Dean's Message for October 16, 2025

Author:
October 15, 2025

As I write this early in the week, the national news is all about the hopes for peace in Gaza, including the release of hostages and prisoners held for two years. In news of the Episcopal Church and the larger Anglican Communion, after a long vacancy we have a designate for the office of Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to serve in this position. When the news so often is dispiriting, I take heart in these moments of hope and the dream of the truth of Martin Luther King's statement that the long arc of history bends towards justice. Episcopalians in general and our St. Paul's congregation in particular are  informed and engaged with the world, as we are called to be. I invite you to consider our lectionary readings this week (Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 121; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5; Luke 18:1-8) in the context of these news stories, as well as what is going on in your own heart, and I further invite you to read on for opportunities to for your life and the life of the Cathedral to intersect. In times good and bad, there is always hope and comfort in the knowledge and love of our Savior Jesus Christ.

"Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Collect of the Day, Proper 24).

The Very Reverend Katie Churchwell, 15th Dean, St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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