recognizing her tireless contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.