In January, we said farewell to former President Jimmy Carter at his State Funeral. We were honored to host this solemn event remembering the life of a man whose deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of a public life shaped by compassion, humility and care for the least among us.
On the day following the presidential inauguration, we gathered with our interfaith and ecumenical partners for a service of prayer for the nation. In person and online, we united people across the country to offer prayers of thanksgiving for our democracy and to seek God’s guidance in the years ahead.
February brought the inspiration of “Onward and Upward: A Musical Celebration of Black History Month.” This music and spoken word performance showcased incredible classical works by artists including Florence Price, Thomas Kerr, Wendell Logan, Undine Moore and others. Performers included The Denyce Graves Foundation and CAAPA – Coalition of African American Performing Arts, under the direction of our Associate Director for Contemporary Music, Michele Fowli.
Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver spearheads the Dignity Index, an “eight-point scale for measuring how we talk to each other when we disagree.” In May, Tim joined Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde for a crucial conversation about bringing dignity back to public life. Watch the video at cathedral.org/better.
In June, globally renowned conductor Marin Alsop returned to the Cathedral with the National Orchestral Institute + Festival Philharmonic to perform Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. Known as Mahler’s “Resurrection,” this orchestral masterpiece was first performed at the Cathedral by Alsop’s mentor Leonard Bernstein in 1984.
Late in 2025, we completed earthquake repairs on the North Side of the Nave. This exciting milestone marks the last phase before we can begin work on the Central Tower, the final and most complex phase. Work on the Central Tower is expected to last through 2030.
Throughout the uncertainty of 2025, I was constantly impressed and encouraged by the steadfast support of our Cathedral family.
At a time when it could have felt simpler and safer to disengage, people from all over our country affirmed their commitment to the Cathedral’s mission of love, dignity and healing.
We saw it in those who attended or tuned in to special events like our evening with David Brooks in January to talk about his book How to Know a Person. We were able to encourage thousands of people through our worship services, especially our Lenten, Easter and Christmas services.
And we saw our community come together for an outstanding Cathedral Giving Day in September and an outpouring of support at year-end. This generosity helped us start 2026 on firm financial footing so that our programs and outreach can continue at full strength and we can maintain this sacred space.
I’m also excited to share that we were able to reach a milestone to make our services more accessible with the installation of the Nave Hearing Loop. This hearing assistive technology system wirelessly transmits sound, such as a sermon or music, directly into a person’s telecoil-enabled hearing aid or cochlear implant. We’re grateful to everyone whose support helped make this possible. It’s just one more way that, together, we’re making this a house of prayer for all people.
I don’t know what 2026 holds, but as people like you continue to stand together with us, I’m confident that our Cathedral will keep shining as a beacon of hope for our nation. Thank you!
Dean
Share your Impact at Washington National Cathedral with your friends and family!
Please click only once to process your donation. If you are experiencing issues in submitting your gift, please contact our Development Office at 202-537-2200. Due to the Cathedral’s current operating status, there may be a delay, but we will respond as quickly as possible.
______________________________
MAILING YOUR DONATION
If you would prefer to mail your donation, please send your gift to:
WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL
PO BOX 98283
WASHINGTON, DC 20090-8283