Interfaith Service Celebrating USA at 250

The Cathedral marks the 250th anniversary of the United States with an interfaith service on July 3. Lifting themes of pluralism and the common good, We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident celebrates the nation’s ideals alongside an honest reckoning of its history and unfinished work.

In partnership with The Courage Project, this service of scripture, readings and music features representation from diverse religious traditions and contributions from spiritual and civic leaders including Canon Historian Jon Meacham. The service also honors individuals who have shown extraordinary courage and bravery in service to our shared life together, affirming that the work of a more perfect union is never finished and never done alone.

presented by

Part of the Cathedral’s A Better Way initiative, in partnership with The Courage Project, the Freedom Together Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and the McKnight Foundation.

good to know

• In-person attendance is free and open to the public
• ASL interpretation is offered for this service
• There is no July 4 concert this year; the Cathedral will be open for sightseeing on July 4

Livestream available

The service will be streamed below and on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel.

About the Partners

Washington National Cathedral’s A Better Way Initiative
At Washington National Cathedral, we believe the gospel compels us to live faithfully at the intersection of the sacred and the civic. A Better Way is our commitment to embodying dignity and respect in public life, offering hope, and providing a moral framework in a divided world.

The Courage Project
The Courage Project is a bold initiative honoring everyday acts of bravery – the quiet, often unseen acts of heroism that reflect the best of the American spirit and strengthen democracy at the community level.

Freedom Together Foundation
At the Freedom Together Foundation, we believe that protecting and expanding multiracial democracy is the defining challenge of our time. That is why the Freedom Together Foundation is doubling down on our mission to support people who have been denied power to build it, so they can change unjust systems and create a more democratic, inclusive, and sustainable society. We focus on building a deeper and broader pro-democracy movement led by organizations that center working-class people from diverse backgrounds. This movement aims to challenge the structural flaws in our system and forge a truly representative democracy.

The MacArthur Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur invests in solving some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions, promoting local justice reform in the U.S., revitalizing local news, expanding who creates, uses, and benefits from artificial intelligence, and strengthening the well-being of Native communities, and empowering young people in Nigeria. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program and the global 100&Change competition, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsive democracy as well as the vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago.

The McKnight Foundation
The McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation, advances a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive. Established in 1953, the McKnight Foundation is deeply committed to advancing climate solutions in the Midwest; building an equitable and inclusive Minnesota; and supporting arts and culture in Minnesota, neuroscience, and global food systems.