Presiding Bishop Michael Curry led a live-streamed prayer service from Washington National Cathedral, Holding on to Hope: A National Service for Healing and Wholeness, on All Saints Sunday, November 1, 2020. In the midst of a pandemic, racial reckoning, and a historic election, the live-streamed service gathered Americans for prayer, song, lament, hope, and a call to love God and neighbor. The event was simulcast in English and Spanish.
In addition to Bishop Curry’s sermon, the service included reflections from Father James Martin, a noted Roman Catholic commentator on American life and values, and Valarie Kaur, an inspiring Sikh author, filmmaker, and civil rights attorney. The gathering was officiated by Washington’s Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith, and the Reverend Stephanie Spellers, Canon to the Presiding Bishop.
Prayers for the nation came from leaders like Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core (IFY), Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Rabbi Shoshana Conover of Temple Sholom, Chicago, and Shane Claiborne, speaker, activist, and best-selling author. Music from The Coro de la Cathedral of Christ Church Cathedral-Indianapolis and Washington National Cathedral helped to lift and open hearts. Read more about the speakers and participants.
Engagement Resources
The call to care for our nation extends beyond one day or one service. Below will find additional resources on how to faithfully strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of all.
Civic Engagement Opportunities
Social Justice and Engagement
Praying for our Country
The Good News of Lament
American Hymn, written and performed by Kory Caudill
Press & Media Resources
Press Release (The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs)
National Cathedral to host national interfaith prayer service on Nov 1. (Episcopal News Service)
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