Washington National Cathedral is honored and humbled to receive the earthly remains of Matthew Shepard, and entrust them to God as we await our entrance into the land of light perpetual and joy eternal in the fellowship of the saints.

Matthew’s death on Oct. 12, 1998, shocked the conscience of the nation and electrified the LGBTQ movement. While Matthew died too young, his death nonetheless gave life to a new generation of activists and allies who are committed to proclaiming God’s love for all of God’s children — no exceptions or exclusions.

Service Information

On October 26, the public is invited to join the Cathedral as we host a Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for Matthew Shepard. The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington, and the Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay man elected a bishop in The Episcopal Church, will preside.

Download the service leaflet.

No passes required; all attendees must read important logistic and security information.

Those unable to attend can watch the service livestream at 10 am:

 

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Giving in Memory of Matthew Shepard

A gift in memory of Matthew Shepard enables the Cathedral to continue and expand its mission, and to open its doors to the nation at moments just like this. It is our joy and privilege to do this work, and we appreciate partners from across the country. From everyone at the Cathedral, thank you for your support.

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“We’ve given much thought to Matt’s final resting place, and we found the Washington National Cathedral is an ideal choice, as Matt loved the Episcopal church and felt welcomed by his church in Wyoming. For the past 20 years, we have shared Matt’s story with the world. It’s reassuring to know he now will rest in a sacred spot where folks can come to reflect on creating a safer, kinder world.”
– Judy Shepard