The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego was formed in 1973, having originally been part of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. The area that would eventually become the Diocese of San Diego was developing its own identity and the need to create a new diocese became apparent.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bankers Hill became the Diocesan cathedral in 1985. However, it was originally founded in 1853 as the first Protestant congregation in San Diego. During those years between 1853 and 1985, St. Paul’s was an active and vibrant parish community, and developed it’s own sense of mission, liturgical style, outreach, social justice, and importantly for this letter, community life.
I mention this brief history because often when people come to the Cathedral for the first time they are struck by the strong sense of community here. This is a place where people care for each other, pay attention to what is happening in people’s lives, and welcome newcomers with warmth. I think the fact that St. Paul’s was a parish church before it became the Cathedral has helped this sense of community grow and develop in ways that are somewhat unique. It is both the Diocesan See (place of the Bishop’s cathedra or seat), and an inclusive faith community, grounded in the love of, for, and with God.
And like most communities this one has evolved over the years, for as followers of Jesus and his embrace of all, we have learned there are always new ways to live into the charism. From its embrace of LGBTQ+ people at the time many felt rejected or belittled by church, to working actively with interfaith partners on matters of social justice and caring for our neighbors, and advocating for those who feel marginalized, St. Paul’s endeavors to remain open to where the Spirit may lead. Not always perfectly but faithfully.
Part of the Cathedral’s growing sense of community is seen in the work of Taylor Milam-Samuel, our Youth and Family Minister. Thanks to Taylor’s warm embrace and care for our children, youth and families, this area of our community life is growing. At a recent staff meeting Taylor asked if it would be possible for us to include in community announcements, as we do when people pass away, the births of children born to our families. The response was an enthusiastic yes! It is important we celebrate all the ways in which community life is lived out.
St. Paul’s, like all faith communities is always a work in progress. Thanks be to God!
Blessings,
Allisyn
