Washington National Cathedral

Your support secures the Cathedral’s unique role as the conscience of the nation, convening important conversations on civic life and giving voice to the voiceless.

Your support ensures the future of the Cathedral as a place of welcome and hope for all, and an unrivaled venue for the material and performing arts.

Your support preserves an architectural landmark that has opened its doors to the nation in times of great joy and great sorry.

For gifts large and small, we thank you!

Grant to all those who serve in this District the same vision that drew Columbus to a new world, and a kindred steadiness of purpose to that of the first President whose name and flag we bear.

So by Thy grace may we be worthy of that special place given to a capital city in Thy holy Name. Amen."

-- From "For All the States" by Dean Francis Sayre (1972)

God of peace and comfort, we come before you seeking courage and hope as your people:

We pray for your church, that our voice may be strong and clear, as we strive to bring an end to gun violence and hatred.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for first responders, for police and EMTs, for health care workers and all who sacrifice much to serve the common good.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters, that in this time of tension and unrest we remember that we are all beloved children of God.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who inspire hatred, for those governed by fear, and for all considering acts of violence toward others that their hearts may be changed.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are afraid, and all who mourn. We pray for those throughout history who have suffered violence and death because of their sexual orientation or expression remembering especially those who were killed in Orlando.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen. (from The Book of Common Prayer)

(Adapted from the Litany in the Liturgy for the Tragedy in Orlando by the Rev. LeeAnne Watkins, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, St Paul Minn.)

To our friends of the LGBT community, know that we love you and walk alongside you in your grief and pain, which is all the more searing following an attack in a presumed safe space during LGBT Pride month. Your tears are our tears. You will find shelter in our churches.

To our Muslim sisters and brothers, know that our support for you remains strong. We know that the hatred that fuels such violence is a perversion of the Muslim faith, and we remain your friends and interfaith partners.

To our fellow citizens of a nation once again scarred by gun violence, know that the killings in Orlando reinforce our resolve to work with Congress, state legislators, and law enforcement officials to rid America’s cities and towns of the weapons of war. We have seen too many killings, shed too many tears, lit too many candles to continue as we are. With such easy access to guns, no safe spaces remain.

This week, we will toll the mourning bell of the Cathedral for the lives lost in Orlando. This week, we will grieve and ready our resolve. This week and beyond, we will pray for a peaceable kingdom and work toward a world no longer haunted by the threats of terrorism, gun violence and hatred. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.