Remembering Matthew Shepard
"Gently rest in this place. You are safe now. And Matt, welcome home." —The Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Oct. 26, 2018
Matthew Shepard was entrusted to the Cathedral 20 years after his death. Here, in the safety of the Cathedral, he has a home and pilgrims have a place to honor a young man who changed the nation.
His death in 1998 at the tender age of 21, from a vicious anti-gay hate crime, shocked the conscience of a nation and electrified the movement for the LGBTQ rights. Through the work of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, his parents Dennis and Judy Shepard helped pass the country’s first federal hate crimes legislation, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, in 2009.
Every year for Matt’s birthday (Dec. 1), his parents gather with the Cathedral community to celebrate his life and legacy, and to advocate for a world that is more just, tolerant and compassionate.
A Service Honoring Matthew Shepard
Original Service Date: Monday, December 2, 2024
Thanks to all who joined us as we commemorated Matthew Shepard’s birthday. The archived livestream is available below.
In prayer, song, word, we will remember Matthew, reflect on his commitment to a more caring and just world, and resolve to embrace the dignity and equality of all people. The Rev. Spencer W. Brown, Priest Associate, will offer the homily. ASL interpretation is offered for this service. All are welcome to visit Matthew’s final resting place in St. Joseph’s Chapel prior to or immediately after the service.
Matthew Shepard: Key Cathedral Events
Catch up on some of the key events remembering and celebrating Matthew Shepard at the Cathedral.
Dedicating the Matthew Shepard Devotional Portrait
Event Date: December 1, 2022
On what would have been Matthew's 46th birthday, the Cathedral dedicated a devotional portrait by acclaimed iconographer Kelly Latimore. The rainbow that surrounds Matthew features handwritten notes sent to his parents. His right hand hovers over his heart in a sign of thanks; his left hand is extended outward in a gesture of welcome.
Dedicating the Matthew Shepard Plaque
Event Date: December 2, 2019
The bronze plaque that honors Matthew Shepard was installed in St. Joseph’s Chapel in 2019 (with Dennis Shepard helping) to mark his final resting place. It mirrors a plaque dedicated to human rights advocate Helen Keller, who lies nearby. Special guests for the dedication service Special guests included Bishop V. Gene Robinson, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, singer/songwriter Mary Lambert and Dennis & Judy Shepard.
Entrusting Matthew Shepard to God's Care
Event Date: October 26, 2018
The committal service was an emotional celebration of Matt's life and a call to continue his legacy of love and acceptance. The Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, presided over the service that attracted hundreds to the Cathedral.