The Visioning Team’s Report

Dean Search

Oct 5

Searching for a new Dean involves a discernment process. The Visioning Team was assembled to facilitate that process within the broad Cathedral community. We used surveys, a parish retreat, and meetings to conduct this process in the most inclusive manner possible. Below you will see the results gathered, and the methodology used. We are very grateful to all who participated.

Executive Summary

The community of The American Cathedral in Paris is unique. We are English-speaking and French-speaking, and we come from many countries. We are transient and we are permanent residents. We love our liturgy; our open Eucharistic table and our music program define us. We are complacent yet have great aspirations. We are perceived as wealthy due to our history but are concerned about our financial stability (both personally and as a church community). We are highly diverse and value that diversity, which gives the impression of being liberal. However, we also have a diversity of opinion on social and political issues within and beyond the church. We are proud of our American and anglophone roots and see ourselves as a beacon of care to that community. But we are keenly aware that we are embedded in a European context, and that our mission is primarily Christian.

We are looking for a leader who will inspire and lead us out of our complacency, as we aspire to be so much more: more welcoming, more caring, more generous, more connected to one another and the world around us.

We are an urban parish in an international context and structure. We are worldly and sophisticated in our transient experience: expatriated, or French attending a ‘foreign’ church. We are in Paris, but our parish is not defined by geography; when we come together online or in our buildings we connect—and can get clannish sometimes—as we don’t see one another in other settings. We have a constant influx of newcomers and yearn to welcome and include them more warmly but somehow fall short of exercising that skill set. We are a parish but also a cathedral, and we are currently unsure how to understand our role as a Cathedral within a Convocation.

We are called to find a new Dean who is an inspiring preacher, who will connect with all of us and help us to connect with one another. We desire spiritual succor and pastoral care. We need a strong leader who will inspire staff and volunteers, who will delegate, who brings modern organizational skills and understanding to their work in the 21st century. We want to hear scriptural exegesis that challenges us, nourishes us spiritually, connects with our daily lives, and while doing so avoids too much ‘pulpit politics.’ We crave openness and transparency in communication and decision-making, and in revealing small, simmering conflict so it can be openly resolved.

As Christians we care deeply about those in need: refugees, handicapped, at-risk and needy persons, youth, LGBTQ+, women, people oppressed by political strife, racism, bigotry of all kinds. We care about our church structure and about being responsible ecologically. We want to be more proactive on all of these issues and need to be inspired and stretched.

As a cultural institution we offer to Paris and Europe a beautiful building, an outstanding music program (both secular and ecumenical) that we consider to be our hallmark and have the potential to be a beacon of all that is the best of American and blended culture. We feel our light is under a bushel and hope to have greater visibility beyond our congregants. Our online presence, developed in the emergency of Covid, has become a precious resource to those near and far, and we feel it has great untapped potential that we are eager to reveal. However, it is not our only path to outreach.

We have a beloved community with a small cadre of very dedicated volunteers. We have a minuscule, committed, and highly overworked staff. We have a sense of scarcity: of resources, of people, of time, of money. We have the potential to tap into far more ‘time-talent-treasure’ by practicing a more daily, consistent, warm, and genuine welcome to all whom we encounter, and by learning more deeply what stewardship truly means. We need to learn to move beyond lip-service of welcome to radical welcome.

We are inspired by our music program, by our Sandwich Ministry, by all events that bring us together for service. We love to socialize as a community, but in the past 20 years (and especially in the past three years!) those opportunities have diminished, perhaps driven by the sense of scarcity, which in turn may result from inadequate inclusion of all who could contribute to the community. We genuinely love our community and look forward to connecting; volunteering, cultural events and social gatherings bring people together who might otherwise never discover one another; that is one of the joys of being part of this community.

For expats, the Cathedral community is an anchor: a place of welcome, a spiritual home, an orientation point, a group of people with a shared experience. For many it is a significant center in our lives, where spirituality and community combine to create a sense of home as uprooted people. Our leader should be culturally curious and open-minded, an excellent listener and one who can build bridges both within and beyond our walls. We need to ensure that all our clergy and staff are supported and cared for, so that they in turn can fully serve the Cathedral community, in a permanent cycle of pastoral care for one another.

The Responses

The survey results are presented below. To read the long-answer responses, please scroll down.

English-Language Survey Results

Résultats de l'enquête en français

Presented below are the compiled answers to the open-ended questions. These are raw responses, edited to preserve anonymity.

La première fois que j'ai assisté à un service en ligne, c'était quelques jours après la seconde tuerie, en mai—le doyen Timothy Safford a pleuré pendant le sermon, et j'ai été profondément touchée par cet événement
Bible studies
I was blessed to know Dean Leo, Deacon Joanne Dauphin, and many parishioners dear to me, and launched a project to restore or rebuild the organ at the American Cathedral. In 1989, I played a service for President George H. W. Bush. On Wednesday, October 19, 1994 I gave a concert for Les Arts George V which entirely benefitted the organ restoration fund. The American Cathedral is very precious to me. I am very glad that the organ project will soon be actualized.
L’émotion ressentie à chaque office
L’implication des fidèles à la procession de la Fête des Rameaux—Pageant, reconstitution historiquesublime chorale
"Expériences collectives marquantes: Les offices de "Christmas Lessons & Carols"
Les offices de la semaine sainte
L'organisation le 06 mars 2022 d'un office de prières pour l'Ukraine avec la présence de musiciens ukrainiens
Un dîner partagé avec des jeunes pris en charge par l'association Le Refuge
Un échange suivi d'une prière avec un prêtre de la Cathédrale suite à un évènement personnel douloureux
Being invited to join and serve within various Guilds and associations—finding spiritual meaning, intertwined with an intellectual stimulation, meditation and yoga, as well as delightful camaraderie with other parishioners
Quand j'ai eu mon premier appart en 2006 j'ai demandé au R.P. Jonathan de venir le bénir, et après à ma demande l'évêque Pierre a béni ok les crucifix que j'ai mis dans l'appart. Puis j'ai subi une intervention chirurgicale, le père Jonathan est venu m'apporter la communion à l'hôpital. Pour un membre, ces marques d'attentions sont très importantes.
Partage de la soupe et de la Parole durant la période du Carême
Voyage pèlerinage au Liban
Participation aux activités des cultes (Lecture)
Faire partie du groupe des bénévoles (pour les activités humanitaires, et aussi pour l'accueil)
Spending time talking with others, participating in Sunday School, doing First Communion with our son, the Christmas pageant (very important!), the Easter egg hunt, Halloween, MUSIC!
When I returned to the Cathedral after being away for a year or two and was greeted with "Welcome home!" That is what it felt like, what it feels like. Always my spiritual home.
I visited years ago as a tourist. Business then brought me often to Paris and I returned many times. I live in San Francisco where I am a pledging member and regular attendee at Grace Cathedral. I was so moved by Dean Laird’s online pivot (incl. Compline!) during COVID that I joined the online Cathedral community earlier this year. I love the Cathedral’s online services and other offerings and attend as many as I can.
Singing in the choir is my preferred form of worship and provides profound connections. Sandwich Ministry provides a strong sense of service (doing Christ's work in the world).
I appreciate being called on to use my capabilities in other volunteer work I do with the Cathedral.
In addition to being at the Cathedral for services the zoom bible studies during covid were not only a spiritual gift but an opportunity to get to know others from the cathedral. I also was glad to have the opportunity to participate in the sandwich ministry. the Jazz vesper and music in general. Canon Katz is a gift!
I am new to the Cathedral, and what initially drew me here was the beauty of the physical space, the exquisite music, and of course the liturgy, which is why I came to the Episcopal church years ago after having grown up in another protestant denomination. But what I find the most meaningful, and what keeps me coming back, is the warm reception and personal welcome I receive every time I come to worship. To me, that hospitality is key--it embodies the gospel message of invitation to a life in Christ, and without it, there's no church. I'm looking forward to becoming more involved in volunteer opportunities.
Serving on the Vestry
Sermons are usually very good and a great means of learning to deepen my Christian faith
When I was in difficulty, the Canon (Jonathan Huyck) reached out to me and came to where I was. He and Dean Fleetwood made a huge difference in my faith journey.
Too many to mention.
Prayer support during illness.
Music
Helping out in the sandwich ministry.
Meeting people from all backgrounds and many countries, being welcomed to participate wherever possible in various cathedral activities, and the wonderful music of choir and organ
Intentional, dignified liturgy with music
Parish community enriched with many guests
Communion; Zoom during the lockdowns or various in person meetings such as Bible Studies etc., Forum…
Powerful Good Friday service and vigil.
Fellowship in choir is great, esp. as an inter-generational social group.
Although I live in the States, I consider the Cathedral my church home. I began my involvement in the late 1990s, worshiping and then gradually becoming very involved (stewardship, Sunday school, vestry, etc.). All the experiences have been among the most meaningful of my life. Beautiful worship and music in a beautiful space. Truly, I remember more meaningful experiences in person than I can relate in this space. And, most recently, the Holy Week services I watched online were incredibly moving and emotional.
As a eucharistic minister for a number of years, I had the privilege of serving the sacred elements to my fellow parishioners. It was a joy to communicate with them individually as they knelt to receive the sacrament. I felt drawn into their vulnerability, their hope, their trust. I didn't have access to any of the details that led them to come forward to receive, but I knew that for a moment I was in the sacred place where they were receiving the love of God in hope and thankfulness.
Teaching at Sunday school 40-odd years ago where I met two of my closest friends
Laying on of hands for healing. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday vigil. Christmas Eve and Easter services. Activities about racial healing, such as Color Me Human.
Worship and Eucharist
Dean Lucinda Laird's beautifully profound sermons.
Now that I volunteer as an adult acolyte, I feel much more involved in the fellowship of the church. I'm getting to know individuals.
The first time Zach Fleetwood said everyone was welcome to Communion.
Worshiping in person with my family, my children participating in the service, the fabulous music and sermons.
It’s my spiritual home. My mother was raised as Episcopalian, and her mother’s side. I feel connected via this. I also feel attracted to the Episcopalian Church in general. And to The American Cathedral the feeling is profound. The Amcath has a good location. The Amcath is to me the Church for the whole of Europe.
American (USA) spiritual education for my 3 daughters.
A welcome when visiting Paris
Grandchildren’s baptism, my husband’s funeral service, many sermons
Meeting and spending time with friends. Personal discussions with Canon Mary.
We are only in Paris a few months a year but we attend regularly when on site. We became MORE connected online during Covid and we got more involved during our annual stay in Paris last fall... We love the Adult Formation and the Jazz Vespers as well as the compelling sermons.
Consecration of Bishop Edington with the Presiding Bishop Curry preaching.
Attending the first gay marriage ceremony at the Cathedral, being part of the choir community for decades, speaking with clergy about personal problems
The welcome we felt the first time we visited over 20 years ago.
Quality sermons; music during services; Good Friday and Easter vigil services; involvement in mission and outreach; pilgrimages to the holy land.
I found out that my relative was in need of emergency surgery in the US and I was getting on the next plane (on a Sunday morning) to be with my sister and her family. I texted Dean Lucinda to let her know what was going on, and after receiving the text, she immediately went into the Sunday Forum and had the entire group pray for our family. In all my years of being an Episcopalian, I have never had a priest stop what folks were doing in order to pray for someone in need. Hearing about what she did was very moving, and I knew that my family and I were loved and cared for as family at the American Cathedral.
Evensong.
Volunteering at Friday lunches for those in need; on rota to staff front desk; junior guild activities; currently online events while not in Paris.
My daughter's involvement (acolyte, Rite 13, etc. etc.)
We’ve lived in Paris several times since 1975 for up to 3 years at a time. Involved in many activities- choir, PCS, kneeler project, rummage, Sunday school, reception desk; one child baptized and one confirmed there. It’s our home away from home when in Paris, which now is less frequent since retirement.
Opportunities for fellowship are always appreciated—dinners organized at parishioners' homes to welcome Dean Laird; wine-tasting in the nave; reception for volunteers at the Deanery (under Dean Fleetwood); making advent wreaths with other families ...
Youth pilgrimages—the journey to adulthood program was very beneficial for my children, culminating in pilgrimages with great youth leaders followed by a moving Confirmation ceremony
Listening to the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's sermon at the Cathedral (and experiencing his energy and unique preaching style)
The services, music, hymns, and sermons leading up to Easter.
As a member from 1989-2008, volunteering, worshiping, and participating as a soloist in the choir and as a board member of LAGV gave much meaning to my life. I loved the St Anne’s Guild and held several leadership positions, including president. That group of women and our monthly luncheons with humanitarian speakers stands out the most in my memories, I was also a vestry member.
The American Cathedral has played an integral role in our family life. I met my (now ex) husband there when I was a student playing the organ, and he sang in the choir. We were married at the Cathedral and were extensively involved in the music program. My children were baptized there, and participated in children’s programs. A memorial was held for one daughter who passed away at a young age. My other daughter was married at the Cathedral and sings in the choir. Her children were baptized there also. As the cycle of life continues, I hope the Cathedral will continue to play an important role in the lives of our family.
Social events on Epiphany or Mardi Gras or other days when my family can mix with people of all ages and backgrounds in a joyful atmosphere.
There are many: singing in the choir; serving communion; serving on committees; serving on the vestry in the past; feeling of community.
Fellowship with other parishioner
Music
Sermons
I was "volunteered" to teach Sunday school and despite my misgivings it was the most wonderful experience.
Sermons, forums, clergy and lay people: Realization of the great breadth in interpreting scripture and finding meaning relevant to our contemporary lives, in a post-Christian secular world.
The baptisms of my two children, teaching Sunday School
Attending a small group event in the Dean’s residence and getting to know each person's background, thoughts, and their experiences with the church. This small group sharing really helped to establish deeper and long-term relationships with members of our church community.
I am a member of All-Saints in Pasadena, CA. I loved the jazz vespers at the Cathedral. And I loved the warm welcome I received there.
Forum, volunteering, coffee hour.
I find that our gathering, in person or online, moves me into a deep place in my faith and deeper connection to others. It is a joy.
I love the Cathedral for following a traditional form of worship, close to the Catholic mass, with beautiful music, while simultaneously being socially progressive and open to the modern world. The mix of tradition, and open, diverse community is what I value the most.
Serving as an usher at Christmas
I have been here a long time ... baptism of children, teaching Sunday School, installation of a bishop and several deans, weddings, funerals. Children in Church. September 11 and the year that followed. Serving communion. Seeing the youth start lectoring. I think all of these things have in common the fact that community was involved, and helping people to grow or to move through important events together.
The exhilarating music has inspired me on many occasions both in person and online. Zach’s and Lucinda’s and Canon Nat’s sermons have encouraged and enlightened me. The physical beauty of the building, the chapel, and the liturgy nourish me. The warm fellowship and welcome first brought me and my family in, to stay!
One of my most meaning experiences was seeing Dean Lucinda and Canon Liz, or Dean Lucinda and Canon Mary co-celebrate the Eucharist. I grew up in a denomination where women could not serve at the altar and seeing two women celebrate with no need for any other authority, moved me to tears more than once. It has also touched me deeply to hear inclusive language in the services at the Cathedral (our mothers and fathers, "God" instead of "he", etc.). It makes me feel like I am as fully a part of the body of Christ as my brothers in Christ.
Meeting members of the Cathedral and newcomers.
For one year I sang with the chorus.
Baptism
Getting married in the Cathedral
Choral evensong. Sunday forums.
Laying on of hands, meeting like-minded people, shared practises for Lent, space for meditation and yoga and learning more about mind/body/spirit connection, listening to Allegri’s Miserere at services during Lent.
We were there for Dean Fleetwood's last service and for Dean Laird's first! Also for celebrations with Bishop Pierre Whalon. We are very active in our Episcopal church in the US, but this is our home away from home church.
People actually want to know your name. It’s quite simple. They care enough to want to know who you are.
Listening to the organ and the choir, the reverence for all things sacred, appreciating how the music and sermon support the scriptures, the careful attention to detail
Choral evensong, jazz vespers, choir concerts, lessons and carols, easter Sunday, Christmas services. participating in the Flower Guild.
My first time at the cathedral I will never forget how much it felt like being home in a figurative and literal sense. The center of welcome, the positive attitude, the beauty, the music, everything came together to create an experience that is recreated every time I go.
I think calling the past two deans stands out. In both cases, the Spirit told us who the right person was and it was so clear afterward that they were the right choices.
With the Sunday School
1983-2012 Paris resident attending services, 2 Times vestry member, outreach, canvassing. Retired and living south of Paris, I participated in daily morning prayer on Facebook during lockdown. Today's noontime prayer does not work with my daily devotions. I am used to two readings + psalm.
When I attend the Holy Eucharist and then the social time afterwards, getting acquainted with Parisians and with visitors from other countries.
Discovering the community offered by the choirs and also by leading the 20s/30s ministry.
Watching my children grow up in the Episcopal church. Seeing them baptized and doing Rite 13.
Worship experiences: especially festival liturgies. Those liturgies when everything "clicks" as if the Holy Spirit is truly descending to breathe on us and through us.
My daughter being baptized by the Bishop
Community/Spirituality
Serving Communion for first time
Serving communion again after Covid
Holy Week services
Nov 1st mass for the dead
baptism and confirmation of my children and grandchildren
Being brought together with 2 people who are less advantaged than I and many others. I can quietly help them in addition to giving to the Cathedral in both time and financially. Without the Cathedral I would not have met these individuals who give me so much in return. Each interaction brings smiles to both our faces.
Attending with my family. Seeing my children grow up in the Sunday school and youth programs.
Helping or welcoming outsiders, newcomers or visitors when they come to the Cathedral; it is at these times when I feel most a sense of belonging to and being a representative of not only the Cathedral, but our Christian community.
The beauty of liturgy combined with real inclusivity makes the cathedral truly unique. As a French person with a Roman Catholic background, this was at first very surprising to me. In France, RC churches where liturgy "matters" are usually very, very conservative and not progressive / inclusive at all.
Serving as communion minister, outreach, including volunteering, welcoming others, discerning together with others, special services for LGBTQ, refugees, peace, and more
Love in a Box was very important to me. I worked very hard for several years. With Covid Lucinda saw the opportunity to get all those boxes out of the sanctuary and eventually have a Christmas giving program managed just by the Cathedral. She did the same with Friday Mission Lunch.
I love working with the children’s Christmas Pageant and have for many years. The youngster’s Sunday School is a pleasure for me too.
I love the Cathedral but the politics of the last few years have soured me. I keep coming for the community and the music.
Sitting in the ancient pews surrounded by the architectural beauty of the church and participating in the liturgy connects me to the past and present every time I attend church there.
My participation in the Mission Francophone
Most meaningful experience at the Cathedral has been singing in the choir
Music and the beautiful singing of the choir.
Confirmation of children
The traditional worship services tops my list; however, other experiences approaches per leadership, though perhaps less well-defined and/or more difficult to categorize, are equally meaningful in their own way. For example, my belief, which is hardly doctrine, is that open communion is consistent with our Lord's intent about knowing him and each other. The sermons always provide food for thought. Volunteering with the Sandwich Ministry also is meaningful. How much, "meaning," equates with service or fulfillment, or is simply a subjective term that has only individual importance deserves some thought.
Rite 13 with one of my kids. Discussions on events of today with other parishioners. Sandwich ministry
Volunteering to help those in need; involving all the children of the church of all ages, in all aspects of the church community
Continuity/the timelessness of our space and worship
Hadn't really thought about it, but perhaps outreach to the growing American expat community.
As an online worshiper with you I ask that you continue your online ministry. I realize that it’s costly but I hope you also realize the impact you are having around the world with your outreach to all of us who do not live in Paris however much we wish we could!!
Ministry to Refugees and other people at risk. Our community has the means and talents to undertake more than just an occasional cash donation or gift packages. There are ways we can provide assistance to people seeking networks for finding work, finding housing; we already provide food assistance via the Sandwich Ministry, but we could make a greater difference to people who are truly at risk.
We could also work to develop dialogue skills (perhaps at first among parishioners, but if we found a good model we could offer it to the Convocation and beyond) for constructive conversations between people who hold different views on 'hot' political subjects (abortion, gay rights, gun control....). This would be particularly appropriate coming from a Cathedral with an American identity, given the terrible loss of constructive dialogue in our own country. Developing this skill set seems more important than taking public stands on particular issues.
Enhance our celebration of children within our community and during worship services: promenading the newly baptized down the center aisle (we used to do this!), bringing the Sunday School children into the service in a more deliberate and prominent way, creating a space within the nave where families with small children feel relaxed and welcome to make a little sound, be a little squirmy, but still feel included.
Shift our mindset out of complacency and into proaction.
Mission and Outreach, Music
Creation Care around climate Change in large and small ways through making the connection to God's creation...to our baptismal covenant, prayer, sermons and "greening" the cathedral to reduce CO2, reducing use of plastic.
Making sure the welcoming table is functioning.
International community of Paris
Stronger pastoral inreach.Stronger and more active commitment to justice and support for the poor/marginalized in the wider community.
Growing the local congregation
Enhanced foreign missions especially in the Middle East
Pilgrimages to connect w God's creation
LGBTQ+, reconciliation, Mission and Outreach
Ministry with francophones
Mission Episcopal de la Résurrection, Online services
Francophone ministry
Programmes that will attract children and youth.
Group meetings (by Zoom or in person) ; Bible Studies ; Noonday Prayer ; weekday Eucharist…
More outreach to the larger Paris community incld. as a tourist destination. Would love to see the Cathedral community become less clique-y and really practice a thorough welcome.
As I am currently an online parishioner and Friend, I see great potential in expanding awareness of the Cathedral's offerings and mission through getting the word out about the spectacular online services. From what I understand of the current ministries led by such dedicated volunteers, I would say keep doing what you are doing!
Greater intentionality in all of our Paris-based ministries to draw our secular counterparts into communion with the Cathedral community. We have something of the highest value to share with them.
Outreach to the Ukraine refugee population in Paris.
Children and youth ministry
Beloved Community/racial healing
French language services, music, online
Exhibitions
Inter-faith work with other churches/synagogues/mosques in Paris
Refugees, victims of war (Ukraine, where our response has been pathetic)
Work with Christians in the Middle East—Ramallah, West Bank
Outreach to elderly and homebound persons, continue to expand and grow our youth ministries. The youth are the future of our cathedral.
More systematic welcome of newcomers
Refugees
I am thinking out of the box. It would be wonderful if there could be a traveling priest who could cover the whole of Europe or smaller parts thereof, where the Church could borrow a Church facility to hold an Episcopalian Church Service. Honestly I would prefer coming to The American Cathedral in Paris though.
Sunday School, Young Parents (20s-30s group)
Prayer and meditation groups, especially on the future of the Christian faith, youth groups
All of the above
Opportunity for mixed race groups to deal with difficult racial issues.
Working more closely with the Consortium.
Sharing our English language skills with refugees and others who might need English to succeed.
Mission and outreach in the local community
I feel that we are called to expand the work of the Mission and Outreach association with refugees and those in need. I also feel that we need to train our parishioners in how to be welcoming to all who come through the doors at our Cathedral so that everyone feels that they belong.
Refugee and migrant ministries; LGBTQ ministries.
Welcoming newcomers or returning p/t congregants each Sunday, a top need. Difficult to initiate a conversation, as all crowd around the coffee table.
At each service, need ways to initiate contact with new folks and perhaps to have new ones meet one another, immediately after service. A short gather round with greeter, then onto coffee hour? Invitation to a specified newt gathering, just to meet and hear about connecting with church community. Later meetings with clergy useful but a later initiative.
Having lunch volunteers, junior guild, and at others at the ready key. This intentional initiation years ago succeeded in spite of feeling invisible at coffee hour long afterwards.
All except online... don't know what mission Episcopale is, but not an enticing name.
Welcoming newcomers—helping foreigners navigate life in France and become comfortable with our church.
A Pastoral Care Service is top priority on my list.
Refugee Support Program
Truth and reconciliation; Love and Justice for all; Outreach to our online audience; Fundraising
Homelessness
Providing a daytime space for refugees in a pewless nave.
Efforts to reduce social isolation in our parish and community.
Improve the economic, social and racial diversity of our Parish
Outreach and service to unhoused people and people experiencing economic insecurity. and a true and robust adult formation program
Education and mentoring programs for underprivileged children and refugees. Also a better connection with the elderly community similar to a friendship program.
Helping the homeless. Women's rights. Continue your openness.
Outreach to the French community
Helping people to discern what God calls them to be, to do… Healing ministry for people who are lost or hurt…
Enhanced music and more engaged clergy
I believe we should focus on refugees and the homeless
Refugees
There needs to be more focus on those who are not included in the “in crowd” at the cathedral. There needs to be a focus away from the needs of those who have been there for a long time to the current needs to the cathedral.
See Q7: most of them aren’t fulfilled at the cathedral right now
Our outreach to the French community is important (ministering to "damaged Catholics"). I could imagine somehow doing things with other Anglican or Protestant churches. I think the work we do around major holidays, which brings new people or "twice-a-year" church goers, is critical. Any way to develop that (including bringing back in-church packaging of Love in a Box) would be positive.
The yoga ministry has been positive—it would be a lovely way to get both familiar and new people into the Cathedral space.
Personally I would be interested in doing something around literacy, but we would have to think about how that would be appropriate for the Cathedral.
Connecting life/work at the cathedral with sustainable living and agriculture thru urban gardening.
(Continue) Music ministry; online services, outreach and ministry to immigrants and LGBTQ+
Outreach to French people who have fallen away from the church because they only know the conservative catholic church, more ecumenical and interfaith collaboration in Paris/Europe, outreach to LGBTQ+ people,
Online offerings.
Bring back Love in a Box please and also Mission Lunch : shared initiative with other faiths. More to welcome refugees (as happens in Rome) and make the cathedral more accessible to lower income families locally
Please continue to be welcoming to all people.
Continue the above
Knitting group, flower guild. LAGV
Begin and broaden existing ministries to aide refugees and the homeless to integrate into active participation in society. This could include language programs, job coaching, legal aide in obtaining French residency, liaison with city government, as well as fellowship, artistic and entertainment activities. I would also support ministries that help women in need, as well as the handicapped.
Address racism in France
Mission Épiscopale
Daily online morning prayer
Reaching out to, and helping refugees from countries which are suffering from violence and social upheaval.
The 20s/30s group are coming to an age where they will gradually play a greater role in the cathedral. I think we can do more to support those moving to Paris or passing through—it can be hard to break in.
I feel that we should further develop local ministries like the sandwich ministry.
Mission de le Résurrection
Knitting group
Intergenerational programs
Ministries of inclusion—French, welcoming of all, other ecumenical ties
Welcoming online and newcomer parishioners.
Mission Episcopale de la Résurrection, Sandwich Ministry and other outreach programs in the local area, the renovation of the organ and the further development of the music ministry, as well as the offering of more targeted Bible studies.
Although the Lambda group no longer exists, I think we must make sure that the LGBT ministry remains a preoccupation of the parish as a whole. I think the French speaking ministry should also keep growing.
Greater outreach to the local Francophone community, anchoring in place
Strengthening LGBTQ
Outreach to refugees
Music
LIAB working with other groups as before. Friday Mission Lunch…again working with other churches to run the successful mission we had before.
Francophone ministries
The mission of the church is to share the gospel and to provide a place where people can connect with and grow in their relationship with God. As such I think the main thing we are called to do is to be a welcoming place for that.
No comment.
More local outreach. It’s hard to coordinate, but it is important work.
I think that most of the ministries exist already, though the cathedral's parishioners, members, and regular attendees may not know what the cathedral and its staff do behind the scenes. To some, the cathedral simply may be a beautiful space to enjoy at whatever level. The worship services and coffee hour are well-known to all; however, I do not think that some of the other activities of the cathedral enjoy the same attention.
Prayer
L'offre en ligne et la Mission francophone—en particulier l'offre en ligne de la mission, qui ne bénéficie pas des mêmes outils technologiques que les services du dimanche en anglais. La Cathédrale est un lieu international, et avec l'avènement des rediffusions, elle a un rayonnement qui dépasse largement la communauté anglophone de Paris
Outreach to French people. Pour faire mieux connaître l'Eglise Épiscopale : journée porte ouvertes, rencontres œcuméniques.
A quality music program and the various cultural activities at the Cathedral remain essential to welcoming people, to revitalizing their spiritual lives and set a standard for the entire diocese in Europe. Benefit concerts should be given to support and to benefit the numerous activities in the Cathedral.
Poursuivre les séances de jazz en donnant une opportunité à ceux ou celles qui veulent y participer parmi les fidèles
Refugees, Meditation and Yoga
Cours biblique pour adulte—communiquer d'avantage sur ce qu'est l'église épiscopale anglicane—mettre en place des échanges de pratique de langues (anglais/français et autres)
Globalement "aller vers l'autre" : présence aumônerie de l'hôpital George Pompidou ou à la prison de la Santé (à Paris)...
Former et Animer des groupes de prière ou de formation à l'extérieur des murs de la cathédrale (en bilingue)
Exister se faire connaître dans le paysage médiatique en participant aux émissions radio, TV, web existantes et en particulier lors de l'Avent, du Carême, Pâques...
Développer des relations de "terrain" (via internet partager des temps de prière et d'études...) avec les autres dénominations
Développer: Mission Épiscopale de la Résurrection ; Children and Youth Ministry ; Sandwich Ministry ; LGBTQ+
Initier: Un programme d'appui en faveur des personnes âgées (axé sur des visites et de l'écoute).
Weekday Eucharist
Sunday evening service as it was at the time of Canon Liz
More moments for meditation following the word and sermons and prayers. Meditation as a practice is more front and center.
I know Noonday Prayer is now in person only so I will miss that. As much online connection as you can offer is very much appreciated.
Walk the newly baptized up the aisle to be greeted
Set up an altar in the nave where we could kneel all the way around the Lord's table for the eucharist.
More social events such as the Cabaret nights, or parish-wide potluck suppers for greater fellowship.
Taizé chant at noonday prayer
A formal hospitality ministry with a large team of people trained in how to run a reception at the Cathedral so that we could enjoy more community-building, convivial events without burning a tiny group of parishioners out.
Occasionally one based on creation care
I'm not sure if the Cathedral has offered Taizé services in the past, but if not, I would really appreciate it.
Pride month inclusive service, TDOR, Way of Love
Ecumenical and/or join services with others
Weekday Eucharists
Taizé from time to time
Weekday Eucharists (maybe bilingual)
More programming/specific outreach for the queer community. More inter-generational social programming.
I don't think so, but, again, I am an online parishioner these days. Someday I will be back!
I used to go every week to the 9 o'clock service before confinement.
Laying on of hands for healing
Exhibitions
What happened to the Meditation Mass at 6 PM on Sundays? Or the intimate 9 AM service on Sundays? I would like to see these reinstated.
I would also like to see more outreach
To teach parishioners how to utilize and benefits of the prayer book, laying on of hands, confirmation of youth, returning to have Eucharist at the main alter
Weekday (Wednesday) Eucharist
I would like to become a member of the Episcopalian Church. Is online possible, or partial parts of preparation possible?
Interfaith meetings (Muslim, Jewish, catholic in particular
Perhaps Taizé
Taizé.
Je ne connaissais pas l'eucharistie, offerte le samedi soir- merci bien.
Les forums le dimanche matin vers 9h à continuer.
Opportunities to interact regularly with other congregations foreign, French, all faiths: programs?
I really liked the 6pm Sun, until it got all gongy and new age-y.
Bilingual service at 11 on Sunday (along with bilingual Sunday school and youth group)
At one point we had morning prayer + eucharist one Sunday a month, and I thought that was a lovely way to preserve our Anglican/Episcopal religious heritage.
Young Couples Group
Somehow ritualizing "liturgies" including ecumenical, interfaith, and even integration of secular non-believers—affirmation of common values, and things held sacred.
More silent time before and after Confession and Absolution.
Evening prayer so that more people can attend a weekday service
Whoever you are and wherever you are in your journey of faith….
Organize informal lunch parties after coffee hour (parishioners could bring food that could be shared amongst all).
I am very content with the liturgical practice as it is.
I’d like to see the 6pm Sunday-style service reinstalled.
Bible study, local home groups
I think we need to think about our resources. I think it would be good to work on developing all the great things we have implemented recently.
Taizé worship
Children's services that are accessible to younger children (children's sermons, elements of Godly play, music for children, shorter or differently organized liturgies for more accessibility), an area in the nave specifically for children and families during the Sunday service (preferably not in the back so children can see what's going on in the service).
I would like a rite 1 service.
Offering Eucharist to members that are unable to come to services in person because of illness and failure in health.
Please bring back meditation
Would like meditation to return
I would like for there to be more pauses integrated into the worship service—it moves very quickly, and there is no time to reflect.
Taking liturgy to members that are unable to attend the services.
Daily online morning prayer
I think there is space for more creative liturgy—perhaps done in different settings or using texts from different parts of the communion. I often find intercessions are rushed and/or lack time.
Meditation
I believe there is more intergenerational concern and activities.
More educational opportunities.
Holding some regular Taizé-style prayers might be a great way to reach out to French Catholics / Protestants, and thereby to increase the Cathedral's visibility and role as an ecumenical gateway between Catholicism and Protestantism
In-reach to potentially help those among us who are in precarious situations, such as refugee or undocumented parishioners who are active in the cathedral, or those living on the edge financially.
Study groups in French
Adult Bible study led by... "Book club-style" study. Put the 10h00 Sunday Forum so that it is accessible to all who wish to view and learn from it. (I think that the Forum may have small audience due to both production and viewer logistics.)
Centering prayer
L'offre en ligne et la Mission francophone—en particulier l'offre en ligne de la mission, qui ne bénéficie pas des mêmes outils technologiques que les services du dimanche en anglais. La Cathédrale est un lieu international, et avec l'avènement des rediffusions, elle a un rayonnement qui dépasse largement la communauté anglophone de Paris
Outreach to French people. Pour faire mieux connaître l'Eglise Épiscopale : journée porte ouvertes, rencontres œcuméniques.
A quality music program and the various cultural activities at the Cathedral remain essential to welcoming people, to revitalizing their spiritual lives and setting a standard for the entire diocese in Europe. Benefit concerts should be given to support and to benefit the numerous activities in the Cathedral.
Poursuivre les séances de jazz en donnant une opportunité à ceux ou celles qui veulent y participer parmi les fidèles
Refugees, Meditation and Yoga
Cours biblique pour adulte—communiquer d'avantage sur ce qu'est l'église épiscopale anglicane—mettre en place des échanges de pratique de langues (anglais/français et autres)
Globalement "aller vers l'autre" : présence aumônerie de l'hôpital George Pompidou ou à la prison de la Santé (à Paris)...
Former et Animer des groupes de prière ou de formation à l'extérieur des murs de la cathédrale (en bilingue)
Exister se faire connaître dans le paysage médiatique en participant aux émissions radio, TV, web existants et en particulier lors de l'Avent, du Carême, Pâques...
Développer des relations de ""terrain"" (via internet partager des temps de prière et d’études...) avec les autres dénominations
Développer: Mission Épiscopale de la Résurrection ; Children and Youth Ministry ; Sandwich Ministry ; LGBTQ+
Initier: Un programme d'appui en faveur des personnes âgées (axé sur des visites et de l'écoute).
The Sunday 11h service is too long. It should not be more than one hour. We need to have time for fellowship after the service. The communion process should be managed in a way that it is more efficient. This is possible, I have seen it, but not at our cathedral.
None that I know of
No
NA
No
Mission épiscopale francophone de la Résurrection
No, keep doing it all!
Sandwich Ministry and Mission Lunch do not meet the needs of the people who need it the most. We should go out to the areas—brown bags in hand—to give to those in dire straits in other parts of Paris.
I am wondering about rite 13 when we have several youth who do not wish to participate, we need to implement youth retreats.
No
No
No
No
I really don’t like that we advertise (particularly via banners on the church) that we have “All inclusive LGBT services.” I say that being a gay member of the community. We should promote our services as being all-inclusive, no matter what the color of your skin, your sexuality, ethnicity
Please stop mixing support for politically based groupings of people (BLM, LGBT, etc.) with our Christian values and beliefs. You are potentially going to lose members who don’t adhere to those politics, yet consider themselves to be anti-racist and non-homophobic.
Not that I can think of at the moment.
Blessing of the animals seems quite pagan.
Weekday noonday prayer
No. Continue your mission❤️
Don’t know.
No
Announcements are too long
Practice: anything involving celebrating war/veterans etc. as the cathedral is moving on from being a place of socialization for Americans in Paris to a local faith community.
I think the covid period has allowed us to hone our offering.
I don't know
In reach.
Make it less about each different demographic group, but inclusive of the whole, a la "one holy catholic" church. I don't need to be described as a "white straight" Episcopalian, why should others need to be X-Episcopalian. I think it detracts from the whole to be split into several parts.
I like all of the practices and liturgies that you currently use. I am a traditional worshipper, and I do not identify with the rock ‘n’ roll type of worship at all.
A small note: The practice of commending the congregation to live well because "life is short," is a bit unsettling for an older parishioner, as one knows that it's all too true.
Is the 9 a.m. service really useful? What if that become the service for the mission francophone
No.
No.
No.
N/A
No, each has its place
No.
No comment for the time being.
Shorter service is appreciated where possible
A varied liturgy in a parish indicates its vitality and willingness to touch the lives of its various parishioners.
Aucune
Je n'en ai aucune idée
Aucune
RAS
Togetherness, making the worship/faith world relevant to our kids, sharing our faith together in community
The traditional worship with music and Eucharist
Being accepted as I am on my spiritual journey
Open table/Eucharist, musical liturgy and intelligent sermons.
Communion and music
Music liturgy
Communal prayer
Time for reflection, introspection, and personal prayer
Sermons that challenge me personally in my daily life, prayer and music
Music, traditional liturgy, communal responses, the Mass
Congressional prayer
Communion.
Singing hymns.
Sermons that relate to real life.
The Eucharist, the music, the homily
The Eucharist and the music
Sermon and music
Eucharist, music, worshiping together
Communion
"Corporate" prayers/music
Liturgy, Music, Homilies
Songs, sermon and Eucharist and praying for others.
Our being together in giving and receiving
Music, prayer, communion big and little "c"
Eucharist, communion as offered by the Episcopal Church. It’s a landmark.
Music, sermon, guest preachers.
Attention to liturgy, singing, hymns,
Music
Corporate participation in singing and praying
Sermons
Prayer
Music, sermon, Eucharist
Inclusion, communion for all, readings in English and French
The liturgy
Kneeling to pray, Eucharist at the alter
Anglican liturgy, Eucharist, sermons, high quality liturgical music
Historic and Linguistic Cultural Excellence
Sunday worship
Music
Sermon by Bishop Mark
Music and sermons
Sermon and music
Eucharist.
In person Sunday services; weekly Eucharist; all of the music.
Open communion is very important to me. While we are Episcopalian, we are first and foremost Christians. And Jesus never stopped anyone from coming to him. We shouldn't either.
Inner silence—bercé by our fab choir.
Music, liturgy, and sermons
Music
Sitting together in the pews and taking communion as a family with our kids
Communion, music, sermons
Singing together, taking open communion
Music and a good sermon, a traditional service.
The gorgeous music. It breaks my heart to see so many Episcopal Churches in the US moving toward blended services with both “contemporary” and “traditional” music. As a musician who has participated in many of those services, I can tell you, without a doubt, that everyone ends up unhappy. Please don’t change our musical tradition. If people don’t like it, they should consider finding a different church that has music that is more to their liking.
Hymns
Singing and communion
Forum
The music, the liturgy, the sermon (when it's good)
Sermon and singing of hymns. The music at the Cathedral is definitely one of its strengths.
The Eucharist, communal prayer, communal singing (curiously, more important than simply listening and appreciating the wonderful anthems, sung psalms, etc.), sermon, scripture readings, sermons with poetry!
Music, sermons, dignified broad church liturgy
Sermon, Peace, Communion
Receiving communion, reciting the Nicene creed, hearing the word of God as a community
Walking to the top of the altar for Communion.
Music and inclusivity
Hearing the word of God and its interpretation—to help us to understand what God wants us to do in daily life. To connect the Word of God to our daily life in society at large-
It is all of a piece: welcome, music, including hymns, great, deep sermons, Holy Communion and fellowship. The commitment to quality and grace in all aspects feeds me.
Communion, singing hymns
The service, the music, the deep sermons delivered by educated and reflecting people.
When there are prayers about inclusion
Being able to serve and/or attend the service and know the people who serve (fostering a sense of community and belonging). Communion being offered unconditionally.
Being together. Singing. Sermons. Familiarity combined with some light innovation. Special ceremonies (senior send-off, etc.) The place we grant to both intelligence and emotion.
Contemplation, music, reflection on the Word of God.
The music, sermon, communion
Music, poetry, moments of silence, a thoughtful and intelligent sermon that nourishes me
I enjoy the book of common prayer and singing.
Eucharist
Music, sermons
Sharing Eucharist, including children (and people of all ages in fact) in services
Sharing communion together, the beauty and solemnity of the worship space, the welcoming congregation.
Music
Liturgy, prayer, sermons, music (including prelude and postlude)
All must be done with care and intention, presented with a commitment to quality, realizing that confusion and mistakes are a distraction to worship
Quiet moments of prayer.
Open Table
Communion, prayer, and even now that I'm not overly active in the church, community. I always feel a sense of community when I am there even though it's not often. And that is the principal reason I return.
Music
Daily morning prayer, sung evensong
Hearing the Cathedral choir or a visiting choir sing during the Holy Eucharist or Evensong.
Music is very important. Time for guided personal prayer is also key.
Communion, the sermons and the music.
Ministries
Music sermons Eucharist
Community and meditation that comes from the sermons or prayers.
Communion
The music, communion and the sermons
The quality of sermons and beauty of music.
Eucharist, high quality of music, a good sermon, liturgical practices that honor the glory of our Gothic Revival structure, sharing the peace
Music and a meaningful Sermon.
The music, liturgy, sermons and the aesthetic beauty of the building which provides the setting for these.
Music.
No comment for the time being.
Silence after the readings and sermon, it’s space to take in what has been said.
Scripture reading, the liturgy, communion, and music.
Sermons
Sermon. Communion.
L'inclusivité, l'hospitalité eucharistique et la liturgie traditionnelle épiscopalienne (ornements liturgiques, chœur à 4 voix, orgue)
Les sermons
A beautiful harmonious worship service provides transcendent light, peace and hope to each parishioner.
Sermon, Communion, Prière, Foi
La communion eucharistique
L'Eucharistie
La lecture de l'Evangile
La prière universelle
Le sermon
The sermon and the amazing choir—when I attend (much less since COVID) I enjoy the Eucharist
Les liens de la fraternité et de la confession qui nous lient. Pouvoir entendre et écouter la voix de Dieu à travers l'autre.
Louanges (through songs and Prayer in common)
Le Sermon
La Communion (Eucharistie)
I look to the church for fellowship, to share our faith in community, to reflect on our Christian faith, to sing, to make music, to share our faith with our children and also to learn from our children. The sermons are a wonderful moment of teaching, learning, encouragement.
The respect for the Episcopal/Anglican traditions but allowing space for adaptation of our liturgical style, the inclusion of youth and a variety of voices in the reading of the word and the richness of our musical liturgy all come together for an inspiring and spiritual moment in our worship.
The whole thing is important—the communion doesn't end at the dismissal. The postlude and greeting each other in the sanctuary, the coffee and community afterwards—all are part of the communion of parishioners, so vital to the Cathedral.
A qualified yes to the question above (worship services bring me closer to God)... I often find myself unengaged during the eucharistic prayer and just 'want it to be over'. It is probably the least engaging part of the liturgy for me.
My husband and I met in Paris over 50 years ago. We live in the states and attend church in our town but now retired we come to Paris for several months a year. We love having a "home church" in Paris, one set in a city that is a spiritual bond for us and the cathedral that opens us to inspiring worship and opportunities to connect with people.
Question 20 is not a yes/no question. Sometimes they do. Sometimes not. That is as much to do with me as with anything about the Cathedral.
It an important time for reflection. Very important.
The worship services seem to put a stop block to a personal tendency toward unbelief
It’s an opportunity to switch off from the material world and enter into a different dimension in the presence of God
The structure and beauty of worship services speak to a deep place in the soul.
Nothing better than Holy Communion.
Worship, especially corporate experiences, provides the "fuel" that supports my spiritual journey
The survey was well thought out: I have already said all I meant to say.
During COVID, my Sundays involve watching at least four online services. None come even close in beauty and reverence to the services at the Cathedral in every possible way. I truly feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in that space, even through YouTube!
I do think that the Sunday forums would be enriched by inviting individuals to recount their spiritual journey to faith or to relate their faith to their work or profession, or to tell the story of being a parent longing to pass on their faith to their children.
Many of the adult forums have also helped on my spiritual path.
Worshiping at the Cathedral is a powerful experience for me
I treasure our cathedral history, our pews (nothing is made with solid wood anymore). Let’s bring in historians and menuisiers who can educate us about the importance of keeping what we have. I cherish sitting with my family as well as our kneelers to pray. There are many changes occurring right now, (after taking our feasibility survey) and searching for a new Dean…we need to be careful otherwise I worry we will lose parishioners. We need to prioritize our programs and what changes we’d like to implement. Not all change is positive.
Historic understanding, influence of Christianity...
The mixture of tradition (first class choir, communion service) and stimulating sermons with emphasis on readily applicable advice and guidance
The music is the glue... that holds draws people in and creates a "thin edge" for future engagement.
Strong liturgy and music
I am almost always recentered on living a Christian life and being the best person I can be in all my daily interactions.
The mystery of Holy Communion is a powerful, sacramental experience for me (and many others). I also find that practice of praying the prayers of the people brings me closer to who God wants me to be.
Benefit from social interaction, discussion and outreach to live my faith. « Worship has ended. Service begins » wise reminder by our clergy.
"Much of my spiritual fulfillment is through the music. I usually don’t listen attentively to the lessons being read (to be honest!). I always listen to the Gospel reading. The sermons are usually uplifting, particularly when tied directly to the readings; not when they are related to some experience the priest has had, and how much he learned from that experience. Sometimes the sermons can be too long, and thus lose my interest. Stick to the lessons of the day, and don’t go off on elaborate tangents.
Communion is wonderful. I particularly enjoy the fact that children are welcome to the table. "
All parts of the worship are meaningful to me with singing and communion being the most meaningful. Also sermons but prefer ones that are not too long, prayers, etc.
I like the opportunity for self-reflection. I am a secular humanist and therefore don't believe in anything supernatural.
I was brought up Catholic but disliked the dogma from an early age. The Cathedral was a discovery. The music originally drew me in, then the community; but I ended up loving the liturgy. Coming once a week for years was very good for my mental and spiritual health.
Just for context: the reason that I have not ticked that we attend any services is because we have stopped since Dean Lucinda left.
I would like to see monthly educational series being introduced to the church where we dedicate part of the service to particular topics that relate our member's daily lives by providing guidance to living a healthier and more spiritually fulfilled life.
I need your services, but Covid has affected my attendance. Sorry.
It is comforting. Yet, it does not necessarily help to know how to implement it in my daily life.
I think there is too much of a focus on ritual and not enough on silent contemplation.
I would have liked to say "partially". I need the worship, but I also need education (feeling like a modestly educated churchgoer). And I like to round out worship with more focused spiritual practices (meditation).
I think it is up to the worshiper as to how close to God they are. The church can be an effective facilitator.
All depends on some of the sermons that are preached by the Clergy.
The business of praying and receiving communion together, singing together, bringing people from all walks of life together
Music is balm for the soul, good sermons and the forum are food for the intellect
Following the various seasons of the church when scriptures are read according to the season.
Sundays I attend Mass at the local RC church.
The Cathedral is my spiritual base while in France!
Services allow us the space to interact individually and collectively with God.
Worship services remind me of the importance of spirituality.
A necessary regular practice like prayer reading the Bible and other books
The lessons that come through the sermons and prayers help tie to personal situations to the written and spoken word of God. The music also lifts our prayers higher.
The Episcopal/Anglican liturgy is the basis of who we are as an Episcopal church and this should not be neglected. In fact, classes on the teaching of just what is the Episcopal church and its teachings would be helpful not only to congregants and newcomers from other traditions, but also to those old-timers who may not be up-to-date on the recent evolution of the Episcopal church and current challenges it is facing.
Worship services are a great part of my spiritual life, but I sometimes wish there were other opportunities to pray with fellow parishioners in a regularly-held prayer group.
The liturgy and music make me feel that "God is in His holy temple"
Worship services bring me closer to God no matter how but as a Francophone Episcopalian, I don’t feel fully welcomed at the cathedral.
The music does. The sermon does sometimes :-).
No comment for the time being.
It is one day for me to be closer to God in community with others, but it is not the only way for me.
The worship service, which includes fellow parishioners and ordained clerics alike, reminds me of who I am and whose I am. Christian worship is a collective affair.
This is very variable
J'ai vécu une expérience de violence dans ma communauté d'origine (catholique) et les services de la Cathédrale sont devenus un lieu d'apaisement et de guérison. Je n'habite pas en France, mais grâce à la diffusion en ligne de services d'une grande qualité spirituelle (grâce notamment au caractère très priant de la musique), j'ai pu commencer un chemin de guérison.
Les prédications me touchent personnellement et me donnent matière à grandir spirituellement.I live in the 15th arrondissement and hope to return to the Cathedral this upcoming year.
En entrant dans la cathédrale je me sens très très proche de Dieu avec qui je discute directement !
Dans les moments de doutes, je reçois le message de Dieu à travers les lectures et quelque fois dans les sermons
La qualité des sermons est précieuse
La chorale
J'éprouve un besoin permanent de recueillement, et après chacune de mes participations aux cultes, ou à la Prière de midi (Noon Prayer), je me sens toujours mieux, confiante et sereine, telle une personne ayant accompli sa mission... et cela, quelles que soient les circonstances, reste un besoin vital. Désolée, c'est difficile de bien l'expliquer...
All of them!
Worship
Worship offerings, Music/Cultural programs, Outreach
Music.
For me as an online worshiper it’s the Sunday Eucharist.
Anything to do with music
Hospitality ministries (from receptions to Sandwich Ministry)
We only did the sandwich ministry once but plan to engage upon our return this fall.
Education
Youth, when the kids participate
Outreach/services ministries, pastoral care, inclusivity (LGBTQ+)
Worship; adult forum
Corporate worship with broad involvement, good preaching, and music.
Music, pastoral care
Music, M&O
Online services
Worship; Prayer; Reflection and Education
Music
Welcome and fellowship, all the mission work, education…
I wish I were there to participate in it all!
Since services went online and I moved farther from the Cathedral, so I rarely attend services and activities in person. The online Adult Forum and Sunday worship are the most engaging for me, and to a lesser extent Evensong.
Music, education, worship
Welcome
Sandwich Ministry
(Adult) Education
Lectoring
Must vary a lot with different people
Openness to today’s world and issues, inclusion of newcomers, connection with the local environment
Sandwich Ministries
Liturgy and music
Music for me
Online services
Fellowship activities/events; mission and outreach; welcome committee
The work that the Mission and Outreach association does (Sandwich Ministry, Love In A Box, etc.).
All those checked above
For me, sandwich
Education
Sunday School
Music ministry. Sandwich ministry. General M&O initiatives. Front desk.
Music; Outreach; Worship
10 am forum
I haven't lived in Paris for a few years so I don't feel qualified to judge.
Worship, Adult education
Choirs, sandwich ministry, Sunday school, Love in a Box—these are the most visible and thus engaging but there are others which are equally as important but are behind the scenes
20s and 30s
Sandwich Ministry
Jazz vespers
The welcoming members.
Worship and liturgy, education, Sandwich ministry…
Social gatherings/hospitality
I have been involved in the Sunday School through my children, and I find it a wonderful community that engages and welcomes children and adults alike
Outreach ministries
Sandwich ministry
The ministries that are based off of people’s needs and their abilities to engage: the sandwich ministry (which had more meaning when it was sit down lunches, as it gave more than food to people but also a community and a dignified experience), 20s/30s
Sandwich ministry; Christmas events; yoga; music.
I think ministries as part of worship are also important—communion ministry, ushering, welcoming, and of course Sunday School. These are ""engaging"" in a different way.
Sunday School, LGBTQ ministries when they were happening
Sunday School is the most engaging if that is considered a ministry.
The most engaging in my mind were Love in a Box and Mission Lunch (building interfaith bridges is so important) Sandwich Ministry is also a great idea but to become more meaningful it could go beyond the « usual crowd » who often receive second helpings! There are so many more people in need out there.
Music and social gatherings
Evensong, jazz vespers, Sunday worship
Sunday fora, Love in a Box, Flower guild
Sandwich ministry, which to date is the only service ministry visible to the congregation and easily joined
The sandwich ministry is the most engaging.
Many of our Outreach ministries do wonderful work, like the Sandwich Ministry, but I would like to see us do more to publicize the others.
Pastorale Care
Zoom Bible study
I think the music ministry affects me the most.
Music and some of the social outreach are excellent.
Music, youth education…
Worship welcome fellowship outreach
Youth/Children, Sandwich and other M&O ministries, Francophone mission, 20s/30s seems also to have a very good base.
All are engaging
Youth, Sandwich Ministries, Music
The sandwich ministry and the music ministry
I have found all ministries in which I have participated fulfilling, these include Mission and Outreach (Love in a Box, Sandwich Ministry, HOME and beyond), Lectors, Eucharistic ministers, Sunday School, Ushers, Francophone ministry.
Music
Services
Choir, sandwich ministry, junior guild
M&O
In general, for me, it is the worship service and the opportunity to be part of the Sandwich Ministry.
Don't know
La mission francophone de la Résurrection, qui permet de faire découvrir la tradition anglicane épiscopale à celles et ceux qui, sans cette communauté et la qualité de son engagement en faveur de l'inclusivité, quitteraient probablement le christianisme complètement
Vigile Noël et Pâques … fabuleux !
Cathedral Youth
Sandwich Ministry
Les propositions d'activités pour les enfants et adolescents
Les propositions musicales (concerts, chorale)
Volunteering the Guilds (associations within the Cathedral) truly provide a sense of belonging
Célébrations du samedi et du dimanche
During First Communion and interactions with our children
ALWAYS and in many ways
Always.
Every time I see you all gathered for prayer and worship.
Mainly in the choir, where the music ministry allows me to connect to my spirituality, and the human connections nourish me. Zach is a very caring minister who, while not wearing his faith on his sleeve, keeps the choir grounded in our service as Ministry.
The music touches my spiritual core.
Bonding through zoom bible study and then connecting with people when in Paris.
Approachability of Canon Katz.
The ""artifact table"" in remembrance of people around All Saints.
When friends from church call or invite me for a coffee or just to say hello.
I have felt personally welcomed and cared for when I attend worship services and at coffee hour.
No answers to these questions because my spouse (a non-communicant) and I are pretty self-sufficient. Even the deans and canons I have been fondest of never felt like spiritual advisers.
In sickness and suffering personal loss
Under Dean Fleetwood and Canon Huyck, they would make time proactively in their schedule, and would not forget.
Several times
When the church prayed for my husband when he was very sick.
When I broke my hip
Sometimes I realized afterwards
When I lived in Paris, the clergy and community were always there for us, and I felt that was true for other people as well. I still feel cared for because of the community living far and wide that unites in its love for the Cathedral.
As a student, as a parent at the former 9 o clock service.
During my husband's long illness and after his passing.
When a friend back in the States died, the Dean dedicated the Eucharist to my friend's memory
By some priests and parishioners
When I had a family issue, the Dean put me in touch with the Counseling Center
My wife, a Buddhist, received prayers and hospital visits during a difficult time for her about 30 years ago. It helped her. She, because of me and our children, has participated at the Cathedral for many years, as we do also at the Buddhist Pagoda.
At worship services, when my husband died.
Lucinda's sermon following the attacks of 2015 was magnificent
When meeting one on one with clergy, in the family atmosphere and care shown amongst choir members and from the music staff
When we first visited over 20 years ago. It was a tremendous first impression. We have tried to replicate the welcome we received with visitors to our church back home.
all the time because of my good relationships with the deans, canons, and lots of friends in the congregation.
When interacting with others (guild, front desk crew, outreach opportunities, including earlier outreach to Mesnilmontant (en banlieue/ communauté maghrébine), Friday lunches.
From Canon Liz, from Dean Fleetwood.
Through services, friendships, talking with the Deans and clergy
After being in an accident, and when my husband had cancer.
When interacting with fellow parishioners
When I was experiencing times of deep spiritual confusion, I received transformative pastoral care.
During my mother’s passing.
I felt care and support (for my family, not me in particular) when my grandchild was injured.
During the pandemic with Zoom sessions
Q and A in the Forum
Particularly during the tenures of Deans Leo and Fleetwood
During my two pregnancies during the tenure of John Huyck as the canon
During coffee hour and engagement with small groups during specialty events.
When I attended jazz vespers, people were very welcoming
Spiritual care through the sermons, hospitality at coffee hour und on special occasions...
I think the Cathedral has done a good job during Covid by offering online services, and also more informal meetings. That was very helpful
When fellow parishioners have reached out/lent a hand to me in time of need.
I think the clergy listen well; I also appreciate the solidarity among people in the congregation, though I think it takes time to get "into" the community.
Before the pandemic when visitation was possible.
Visits from the Dean (hospital for birth of grandchild with complications for mother), house and marriage (and divorce!) blessings, LBGTQ retreats, private memorial prayers/service
When Dean Laird came to the hospital to visit me in a time of need. In meetings with Dean Laird and former canon Liz Hendricks when I needed spiritual support. In the laying on of hands by the late Deacon Joanne Dauphin at Cathedral services where laying on of hand was offered. When parishioners or clergy have checked in on me or noticed my absence from church for a while.
I felt care through Sunday School, baptisms, first communions and my marriage to my wife.
When I have had the courage to ask for it.
By the warm, welcoming people we have met and through the sanctity of worship.
During the small group zoom Bible studies, during Sunday worship when Lucinda opened her arms and welcomed everyone (including us)
When I had personal relationship difficulties
When I was in the hospital for three weeks with heart and pneumonia issues.
Every time I go to the cathedral
My husband has a serious disease and I feel the Cathedral Community has been there for us.
I have always felt that I could reach out if I needed to
Whenever I attend a service at the Cathedral.
Through the community of support via the 20s/30s ministry.
When my father died or when I had a medical issue.
In individual conversions with fellow parishioners.
Among the parishioners mostly.
When my husband was hospitalized
At the illness and death of my husband (20+ years ago)
I do feel cared for within the Cathedral, but have heard of others who did not feel cared for or felt favoritism at play.
Lay volunteers are sincere and enthusiastic.
On the death bed of a dear friend and parishioner.
When I have reached out to others.
Under some very difficult personal / family circumstances, Canon Nat was here to support us.
When I volunteered for LIAB and Friday Mission Lunch
When I was able to worship both in English and French and freely navigate between the two at the Francophone mission and coffee hours sometimes.
Every Sunday
When relatives have been sick they are prayed for. When I have been in news I have been prayed for and people have reached out to see how I was doing and to help
Death of my father
Collectively; i.e., as part of the congregation
At confession on Good Friday, I forgot what you call that, and several meetings with priests
During my father’s death, the Cathedral was an incredible source of support for me and my family
Lors de l’accompagnement pour notre mariage
A chaque fois que le célébrant dit à l'assemblée que l'hospitalité eucharistique est offerte à toute personne
Years ago I was going through a difficult emotional period and spoke with a member of the clergy who gave me helpful spiritual and emotional insight—regularly, when clergy are able to interact after services on Sundays, it is very positive!
L’inattendu ! Et lors des visites rendues et le dialogue engagé avec mon fils qui n'en faisait qu'à sa tête.
Par d'autres paroissiens
Talking about removing pews.
Lack of adequate funding for upkeep if historic facilities
Being on my own and being French, I do not feel recognized in spite of my engagement in one or 2 ministries
At times long ago there was a disconnect with the Main Office. Other than that, I have always felt uplifted, not let down.
I had surgery and no member of the clergy reached out to me. We moved back to Paris and no clergy reached out to welcome us, offer to bless our home, for instance. I asked for this, and it was done, but it would be nice to have that welcome outreach. A welcome ministry would be.... welcome!
Long-term hospitalization of a family member (over half a year). Three requests for a visit. None answered.
"When people that I have seen in church for years make no effort to say hello or acknowledge that they have seen me in church for years and could just offer a nod.
The core group seems like they have their places but don’t make much effort to branch out. "
Under former clergy, they would ask to be contacted, otherwise they were too busy and might "forget".
Several times
When tensions/disagreements are present but not appropriately addressed.
I forgot or forgave
Never
When I am not understood, but understanding sometimes takes time to be absorbed.
During confinement when I saw that the French Catholic churches in my neighborhood stayed open. And then when vaccinations and masks were mandatory at the Cathedral and not in other French churches. It seemed cowardly and against Christian teaching, and even at times hypocritical when at communion we would say that all were welcome.
I think the Cathedral needs more focus on racial healing.
When absent
When my children have been included in the pageant when we were first new to the cathedral.
Too much emphasis on sexual orientations. It's better now. They are better integrated without all the special attention.
One priest, more or less created by us, was not oriented on being nice to the Cathedral people, smile, say hello, etc.
Because I am a part time resident in Paris, difficulty in reconnecting with clergy and parishioners when back in France
Never
When individuals seem to disrespect Cathedral leadership, clergy, staff and volunteers, and try to wrest control over certain aspects of the church. Especially when informed by these individuals that they are cutting their pledge to protest leadership decisions, usually proudly. This indicates a confusion about what pledging is about. Overall I find that stewardship is too transactional for many parishioners and that spiritual discussions are needed to ground giving in thanksgiving to God, not to influence how the church should be run.
Never
Rarely.
In working with Love In A Box before Covid, it was difficult to get volunteers to help (though we did have a few who got the work done).
Isolation at Coffee hours.
When a former Dean walked past me as I was crying at All Souls—not one word, not even just a hand on my shoulder and kind look!
Never
When efforts are not recognised by the Dean
Everything surrounding Rev. Haddad leaving.
There was no spiritual care provided whatsoever for two dear friends of mine at the Cathedral, when they needed it most. In fact, I stepped in and provided them with the love and care they needed
As much as I appreciated the Zoom sessions during the pandemic, I feel let down when there is less personal contact once the pandemic has subsided.
Reading the creed every Sunday
During the tenure of a former Dean when I was housebound with a serious illness
My family has felt colossally let down by our church when a former Dean was forced to leave. The way her departure was handled was absolutely disgraceful. It was mean-spirited, unchristian, and cost the cathedral money it doesn’t have to spend. I am not sure that we’re going to be able to get over this and become active members of the congregation once again. This breaks my heart because we have been involved in this parish for 18 years, our two children were baptized here and we have given a lot of our time and heart to this community.
Clergy have been unresponsive or dismissive
It took several years to finally get to start to know people in our church.
I have not, though I have not attended as much as I want to because of Covid.
One feels that one is more recognized when one has a “big bank account”…
Quality of sermons from time to time.
No
There’s a general feeling of an “in-crowd” and outsider which needs to be changed
When the clergy and vestry have been more intent on communicating about the need for money than the specific needs of people in our congregation. For example, there have been instances of hardship in my life that members of the clergy personally knew about, and yet never reached out to me about, but I instead received phone calls regarding my pledge balance in an unfortunate timing. Because there is too little staff for the size of the congregation, we need to form stronger, local bonds with other parishioners to support each other.
Not really left down. But sometimes out of the loop, or surprised by the emphasis given to certain topics.
During the pandemic when visitation lessened.
When the Cathedral did not put effort into ecumenical collaboration with other groups for the inclusive service at Pride and it stopped happening at our church. Eventually, since the cathedral had trouble collaborating with French groups in French and also allocating resources to that collaboration the other LGBT+ faith groups had to look for other places to workshop for inclusive services.
I have not enjoyed political innuendos on the pulpit that assume everyone shares the same politics.
Not
When I attended a couple of drop-in psychology clinic sessions. They were very good but don’t happen any more (as far as I know); it would have been good if, in the course of these drop in sessions there could have been a « do you wish to be contacted by a member of the clergy on staff here » question... then emotional and spiritual boxes could have been ticked
When clergy doesn’t seem to know the names of groups who are contributing to worship, when he preached about the history of the church in a baptism Sunday when there were visitors there with whom he could have connected. We appreciate the delivery style of some clergy, but not others’ wordy, rambling style. We’re disappointed that spiritual communion prayer is no longer included in the spoken service. That was very meaningful for us.
Never
In a competitive environment of the hierarchy of volunteering.
Never
Not so much more, but our welcome, at Coffee Hour and elsewhere, remains abysmal. This hasn't changed in decades despite many efforts. Why?
On one of my trips to Paris, no service was scheduled during the days I was in the city.
During covid, it was hard to break in to the existing groups and newcomers were somewhat forgotten.
Exceptional times, but it takes time to belong here.
Not ever really…
No one really cares as long as keep paying
I have heard of others who did not feel cared for or felt favoritism at play.
Difficulty of seeing the Dean in person.
Casual approach of staff on one occasion with goods brought in to donate (“These would be discarded straightaway, in any case”).
When mission outreach was still meals on site: necessity to serve office staff not present first, before and in front of waiting guests; taking of selfies with the lunch team, once again, before and in front of waiting guests. (The “it’s not about me” moment).
Never
By the politics. The Cathedral Community should be consulted before a principal member of the clergy is fired! We are the ones that pay for these people and yet we had no say in recent decisions.
Clergy has not always been particularly friendly
Not being responded to about offering to volunteer
When I felt cultural insensitivity towards the French, or a very superficial engagement with the Francophone cultures.
A death due to Covid of a family member.
I don't really attend anymore, church doesn't fulfill my spiritual needs anymore.
à aucun moment—étant complètement en dehors de France, je n'ai pas encore eu l'occasion de rencontrer un membre de la Cathédrale. Mais je ne doute pas que si le besoin s'en faisait ressentir, une aide me serait apportée
There have been times when clergy have appeared to be insincere and/or unavailable and at times rude. I understand we are human, however, when it is a repeated occurrence, that is unacceptable in my point of view.
Avec les paroissiens plus âgés ou invalides
Volunteering initiatives like the ones in place. Having a safeguard in place when "undesirable" people want to come to church, while still welcoming them. (We have to be concerned about safety, keeping our kids and parishioners safe, etc., but we still need to welcome a diverse population.)
As I said above, please keep up your online presence. I know it is expensive but you are feeding people around the world with God’s love.
In general, be less insular. We keep to our own walls and our own community. This has of course been exacerbated by the pandemic, but because of that people value connection more than ever, and the global political climate is making it increasingly difficult to reach out to 'others'. Jesus wasn't exclusive, nor should we be. We can connect not only with other English-language based faith communities in Paris but have more interaction with our fellow Convocation churches (we did more of this 20+ years ago than we do now). More mutual support and more outreach in generosity to those in need.
Not sure what ACP is already doing.
The English speaking expats, the international students
I think the Cathedral already does a good job of interacting with the larger community, but perhaps we could do more with interfaith/other faith communities, if we aren't already?
Various aspects of the music program are the most apparent, but so is the inclusivity and open table, which have significant appeal to gay French Catholics.
There is a large population of anglophones in Paris who come from many different countries. They may be students or recent immigrants or people who are working here. They could all find a home in the Cathedral. I think if our objective is to grow the base of supporters we should be more effective at reaching out to these groups.
Like it or not, and without playing with words (pro-Cathedral vs Cathedral), we are the cathedral of the Convocation in Europe and we need to fully play that role. The Convocation is an important vector for the Episcopal Church in Europe, and the Cathedral needs to be part of that, especially as the Dean is the Dean of the Cathedral, not just of a parish. I'm tired of the territory politics in this regard. We also need to be much more active with refugees and with LGBTQ+ people: stop paying lip service about inclusivity and be more proactive.
Sponsor events involving francophone experts, etc.; diplomats; have clergy who can develop and use contacts with the city and state government and associations for ministry purposes... the parish must minister to more than ex-pats.
The Name, "American Cathedral" is both a challenge and an opportunity. It welcomes some people because the tagline confirms English is spoken. But it may also convey that its focus/ministry is primarily to Americans.
It is disappointing that the Lambda group has been disbanded, as it was a kind of outreach unique in Paris and attracted many French speakers. It was known in many places in France and Europe way beyond Paris.
I don't know as I am new to this country and I heard that we cannot freely speak about God here, as we do in our home country.
More publicity for special events
Adapt clearly to the actual context in France and Paris. Stop taking the Episcopal Church’s specificities as granted for French people.
Cathedral Forums and other education opportunities would be a great way to connect esp. with other American institutions in Paris, even those who are not spiritual (if they are open to that). Same with French churches, esp. those in our neighborhood.
Being a Cathedral for the Convocation is important. Most of the parishes and missions are isolated and have financial struggles. Feeling a part of a bigger community is important for many of them. Strengthening ties with US churches could bring additional resources. I know there are other priorities but these are the ones with which I am currently most familiar.
We need to identify how our key strengths relate to the needs around us.
Many churches in Paris invite neighborhood churches to service and "exchange" priests at sermon. Some churches even widen the circle to other faiths. It could be during church services or at adult forum, or in another context; however, such actions could widen the interaction of the community and also broaden our spiritual culture.
Expand the forum to include other faiths and re-start the Mission Lunch with other churches/synagogues.
Continue to offer worship in French. Continue to make service bilingual, maybe a bilingual pageant? Are our printed materials in French too?
Europe or parts thereof. I live in Denmark and the closest to the Episcopalian Church is the Church of England. You could see it during stage 1 in Tour de France. :-) I feel strongly connected to the Episcopalian Church. Through my maternal and grandmaternal roots, and through the American Cathedral in Paris. Your community makes me spiritually enriched, not so much the Church of England.
Do not understand "The Larger Community". What exactly is it? Our best donors will probably always be Americans (USA). By the way, European people are far less likely than Americans to give their money away.
Invitational events which are not typical church services—concerts dedicated to mom en composers, perhaps small charge events—sometimes if there is a small cost people are more likely to show up—maybe subscription—for the Jazz Vespers for example.
I think each of the above merits its own discussion.
Home and home visits to the other churches in the convocation.
more events that welcome and are advertised to/draw participation from the larger community (like LAGV and Paris Choral Society concerts)
We should work to strengthen the Mission and Outreach association, as well as the Church, and not look at one taking away from the other.
welcome opportunity zoom/ online/ in person, I hope, to join in ongoing planning sessions.So many short, longer term possibilities. Thankful for looking ahead.
What is our relation with the Paris community?
Perhaps we should make more of an effort to engage with other anglophone religious communities in Paris and do joint projects
Magnify our message of love and inclusion to the larger community. This might require someone with marketing skills to come in and help us.
First locally, start with our neighborhood as a basis for reaching out to the larger Parisian community. Second now that we have the services online, we need to find out new ways to take advantage of this outreach to the global community.
Serve the homeless
I would not like to see the Cathedral become a French-speaking church. Even though I believe it should always welcome French people, the Americans and English-speakers need it.
Promotion of our "brand," activities that welcome the non-religious, countering social isolation.
We could plan both social and faith activities with other Anglophone and Francophone Protestant congregations. We could partner with Paris-based charities to minister to refugees to the homeless to other at-risk communities.
Have specialty weekend events during the day that focus on the local French community talent that is open to the public (music and arts).
I love that the Cathedral has music programs like Gospel Singers on Sunday nights. I think this invites people to attend services also.
We need to grow our membership.
Organize conferences for adults reflecting on social justice in our society—in work places, government politics, how to reach people who have no faith backgrounds…
I am not sure, but I think we should try to engage the current needs, especially of the refugees fleeing Ukraine, and local homeless / at risk. I would be happy to get engaged in this, once my kids are just a little bigger (able to stay on their own)
The Dean should speak French and understand the cultural landscape where they are entering
Taking part in discussions about important issues; sharing ministries; reaching out to encourage people to come take part in our services and activities.
Share nodal moments w/other faith communities, especially Jewish and Islamic.
More ecumenical and even interfaith collaboration, hard to do without clergy that speaks French though
I think they have it about right.
Reach out. A group that will extend visits to people that are detained.
I think that the Cathedral is already a welcoming destination for the LGBTQ+ community but it’s much less so for lower income families and the really needy. Do any of the Sandwich Ministry guests come to church? It’s not a question of saying they should, but a question of would they feel welcome? Also the Cathedral should be open, quite simply. Like any Catholic Church in Paris. Open for private prayer at any time of day. Covid is no longer an excuse. It isn’t for them and shouldn’t be for us.Since the departure of Bishop Pierre Whalon there has been little or no interfaith activity or initiative apart from Paul Gordon Chandler’s exhibition of artworks. And Mission Lunch doesn’t happen any more.Covid certainly strained all these things but we’re surely learned to deal with this now.
With good communication, an openness to needs, joint special services, always in a consistent manner
Invitations and joint events with faith communities
Even during the Ukraine war, I don't see us doing much for Ukrainian refugees. Yes, we have benefit concerts. But what about hands-on? If we are doing stuff I don't know about, that gets back to the communications issue mentioned above.
The Catholic community in Paris is very strong and have a lot of ministries. However, because of history, they do not target LGBTQ+, people at risk, etc. I think these people need us.
I think the Cathedral should strengthen its relationship with the Anglican parishes that are under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Church of England.
It is good to see growing relations with our Anglican brothers and sisters in Paris through joint services with the Church of England Diocese in Europe and the occasional guest preacher from their churches.
Build up/reform the Sunday Forums to take advantage of the great potential to bring in much bigger audiences + change the locale, "presentation", As it is now the Sunday Forums are rich in potential but really under utilized. Vary speakers much more, pull in higher level speakers, restrict the number of Forums one person can do during the year.
Offerings in French
Bilingual documents and service sheets each week
Publicity in French press
Being able to speak French certainly helps, but having the willingness to learn, like Canon Nat is also a plus, especially to build stronger ecumenical ties. We need to be more visible to the community through more open doors, missions on the street and perhaps ties to the American schools sending over university students.
Cathedral representatives should attend inter-institutional gatherings and the different ministries of the Cathedral might reach out to other faith and institutional communities to develop new ideas and joint efforts on projects (ex: the M & O team reaches out to associations and other churches, synagogues, schools and expat organizations to share info and partner in projects).
As I said previously, the American Cathedral has a real role to play in Paris. There are fewer and fewer progressive Catholics and Protestants in Paris, and I believe the Cathedral could be a home for some Catholics who feel uncomfortable with the growing conservatism of the RC Church of France, and some mainline protestants (Lutherans / Calvinists) could find a home here too.
We need to reach out as much as possible to welcome local communities in Paris/ France into our cathedral and to build connections with these local communities. Actions such as the Sandwich ministry, Love in a Box, special services ( we need to advertise them more), such as the Blessing of the Animals, LGBTQA, Services for different refugee groups, Lessons and Carols, Jazz Vespers, more services in French or French/English, as well as some of our outside events, help the community to better know who we are, including our practice of inclusivity.
Restart Love In A Box and Friday mission lunch.
I think it would be good for The American Cathedral to open up to the cultural and religious context in which it finds itself.
We are called to be Christ's hands and feet—we should be looking for ways to minister to those in need
Partner with French organizations that help the marginalized.
Since The American Cathedral in Paris has at its base the parishioners, perhaps we could have a bit more social interaction with other faith communities, such as sharing holiday dinner? Or, if such an interaction were focused on a shared theme, such as the local refugees.
Je ne connais pas Paris, mais étant catholique et connaissant l'état de mon Eglise, je pense qu'il est utile d'assurer une visibilité de la Cathédrale auprès de personnes qui pourraient être en décrochage dans cette Eglise, et qui trouveraient à la Cathédrale un lieu chrétien où nourrir leur foi (plutôt que de l'abandonner complètement faute de savoir où aller avec leurs blessures...). Pour cela le plus simple est sans doute d'assurer une bonne communication auprès d'acteurs du tissu associatif, comme les associations en charge des personnes abusées, les associations LGBTQ+, les associations d'accueil des mères célibataires... et éventuellement d'offrir un accompagnement spécifique non religieux à ces publics (ce que l'on appelle même en français le "spiritual care")
Groupes œcuméniques à Paris. Fédération protestante de France. Autres églises de tradition anglicane : St. George's, St. Michael.
The active music program will continue to bless us, at the Cathedral and elsewhere.
Resserrer davantage les liens avec d’autres églises anglicanes, comme par ex. Saint George, Saint Michael etc. etc.…
I think it might be interesting to explore joining forces with other religious organizations that are already involved in issues of homelessness and refugees instead of “reinventing the wheel”—there is so much the Cathedral can offer; the joining of forces may also allow for the Cathedral to have the contributions extend further than expected
Organiser des visites sur sites, co-célébration, retransmettre nos offices sur France 2 au moins une fois ou par trimestre, etc....
Animer des activités en commun : forums, ...
Partager ensemble des célébrations Pâques ou Noël
Inviter les pasteurs ou prêtres (via paroissiens, ...) avec présentation des 2 parties
Has become more diverse and inclusive
We have more people of color, more francophone people, and possibly more people who are 'different' (in less visible ways) from the WASPs that we are best known to be. I can't say this has impacted my life, but I think it's a good thing.
I would caution the Cathedral against becoming too "woke" in a negative U.S. sense. Stay reasonable, stay loving, stay welcoming, but don't feel the need to be "pro-" everything or "anti-" everything
Regarding transparency at the Cathedral, I would like the Vestry to be more a representative body, with greater transparency, and calling on the community to assist in decision making. The Reentry study was ex-vestry and there was a parallel project run by the Bishop with the Vestry...that latter was never shared beyond the Vestry and the Vestry was very slow in reading the results of the Reentry study. And nothing seems to have come out of either one, at least it hasn't been communicated. This has led me to lose faith in the goodwill of the vestry, and has negatively impacted my overall relationship with the Cathedral.
Opening up to on-line services has made me feel part of the cathedral.
Not enough young families, we need families to join and stay involved, kids, teens. This is what gives church life and energy.
The services in French are a great idea. There is more and more music offered. I'm not sure we need that though.
The "lip service" to LGBTQ+ inclusivity under a former Dean was not a positive point, and I think we lost a great number of people for this reason.
The opening up to a wider French-speaking congregation is positive.
The racial reconciliation work has been positive, but seems to have lost traction.
The additional on-line aspects have been a positive adjunct.
The loss of any visible ecumenical outreach has been a loss for the Cathedral.
Invitation to all to Communion; Mission de la Résurrection; growth in Love in a Box
Francophone service—presents an opportunity to engage others;
Worship/liturgy—range of guest preachers/ music
Outreach—broader involvement of members not just the privileged few
Weak leadership
Online services have been a lifeline for us in the States during COVID, and now continue as travel is still difficult and attendance in person also difficult.
The adaptation to the Sanitary Crisis has been remarkable and helpful.
During the 19 years that my wife and I have been members we have seen a major capital campaign raise sufficient funds to transform the Cathedral's Parish House and other structures on our campus, we have opened up a ministry to online worshipers, we have enriched family, young adults and youth-oriented programs, we have brought financial discipline to our annual budget and our endowment, etc.
The Cathedral has become more open and inviting over the years that I have attended. We should probably continue in the same vein to prepare for the future.
The transformation of the Friday Lunch to the Sandwich Ministry, though it did not impact my life. More frequent Evensong: I enjoy the music program.
Pastoral care
The biggest and most meaningful change, throughout the Episcopal community, has been our invitation to everyone to come and be fed at God's table. It has made me invite friends to services that I would never invite before the change. I am a cradle Episcopalian. Since childhood I have wished ordained ministers could stop making references to the baptized as though there is a hierarchy of who deserves to be fed at God's table. Baptism may do something for some and not others. And because we baptize babies, there are hoards out there who don't even know if they've been baptized because they weren't raised as churchgoers after the ceremony. It is a relic that maintains the impression of Episcopalians as elitist.
Fewer American old timers. Not being replaced. Dommage.
The appointment of Lucinda Laird was a disaster. I stopped going to the Cathedral. It is no longer a warm or welcoming place.
Including youth in service, making a youth service during covid, creating a fabulous online program, moving from mission lunch to 2x weeks sandwich ministry. So much more I bet.
Online services: meant I could participate in corporate worship during Covid and enabled me to participate in certain services which I can’t attend in person.
Sandwich Ministry: has given me the opportunity to participate actively in outreach to the wider community, the poor and needy.
Confirmed in 1946. At first not offended, but a little surprised by: "Priest", smoke and mention of Virgin Mary. Did not impact my life.
Difficult question in view of my part time attendance in the Cathedral
I appreciate the Sunday service online
Online Bible Study
I have been pleased that our church has been quicker than many to embrace the LGBTQ community fully and I was thrilled to have a female Dean. My deep hope is that we do not cease to challenge ourselves to be open to change—whether that be in the style of worship (and the pews need to go to make that possible), to consider becoming more involved in helping refugees from all parts of the world feel safe and welcome, to put ourselves out more to be more effective in supporting each other in our own community and the wider world. Not changing or at least not continually assessing if we should change is the end of our relevance.
Expanding the online offerings during the pandemic. These offerings have permitted us to attend services when we are thousands of miles and 7 time zones away.
During the confinement, the staff did an amazing job at getting services online and that made a huge difference in knowing that we could worship together, even though we were not able to come to church.
This survey is heartening. Have not been in person since before COVID. Cannot assess lay leadership directly. Feel confident that together we will enhance our communal commitment.
I'm sorry, I am not qualified to answer any of the above. I am a bit perplexed we've dropped the filioque, I find that odd, but I can say it in my old Nicaean head (and out loud) if I want.
Online ministry—much progress has been made, but now we need to find a way to bring our online and in-person communities together
In my perception, the pace of the service has become much brisker over the past year or two. It feels less reflective and meditative as a result.
The mixing of politics and religion, and in particular the posting of political banners (as described earlier) is very upsetting to me. I’ve started to question whether the Cathedral is the place for me. I did actually leave my Church in the US for this reason, combined with their introduction of blended services that significantly reduced the quality of music.
I have seen a lot of positive changes at the Cathedral, mostly concerning inclusiveness. I am all for implemental change. That's the reason I marked 8 in the #31 and not 10. I believe in assessing what you have and building on that for the future and not making changes which throw the baby out with the bath water.
Q and A time and conversation time.
One year a new dean tried to make the 11 o'clock service earlier. There was a rebellion of the congregation—Sunday was the one day of the week many of us had to sleep late. I'm a bit out of date so I won't comment further
"Change: ""Thanks"" to the pandemic, the online worship opportunities and online engagements that serve some purpose while at the same time simply providing social interactions, even if only as ""weak ties."" Worth continuing even post-pandemic. Personally, no major impact, but evidence of improved value for others.
Welcome of LGBTQ ""refugees"" from other sects, our parish enriched by their presence and participation in many activities."
Move from an elitist congregation to a family-friendly and inclusive congregation—positive
Inclusion of women in clergy, vestry and other leadership positions—positive
Development of programs for children and youth including clergy participation—positive at times
Growth of musical program of excellence—positive
Renovation of physical plant—positive
Attention to spiritually-based stewardship—positive at times
Creation and development of Friends of the American Cathedral—positive
Striving for financial stability including through use of our physical plant—positive
Development of online service and program options—positive
Development of Trinity Society—positive
I’ve seen a change for the worse since the new bishop came. I feel he’s directly responsible for the most recent Dean leaving and this is a shame. I think there’s some misogyny behind this. The last time that I was at church there was only male clergy on the altar and that broke my heart after years of gender balance in cathedral clergy. When it comes to the cathedral I’m really in a place of pain now. What is also shocking is that after being members for 18 years, no one has reached out to ask why our pledge has dropped, why we aren’t coming… I don’t feel welcome in a parish that I worked very hard for and loved participating in.
I have seen very few changes since joining the church.
I last attended the Cathedral in the 1960s. I think the Cathedral has grown with the times. I approve of your direction.
Parishioners have become more humans and friendly during and after COVID-19..It is easier to make friends and to sense a community life.
I have seen the flexible engagement with Covid, which was welcoming and helpful. It was clear that the Cathedral was ready to learn and reach out
We are a transient parish! I have seen lay and clergy come and go. I think the Covid time was a negative impact, as it cut us off from one another. Now the challenge is to rebuild community and bring people back. I am glad to see younger people with families—it's important to seek to attract them. I think opening up to more unusual ministries (sandwich ministry, yoga, meditation) got me a little more involved, and I am grateful for that.
As I am a friend of the Cathedral, living in the US, I don’t know.
Over my time there, the Cathedral has become a more inclusive and affirming place for women through the efforts of women clergy members and of LGBTQ+ people through the development of the Lambda Group and the changes in the Episcopal Church in general on those topics
The changes have not impacted my life but I do not like change.
I have seen changes at the Cathedral which have shaken my faith. Unexplained removal of some very competent people and promotion of others, in some cases perfectly unjustified. Double standards. Failure to practice what is preached. More care for rules, regulations, position and procedure than for “real” people. Looking inwards instead of looking outwards. The most upsetting part is hearing one thing from the pulpit and then witnessing the person promoting this teaching behaving in the opposite way.
The implementation of online services had a huge impact on our lives during the pandemic, and it continues to be a blessing every week. We never miss a service, though we may watch them late. The evensong services and Jazz vespers are great, and the First Friday organ concerts have enriched us.
I regret that we are not a more diverse community with more black and brown members
I am concerned that changes to vestry and recruiting new members is very opaque and reliant on an “old boys network” without openly considering skills needed and available. The growth of the 20s/30s ministry and online offerings are developing new communities of faith and support with new models of lay leadership. These models are worth growing.
Shrinking endowment over long term, shrinking congregation.
Interim dean very pastoral and approachable. Has introduced basic good practices that were missing. Feeling à boss at the bar
There are less visits and concern for the ill and lonely. Take the case of (a parishioner, name redacted).
Adding Jazz vespers brings in a different, yet too small, crowd and shows others that prayer can be done in many forms. I enjoy attending this service monthly. The Fellowship lunches last fall were a good way to mix people together and encourage conversation. Met people I otherwise would not have had a chance to speak with.
Online services good
The development of online worship has had a great impact on our lives, both during the peak of the pandemic and now.
On a positive note, I was heartened to see our cathedral rise to the challenges of Covid and to institute on-line services. Acquiring a top-of-the-line audio-visual system has allowed the cathedral community to grow beyond the city's borders and to allow those not able to attend church in person to keep connected. Furthermore, the creation of the Sandwich Ministry during Covid to reach the most needy in and outside our walls has developed a great sense of purpose for our parishioners and volunteers and helped us to connect with the local community. I also feel that over the years we have become a more inclusive parish, a practice I hope we will continue to develop. The development of events at the cathedral has also allowed a wider public to enter our space, while earning needed money for our parish. I have been involved in some of these efforts, and the cathedral helped to ground me during these very uncertain pandemic times. On a negative note, our vestry over the last few years has felt very insular and potentially out of touch with the rest of the parish. Decisions seem to be made in a vacuum and do not always reflect the wishes of the greater congregation. Communication has also been weak, with some practices or decisions being made without greater consensus. This has created factions within our cathedral community.
The exciting new Francophone mission has been a blessing for me, and for all the people I know who want to worship in French but don’t speak English.
Online zoom calls with things like youth group and etc. have been a great way to build community and to overcome the logistics of getting from place to place
On-line services, forum online, which I appreciate very much.
Open communion. Communion is both individual and collective activity, but underlying it all is that it is the Lord's table.
Davantage de prédicateurs de l'extérieur. Changement de style avec le Doyen intérimaire.
I was blessed when I attended Joanne Dauphin's beautiful funeral at the American Cathedral. This service still accompanies me each day.
Depuis la pandémie y’a eu certains changements que j’espère ne pas trop durer
Le développement et l'amélioration technologique des offices en ligne: incidence très positive.
Compared to years past, today the Cathedral has more necessary diversity and is beginning to expand beyond the comfortable. A Dean that connects with parishioners is very important.
La mise en place, enfin, d'une mission francophone. Cela m'a permis de participer à l'Office dans ma langue maternelle et de m'investir un peu plus dans ma communauté de foi
It's never clear whether the stewardship model is French or American. Stewardship is key to institutional survival. Dean (and all clergy and lay staff) must always be comfortable talking about funding in a matter-of-fact and knowledgeable way, understanding what makes philanthropy/stewardship work in the larger picture.
Your stewardship staff is superb. I am an online pledger and the emails answering any questions I have had have been so very prompt and thoughtful. I am 7000 miles away but the kindness and appreciation your staff provides makes me feel very much at home.
Stewardship conversations tend to feel like 'big asks' rather than a way to express one's Christian mission. Can we transform this? I'd love to see a leader who doesn't just ask for money, but who can lead us to offer up to God and our community our time, treasure, and talents as a daily expression of our own service in Christ's way.
Returning the gifts that God has given us.
We need to grow the core group. We need to engage the social aspect. We have a small number of givers who are relied on heavily. If we grow the base of givers, even if they are small donors, it all helps. This should be our goal.
It's vital.
There is too much focus on giving money. It’s not a for profit enterprise so let's spend less time on this and more time attracting people into our church.
I had started to give a sizable amount relative to my income at one point, but felt it made no difference, so have reduced it considerably.
Make sure that diversifying income streams does not give the impression that people do not need to give; keep giving as primarily a spiritual discipline.
"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also"
Old definition of a sacrament = "an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace". Giving of treasure (time, talent, and money) are essential to spiritual wellbeing. "
Considering the transient nature of the cathedral community, it is impressive how successful stewardship at the cathedral has been. Contact with friends has been impressive and sustained. That is very important, as well as valuing every new person who comes.
Very important both in terms of finance and time. Newcomers should be welcomed heartily by congregants who will ask for contact information and info given to clergy to make contact
We are both pledging members of the Cathedral and annual donors to the Friends of the American Cathedral Foundation. I volunteer my time and expertise in assisting with production of online services and in communications with Friends of the Cathedral via creation of a monthly eLetter.
Having chaired stewardship there, albeit a long time ago, I understand the challenges of living in a country where charitable giving is not in the mindset the way it is in the States. I know they are doing the best they can under the circumstances.
We need to resume stewardship training—the fundamentals of why this is such an important discipline, with individual witnesses and Biblical teachings.
Stewardship changes according to the period in our life, there are moments when giving time, for example, is more complicated.
I am very involved in my home church in the US and consider myself a regular attendant, involved in lay ministry, both there and at the Cathedral during the months I spend in Paris each year. I recently tried to pledge a one time, annual, payment to the Cathedral, but I am having trouble getting in touch with the person or persons who can help me set this up.
We need to engage more of our members to volunteer their time and talents
Americans (USA) are best givers. See previous.
I donate when in town
Is it better for the Cathedral to participate as a Friend or as a pledging member? (Assuming amount of contribution is the same?)
The small number of givers and the small amount donated results in understaffed administration and limitations on many activities. I think the situation is a symptom of a lack of spiritual training about the genesis of giving—about 15 years ago there were many seminars on the subject and giving went up significantly—we began giving multiples of what we had pledged before and we were not alone. Somehow the message has been forgotten or never learned by many in the congregation. I am especially bothered when people tell me openly that they are punishing church leadership by withholding their pledges or directing their giving to certain programs. This has nothing to do with thanksgiving for God's blessings, it is only about power.
If we are going to have a strong church, members must give of their time, treasure, and talent. This includes us who are Friends living far away.
Regular, ongoing stewardship education is vital. The congregation should be very aware of what the cathedral's expenses are (fixed and variable costs) and how they are being paid for (offerings/plate). They should also be aware of discretionary expenses and which of those are most vulnerable when money is tight. Everyone should be comfortable talking about money—the need to keep it coming in and where it goes and/or where it should go. Hearing personal testimonies from other parishioners about why they give to the cathedral are powerful and impactful. These should/could be a regular part of services (one per service?).
While it is necessary to have funds for our church to function, I think we need to also focus on getting people involved in the ministry and leadership of the Cathedral and the Mission and Outreach association.
Very important—time, talents and financial support. Hopeful for increased focus on individual, plus corporate, charitable giving and grants.
We always support through the Friends. Education in stewardship is important because not everyone has been brought up in traditional pledging and giving.
Everyone should do their part.
Everyone should be encouraged to make a pledge no matter how small the amount. Without stewardship, we will not be able to plan for the future.
I would just like to comment on questions 38 and 39 above. I didn’t answer because there was no option “don’t know”.
I think we need to get more people involved in stewardship. In addition to the speeches and explanations around the time of the call for stewardship, I think it is important to have periodic education sessions throughout the year, especially for those who do not give. These sessions would show how we raise and use the money in various big categories and make comparisons with budgets in the US churches.
I have significantly decreased my pledge and am not sure whether I will pledge next year. I feel that the Cathedral is becoming a much more Roman Catholic place than it was 10 years ago, centered more on the Eucharist than on the word of God and subject to clerical hierarchy instead of the free expression of its members.
Spiritually-based stewardship is essential for the health and well-being of each person. Educational programs for this purpose have been offered with very positive results in the past, but have not been offered in recent years. I think that this is a serious shortcoming which we would do well to repair.
I think it’s just as important to give time as money, but you have to believe in the institution to which you are giving them.
I feel access to stewardship involvement is easy, but there is little information shared with the congregation on where help is needed most.
It is in giving we receive. The cathedral does a good job of asking us to give.
I have been involved in Sunday school. It is a little hard as our kids are still relatively small, and the Cathedral is far from where we live. I would be happy to get more involved as I can
It's vital to educate the parish on stewardship—there is a big gap between the American/Episcopalian approach to giving and to stewardship, and the French/Catholic approach where state or institutional funding is the norm. Educate, educate, educate.
We need to strike a balance between opening up to those who need us and imagining mega-projects. "The Lord will provide" but we also need to be thoughtful. I would actually be interested in spending some time thinking about what it means when churches earn significant parts of their budget from other sources than pledges and major donors. I think this is an important topic that could lead us to some fresh thinking about our mission.
You should give as you feel you want to give.
I pledge a modest amount annually both to the cathedral and to LAGV. I would like to give more of my time and talents but am not currently in a position to do so. Also, lately, I have felt most discouraged to do so. I admire those who give of themselves on any level. I admire most of all those who do this in the most simple and spontaneous way without making a great show of it. Sometimes these people are overlooked in favor of those who make the most noise about what they do.
We have volunteered for various tasks while in Paris (reading, ushering), but never been included. I think the church needs to be more consistent in recruiting volunteers and staying in touch with them.
We need to educate our French members more about their responsibility to help sustain this church. Stewardship should be viewed as an opportunity not a chore.
To get where we want to be, we need to raise the average level of contributions by targeting those of middle and modest incomes. Like many churches, we are supported too much by large gifts from a few. If everyone gave even 20 euros more a year it would help our finances and increase engagement. I know this is known to our stewardship teams but we need to find an approach that works.
Stewardship is appropriate for our church.
I do not have much time and cannot commit easily to fixed time commitment, but believe I have talent to help (and can spare time if given sufficient flexibility). I have a feeling that most stewards have time, and hence become valuable members of the community and then are ""allowed"" to provide their talent (e.g. I would love to be part of the choir and truly believe it is an amazing ministry, but I do not have time, as I have 2 young kids)
"I don’t think the cathedral realizes how (relatively) wealthy it is—having served at local and National level in the UK, the cathedral's position is relatively strong. I think the cathedral works on US models of fund raising—large donations, gifts in wills. Such forms of giving are less common in Europe and sometimes the messaging can be overly “American” given the diversity of our congregation. We need to prepare to do more with less: our new, younger congregations (20s/30s, online etc.) have less disposable money and can give of their time but not always cash.
You have to give to receive.
Financial stewardship must be improved a hundred fold. If approached the right way and accompanied by the right outreach and programming, things can improve longterm for our finances. Too much whitewashing, lying by omission, not admitting mistakes of the past, lack of transparency (being able to access financials, for example apart from the yearly meeting). Programming is super important. Seeing our endowment fall apart over the long run is very concerning. The Cath. has enormous potential in part because it is unique and because of the political situation in the US (people flocking/wanting to support anything in France as a counterpoint to the divisions in the US—"escaping" if you will).
Stewardship includes time talent and treasure
Since pledging is not well understood in France, we need additional education and perhaps different strategy for budgeting. We also cannot rely on ventures. That should be a plus versus a need.
We need to teach the congregation about tithing and pledging.
I very much appreciate our interim dean's approach to this important, but sensitive subject. I strongly feel that stewardship and tithing should be part of Christian Education & Formation and, as such members should be invited to attend a class on the subject along the lines of what I experienced years ago. At that time I was invited to attend a 'retreat on stewardship', which was led by a few eminent lay leaders. We broke into small groups and were taught what tithing is all about by reading and discussing bible passages on the subject. It was simultaneously a bible study and stewardship class and I became a tithing member of the Cathedral as a result, feeling very good about the commitment I had made as the next step on my spiritual journey.
My approach to stewardship has changed a lot since I joined the Cathedral. I think that the way the pledging campaigns are run is very impactful.
We should not conduct a stewardship campaign in January. People tend to be less generous at this time of year.
Critically important for the functioning of the Cathedral.
Stewardship, or even simply financial giving, fulfills part of the command to go and bear fruit, which is borne then shared. From one very practical point of view, a church is an organization that has bills and salaries to pay, and an incredible structure—the cathedral—to maintain. It is only right that those who enjoy its benefits assume a little of the responsibility for it.
I continue to pledge, but no longer feel like doing volunteer work.
La Cathédrale devrait être ouverte plus longtemps. Notamment le samedi et prévoir un accueil/visites guidées des touristes et parisiens de passage.
Vouloir changer les bancs de l’église en chaise individuelle n’est pas très judicieux !
Allowing people to feel that they are truly a part of the whole and important to the life of the Cathedral, in whatever capacity they can offer creates participation in all areas of Cathedral life.
Louer les locaux me semble une très bonne idée pour se faire connaître, pour collecter des fonds mais vigilance à ce que le lieu de culte soit respectée
I don't know of much (or any) conflict.
To be transparent and as communicative as is possible, in a positive and consensus-building manner.
It's a constant challenge—in some ways just like any other big Episcopal congregation, but maybe heightened because of the French/American cultural differences that create tensions and differences in expectations.
Conflict festers under the surface and creates distrust, but is not talked about or addressed openly. Dissatisfaction creeps around in side conversations. This worries me. I haven't really witnessed conflict and resolution so can't say I've observed any learning.
When conflict is processed out in the open, it is difficult but we as a community can find our way forward in grace and charity (and grow as a result). When it is repressed/hidden, it may be well or badly resolved but it leaves many parishioners wondering what happened and why, which tends to undermine trust.
Have we learned anything? I would be interested in knowing what you think we might have learned and how did we learn it.
There is little conflict because those with more diverse opinions and perspectives are not engaged properly.
If the conflict remains a "secret" and left unaddressed, it may manifest itself in unhealthy and destructive ways.
The cathedral seems to have moved from an unhealthy handling of conflict to a more healthy and normal way of handling it.
A voir
I am assuming this question is included because there is some current conflict, and I am also assuming that it stems from the transition in leadership, and differing views both on the past leadership and what the future leadership should look like. I am involved in other churches that have the same issue. In a church community, agreeing to disagree should be the goal, but that is not always possible. The Cathedral is not equivalent to the human being that is the Dean or Canon. I have always been disappointed to learn that this or that parishioner has left because they don't like the person in leadership, and then comes back when that person goes. I have faith that the group that is searching for the next Dean will do the necessary work and call the right person.
I have not directly experienced conflict at the Cathedral, but I have heard from others that it exists. I feel very sad about this. I think this requires intervention offsite by the clergy and lay leadership.
Nothing.
I cannot answer 42 and 43 accurately. I have no idea—the reasons to change in clergy questions are never straightforward. I feel as a parishioner I never get a true straight answer, and that if you aren’t a vestry member, you aren’t privy to that information. I think we need to go back to our sermon in May and ask ourselves as Rev Jackson did,” how are we doing as a community and as a cathedral?”
I do not know enough to comment on conflict or tension within the American Cathedral.
Not sure what we learned in connection with the “retirement” of the former Dean.
That time heals many wounds. While some left the Cathedral permanently when not in agreement with church policy (female Dean, gay marriage) those who stayed have, I believe, come to no longer feel that these are negative. Discussions seemed to be in private conversations only, I do not recall any open forum for discussions.
I have not been at the cathedral regularly for a few years so can't answer these conflict questions.
All hearsay reports about conflict, from a distance. Yet, has been evident and demoralizing even from afar.
Grateful and optimistic that going forward, clergy, lay leaders and every member will commit to working together. We will look ahead, focusing on our mutual missions and pledging to put past beyond us.
A parishioner was once incredibly nasty to me when I asked if I could be a lay reader. Quite surprising, maybe he had a fight with his wife and I happened to be a good target. Anyway, I've not bothered with it again. Except to vote against him!
I didn’t answer these questions because I think a lot of the conflicts happen behind closed doors between members of the clergy. I only see the results of these conflicts… a priest is asked to leave, the dean takes an unexpected sabbatical and then suddenly “decides” to retire. An organist got fired, for reasons unknown to me. All these conflicts are hidden from the congregation, which lead to loss of trust in the clergy, and gossip.
Regarding other people’s conflicts, I know they are there, but I don’t have visibility on them. Perhaps they are being hidden, and resolved behind closed doors too. In both cases, the secrecy and lack of visibility on how problems are being resolved, are not good.
It was very hard for me to choose between the first and second possibilities in number 43. I chose the positive one of healthy and normal but almost chose the no open conflict because of some conflicts in recent years. I would have liked to have chosen both. Also I think there is a real need for a truth and reconciliation process.
I am very saddened by the way conflicts have been handled at the Cathedral and am about to leave it because of it.
I do not know. But my years at All Saints in Pasadena have shown me that a congregation that is open and loving wants to help, wants to be included, and above all wants transparency. I wish you all the best and I think you will stay open and loving.
Not aware of it.
Communication is strong and needs to confirm to grow.
I am not aware of any particular conflict
We need to stop pretending that there are not issues in the cathedral and openly discuss them.
My hunch is that we need to be sure our clergy are looked after; and our clergy are not good at asking for help for themselves.
That governing by anger is counter-productive.
It is often not clear to parishioners what the problems are
All people are not open to change.
Not well at times; tendency at times to have factions, "us" against "them"
Not enough. Because no one talks about it. There’s no forum for doing this. And there’s no way of bringing authority into question. That there is rarely a quick-fix.
Nothing. Still push problems under the rug and engage in the same white washing as the Catholic church with respect to issues.
That some people are unaware of any conflict, very few know what actually happened, and the rest of us can tell that something is wrong because the messaging is inconsistent or nonsensical, or someone let slip some details, and we can only guess what might have actually happened because we don't get the whole story. When the few who would know are asked directly, they deflect the question under the guise of confidentiality, and it creates a hierarchy of those who are entitled to know, and those who are not. Many of us spend our time and energy contributing to the community, because we care very much, and if you are heavily invested time and energy-wise, you feel entitled to know what is actually going on, and also to hold lay leadership and clergy accountable for how conflict is handled. I am not naive, I know this is an institution, and people can be messy, but we are not living up to our professed values of Episcopal and Christian community when we set a tone of secrecy, hierarchy, and unaccountability.
I am unaware of any conflict
A few months ago I would have checked "Open conflict." I think some of the issues over transparency and the bishop's role have been resolved, but we need to keep working on it. I strongly disagree with the perception that we are a broken congregation with a history of pushback. Rather, we have substantive disagreements over issues. Most of the time, including now, this is healthy.
Sometimes conflict is avoided or overlooked but generally the cathedral is open to ideas and discussion.
Better to manage in the open and with communication to all.
Learned the need to listen and heed, however still not good at applying the learnings.
White washing, lying by omission, avoidance, not admitting past problems (the only way to "move forward" and create legitimacy/credibility, poor contact with parishioners in the past during the capital campaign and the resulting serious mistakes made and not accounting for them today.
Strong man wins
Without reconciliation
I do not think we have taken learnings and acted on them. We certainly have seen how conflict can divide the parish and drive people away.
To be honest, I've never really heard of any open conflict at the cathedral. I suppose there are some, but I reckon I am too remote from the decision-making entities to be aware of them!
I am not sure we have learned but we will see with new guidance
Canceling the Francophone mission in the 2000’s that caused concern was resolved by starting it again a couple of years ago.
Don't think there have been any major major areas of conflict. The Cathedral is by and large free of major drama.
I am not aware of any current conflicts which is why I cannot answer questions 42 and 43.
While I'm sure there are issues and conflict past and present, to be honest I am not aware of them and cannot give a thoughtful opinion.
I was disappointed at the underlying conflict when Canon Haddad left—no judgments on whatever happened.
With prayer and inner understanding, let us offer quality services and programs that will touch people's lives.
At the Cathedral we are beginning to discuss a variety of important topics, yet many times it has appeared that issues have been closeted—the tension is palpable yet nothing is set out for discussion for fear of reprisal
Toujours privilégier le dialogue pour résoudre les incompréhensions et les conflits....
Plus d'implications des paroissiens dans le processus de décision, plus de communication...
Parler des conflits en toute délicatesse aux moments opportuns, et les gérer au mieux en cherchant des solutions d'entente concrète : cela a permis et continue à permettre d'assurer un meilleur avenir spirituel à la Communauté tout en vivant ensemble sereinement.
Being hectic or full of themselves
Favoritism, inauthenticity
untrustworthy, dishonest, covert/secretive, controlling, unengaging (boring), cold, egotisticalstealing, abusive behavior, manipulative behavior, creating factions,
I want someone like Dean Fleetwood, both spiritual and able manager
uninspiring, ritualistic, not open to change... maybe someone too introverted
Emotional instability, as seen in the past
A sound doctrine preached and followed
Deans come and go. I have seen three already. It would take more than conflict with, or annoyance by, the Dean for me to leave. It's not about personalities. It's about the body of the parish as a whole.
Arrogance, this church doesn’t need an intellectual, at this critical juncture it needs someone who can grow the church through fellowship and community, someone friendly and open, must focus on growing the congregation, and not making this church about the choir. The choir makes the service too long, cut out singing the psalm and all. If people want to hear the choir perhaps add a 15-20 session before church starts for those that want to enjoy this music. But if we never sing any hymns ourselves, where is the personal connection? I would like my children to have a connection to certain hymns but there is none, since they receive no emphasis from this church. I think this is an issue too and that direction comes from the dean.
If the service continues at close to 90 min as a normal timeframe we will continue to lose members and it also reduces regular attendance. This affects everything. Let’s move into modern times and modify, speed up the tempo, I hope we can find a dean that understands and recognizes the importance of fellowship after the church service.
Happy-clappy worship.
Someone who supports the Trump republican agenda.
Lack of, or lip service, to inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people.
"I'm the American who is going to teach these French people how things are really done"
Fearless leader syndrome
Promoting, consciously or unconsciously, an insiders and outsiders version of the church
Cold, snobbish, careless of boundaries, manipulative, "sacrifices people on the altar of his or her ideology..."
Arbitrary, unilateral, vindictive,
Personal attacks on a person
Arrogance, dumbing down or overly popularizing the service and liturgy, too much playing church
An authoritarian person; a poor listener.
Pretentious or larger-than-life personality
None
A spiritual model
If no pastoral care
Short-tempered priests are never a good idea. It is especially important that the Dean be respectful, compassionate, empathetic and patient with staff and those committed to serving the church in significant lay capacities.
Too numerous to mention
A former Dean’s actions made me stay home because her sermons were terrible, they obviously did not like people except big donors and they were cold and insincere. Hopefully the search committee and vestry won't make the same mistake twice.
Someone not afraid of challenges and an international experience. This is not an easy post.
Not adhering to, and propagating the current “liberal” and “progressive” values of the Episcopal Church.Not getting to know, or not taking an interest in, individual members of the congregation and, in particular, newcomers.
Not responding to a request for pastoral care.
Starting up “happy clappy” services.
Racism
Poor Leadership
(Personally would try to help him/her, not leave the Parish.)
Showing off
Overemphasis on fund raising spending inability or no interest in connecting genuinely with parishioners
Want a Dean who cares enough to remember peoples’ names. Seeking a caring paternal/maternal figure to help us feel safe in these uncertain times.
Dean who directs and is very Biblical but does not inspire connections and action with current problems. Should be a moderate social activist.
Disrespect for anyone—other clergy, staff, parishioners. Close-mindedness in any context be it about our worship, our community life, our outreach—we need someone who can move us forward. I don't want to belong to a church that is frozen in time in any way—there are new ways of doing most everything and while we should respect our heritage, architectural and liturgical and social, we cannot be a slave to it. We are not a museum of the Episcopal church, we should be a vibrant community willing to make changes to stay relevant.
An autocrat would make me uncomfortable. I am a firm believer in team management
Arrogance, favoritism toward parishioners, boring sermons, change in the quality of the music program at services
Not being welcoming to anyone who comes. Being divisive. Having a mentality of "us" and "them".
Too doctrinaire. Self-centered/ absorbed/unwilling to delegate or deal openly/ rationally with differing opinions. Tendency to personalize issues.
Actions and lack of leadership omissions/ reactions that often lead to dissent in congregation.Reflective not emotion driven responses.
Differing opinions if presented clearly and openly with opportunities for discussion and deeper reflection expected.
Closed or arbitrary decisions, undealt-with infighting and hearsay étal. unacceptable.
If there was a lot of political discord and gossip. Obviously, any dishonesty.
A person who gets angry or loses their temper; a person who does not make the effort to get to know members of the parish (all age brackets) and remember their names/faces
If they backtracked on open-table communion.
Using the pulpit for politics, liberal or otherwise, changing the traditional music by adding contemporary instruments,
Someone who is not confident in his/her own knowledge and experiences, and thus might potentially be threatened by others. Someone who appears to be loving and humble, but in reality is ego-centric and untrusting other.
An overtly political/partisan outlook/agenda would be extremely off-putting.
One who would want to make change overnight without getting to know us. and someone who is trying to get ahead too fast.
Religious Evangelical
Too much politics in sermons (I'm pretty much in line with the congregation but I think you can be a good pastor without being too political in your sermons).
Favoritism to certain groups (I have not seen this happen here)
Drastic changes to the congregation (I would not want it to become a majority-French congregation, nor majority right-wing Americans here for two years)
I am quite saddened to see no woman at the altar anymore and am afraid that after the breath of fresh air that was the ministry of Lucinda and Mary we get back to only male ministers.
politicalization, polarization, exclusion of those who do not share his/her opinions
The behavior by the current bishop and the former vestry regarding Lucinda’s departure is the kind of actions that are making me want to leave this parish. I am praying very hard about this and we are waiting to see what the new dean will bring.
Lack of authenticity, concern for not being honest, signs of being judgmental, and if they engaged in gossip.
Someone who is not forgiving, not inclusive
A person who is too extreme.
Close minded to other points of view. Overconfident. Unwilling to learn.
The dean needs to be a spiritual healer and a competent leader, able to reach individuals living in the modern world of 21st century France, while bringing them closer to the eternal and divine. She/he needs to know where they are, but also where God is, and try to reduce the distance between the two.
Someone not culturally connected
Sermons that are more like a speech/stand up performance than biblical teaching. Someone that doesn’t let people in and stay distant, forgetting that they themselves worship at the cathedral and it is their community and spiritual home too.
Putting more emphasis on who people are (what box they fit into) rather than how we form community.Continuing to emphasize a culture of fear around Covid, rather than focusing on human connection (being told I could not receive communion without a mask shocked me profoundly, as the day it was announced, I did not have a mask—I suddenly felt what it was like to be excluded).
Lack of personal warmth, boring sermons, lack of prayerfulness and spiritual depth
Big focus on money instead of spirit; restrictions on open table or on inclusivity; sexism or preferring old sexist/exclusive language in the service
Political pronouncements and very liberal discourse would rail me.
Not paying attention to the members of the Cathedral.
Incoherence and inconsistency between message preached and his or her own behavior. Racist, homophobic or unkind behaviour and any form of abuse of power.
Strong messages each week to carry us out into the world. Preaches with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other meaning everything can be related to today's world.
Poor preaching, an egotistical approach, lack of compassion, lack of interest in the Friends, too much focus on politics, not valuing the music program
Temper meltdowns, personal flamboyant behavior, bad preaching, clashes with the administrative staff
Self-absorbed, selfish pride in his/her power and status in Paris. Dishonesty, lack of morality.
We need to maintain our Open Table, no conditions or restrictions.
Intolerance, defensiveness, poor listening.
Not close to the members.
Non-inclusive worship or preaching.
Not friendly, open character.
Insincere, manipulative, egocentric, overly self-referential, pompous, authoritarian, poor listening skills, poor social skills.
Mismanagement of church resources. Right wing politics and exclusion.
Subterfuge and/or politics for personal gain or glory.
Self-serving, just going through the motions, uninspiring, no bounce or energy, cares not about the financial problems of the Cathedral and doesn't know how to rectify them.
Conflicts, remaining in his close circle
Dry sermons, not caring about each member of the community (staff, lay leadership and greater congregation), creating divisions within the community, creating or nourishing factions, inability to also get along with the Bishop and drive us away from the Convocation.
Someone who is not in tune with the particular nature of our Cathedral (transient congregation, international, multi-cultural, LGBTQ)
Feeling that the next Dean really does their best to become fully integrated in Paris & France, and show a real interest / curiosity for the social / political / economic context of France.
Trying to mold the Cathedral to an American model; not practicing radical welcome.
Frankly, a former Dean made me want to stay home! When I came to the Cathedral it was to be with the children upstairs so I didn’t need to hear words from someone I felt was false.
One who supported getting rid of the pews and installing video screens
One who imposed changes in the prayer book liturgy
A whole-hearted support to the Francophone ministries would certainly make me feel more at home.
Sermons that put me to sleep. Music is also important to me; poor quality music takes me away from God. I watch online but if I was there, in person, I would want a balance in the workload so volunteers and staff don't feel burned out and not appreciated.
A Dean that did not seem like he/she really had a strong faith. A Dean that was overly political. A Dean that was not warm and welcoming. A Dean who was not "real". A Dean that was not open to social ministries and viewed them as a bother.
Introducing a happy clappy way of worship.
If the Dean did not inspire and challenge me.
This is a very low bar, but if the Dean were found to be physically or emotionally abusing his or her family, church staff, or anyone else for that matter; or, he or she were engaged in criminal activities. There may be other, more nuanced negative activities, the import of which would send me on the search for another parish.
Un doyen.ne qui ne partagerait pas les orientations actuelles de l'Eglise Episcopale en matière de justice sociale et d'inclusivité (prêtrise des femmes, mariage et ordinations des personnes LGBTQ+, lutte contre les armes, position mesurée sur des questions sociales comme l'avortement et l'euthanasie) me ferait certainement fuir…
A charismatic wise spiritual leader who maintains the rich liturgical and artistic heritage of the Episcopalian Church, who enlightens the spiritual lives of each member and encourages them to positively contribute to the various activities of the Cathedral will insure an excellent esprit de corps and team spirit at the American Cathedral.
Attitude non inclusive à l’égard des LGBT+
Changement drastique de la prise de la communion
An individual who appears to need control and appears aloof and uncaring. A lack of depth in the homily.
Prendre des décisions sans consultations
Ex: mesures contenant "une sorte de discrimination cachée" ou mesures non respectueuses des personnes différentes et/ou avec handicap.
Leading the church in challenging times, both financially and existentially.
Encouraging our community out of its complacency so that we can shine a bright beacon of love and hope into a disheartened community.
Setting a culture of delegation and efficient management with staff, vestry, and volunteer structuresEnhancing more open communication within the community among our various constituencies andand groups (better internal coordination) so that the Cathedral community can be more agile and approach challenges with greater alacrity.
Working to put the Cathedral more firmly on the cultural map of Paris (which may both draw more people in our doors and to increase our revenue potential).
Bringing God's presence into this threatening world.... war, climate change, personal challengesHelping people if not change opinions see the value in understanding different perspectives...listening
Financial, visioning, in 2022 the church cannot afford to be “same old, same old”
Energizing the parish spiritually; putting finances on a sound footing; growing the parish -- all in a world where churches are shrinking.
Finances. Not enough of a local congregation.
Overcoming division; assuring financial security
(S)He needs to lead change. From a caucasian base to more diverse ethnically. From a Boomer generation to Gen Y and X. From a somewhat elitist to a more broad socio economic. From the "American" Cathedral to the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (NB: America is a country not a religious denomination).
Meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse congregation
Understanding that those who do not necessarily gravitate around the Dean may also have interesting things to say.
Helping ensure that the Cathedral plays a full role in what is happening in Europe.
Potentially serving as a refuge for Americans that have had to leave their homes in the US.
Today's world is very unstable, and new challenges will appear as well. The financial and physical fabric of the parish will also be challenged. The next Dean will need to be a leader who can steer us toward the adaptive changes that can ensure not only our survival but our flourishing.
Together with leaders of the cathedral community, proclaim a "vision," with metrics, to be achieved over the next 1, 3, and five years.
Building collegial (symbiotic) relationships with the bishop, the cathedral's elected lay leaders, the cathedral's ordained and lay leaders, the staff, the congregation; the clergy of the Convocation; representatives of the faith community of Paris; secular and governmental leaders of the community.
Incorporating French speakers who find the Episcopal church and the cathedral's ethos attractive, but would like some worship and community offered in French.
Evangelism and attracting more people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Growing the congregation in every way, numbers, backgrounds, talents, professions
Rifts in the community, finances, understanding and embracing the identity of the Pro Cathedral, that is a parish first and foremost that has been named a Cathedral and thereby keeping the Bishop at bay
Convincing the Vestry to value and properly resource the online ministry, including engagement by Friends of the Cathedral.
Adapting to a bilingual orientation, and our already international community.
Administration/organization, management of personalities at the Cathedral, lack of reliable volunteers to run ministries without burnout
Small staff, uncertain financial health, limited resources, conflicting demands on the person's time. It is a VERY hard job, and can be quite lonely, After the first months of the charm of the idea of being in Paris, the reality sets in. The next Dean will need all our enthusiastic and unqualified support.
Inspiring the congregation during challenging times
Finances
Learning French
Drop off in attendance, insufficient financing
Bringing people back to the Cathedral. Fundraising in a time of recession will also be difficult.
Trying to fit into the French community. Have we asked Lucinda what her challenges were and what our cathedral needs?
Not familiar enough with current situation to comment knowledgably.
Getting new generations to become regular members
Securing sustainable funding for the long term
Flags
Chairs
Money
Leading a dispersed and diverse faith community, including reinvigorating the Cathedral's physical community in Paris following the pandemic
Difficulty in reaching or attracting young adults to the church and in general apathy and indifference of people towards religion in general
Services go way too long.
Entering in the middle of a Capital Campaign--what should be his/her role especially if we enter a recession. I think the new Dean should have another assistant
Leading a faith community in a post-Christian world.
Financial. Our low stewardship rate takes a terrible toll on staffing and causes burnout at all levels (this includes volunteers who often fulfill very demanding roles that in other churches are covered by staff). If we could be fully staffed then the many administrative problems could be addressed. This would have a positive effect on the entire community.
I’m not close enough to say much. A concern I have is that challenges the new Dean faces may well originate in the USA Especially given the potential political climate.
I have not been there enough in recent years to assess this.
Working with an ever-changing group of parishioners (expats, French citizens, refugees, etc.) from many different backgrounds, who don't all live in the neighborhood of the Cathedral, as well as a church that is organizationally different than any church in the US Episcopal Church. We are a very special situation, and we need someone who can jump in with both feet, and lead and learn at the same time.
Easy to learn how best to administer and delegate; important to enhance mission of parish. Personal ongoing integrity of Dean crucial. Acting « In good faith and in keeping with articulated mission of congregation » needed. Ability to discuss issues/ views/ proposals within the congregation and willingness to evolve and resolve—top most importance. Good humor and joie de vivre (surtout à Paris) avec nous, les étrangers, arrosés par les mœurs différentes du pays…
Un don sans égal.
Not clear how being a cathedral affects Trinité church and clergy/ lay leadership.
Convincing our community of the need for change and leading and implementing the change
Boosting stewardship; empowering new volunteers; working with a small team compared to churches in the US
Managing the post-pandemic world and the consequences to members of our community. Continuing to grow our faith and community without having a vision for “something new and different” in order to achieve that goal. That’s why I hesitated saying that being a “visionary” should be an important qualification of our next dream.
With our regular turnover of parishioners, our greatest challenge is always drawing in visitors and getting them involved in the life of the church through warm engagement.
In general, inspiring and leading the local church community while developing and nurturing our presence as an international church in the global community which our online services are making possible.
In particular, fundraising for our next capital campaign.
Far right politics
Financial, personnel, keeping peace in the congregation, dealing with controversial American politics from abroad
Dealing with a Bishop-in-charge who realizes his actual job description is actually very small and clearly wants to be as involved as can be in the only real parish in his diocese.
Appeal to families with young and teen children. Huge development of online presence. Huge efforts to connect with various communities and socio-strata in Paris.
Leading a church where everyone feels welcome regardless of nationality, gender, orientation, church affiliation, political views, etc.
Building up the congregation both in person and online
Recruiting, motivating and caring for volunteers
Managing and motivating staff and ensuring sound administration
Developing effective pastoral care
Connecting with and motivating congregants of all ages, i.e., children (and parents), youth, adults, the sick and elderly
Ensuring financial stability
I sincerely hope that we get someone who is not just a yes-woman or yes-man to the bishop. It will be hard for the dean to find and maintain his or her own place as head of the Cathedral, and to help heal the parish after everything it’s been through in the past few years.
Creating an environment where our Cathedral is well regarded by our local community as a place of open worship no matter your language or beliefs.
The challenges we are all facing: prejudice, fear, climate change, changing values, political radicalism. Our Dean will need courage and I applaud him or her.
Finances, facing the fact of accepting people whose social circumstances are being diminished due to socio-economic difficulties.
I suspect that there are plenty of administrative and funding challenges, but I do not know the details
Maintaining transparency and honest communication
Handling the generational transition at the Cathedral (older, white, wealthier, more conservative crowd vs younger crowd that is the opposite and will soon become the majority).
Leading a spiritual community in a post-Christian community, on a continent that is under the shock of war on its soil.
Working with the bishop.
Big capital campaign and works after that, tension between the bishop's vision for the cathedral and the cathedral's vision for itself. The cathedral has been woefully understaffed since the vestry chose not to replace Giles, which creates problems for the staff and for the staff/dean relationship.
I think the next dean will face a mix of pleasing people who want very different ways of him/her proceeding.
Opening to the congregation.
Plenty! Bringing together a shifting community where some are permanent, others passing through. Making some major decisions about how the cathedral spends its money… where its priorities lie.
Raising money, living up to the standard set by Dean Lucinda (in his or her own way), maintaining long-distance commitment (even after the pressing intensity of the pandemic)
Building the congregation and the donor base, use and maintenance of physical plant,
Managing the cathedral's economy and expanding services.Continued effort to build a disparate yet congenial congregation, also bluntly the wealthy and the poor.
The same challenges our wider church faces, which are huge. Declining attendance, a secular society (especially in France), uninterested young people, relevance to people's lives. In addition, France is cracking down on the way we do business and there are fewer wealthy American expats here (that has been true for a while). We can't afford the staff we need to do our work.
Economic recession, increasing numbers of refugees.
Changing parish profile in terms of make up and finances.
Growing our congregation.
Inspiring new vision, new hope, new possibilities with competent management and steadfast pastoral care, solid preaching, and development of strong relationships across a diverse congregation.
Overcoming the inertia of the parish management. Raising funds.
Getting our finances in order long term instead of approving Band-Aids all the time.
Refusing to even consider touching the restricted endowment
Bringing congregation groups together
Becoming more involved in Paris community both French and American (with US ambassador)
Bringing people to the American Cathedral community
Capital campaign, need to integrate more within the convocation, growing and solidifying our community.
Reinforcing and building a more solid staff.
It seems to me that one of the greatest challenges of progressive Churches is to maintain / increase their membership. The Dean might face such a challenge here too.
Maintaining and growing the diversity of our parish, including age, ethnic and socio-economic diversity, in difficult economic times and in a country dominated by secularism. Ours is a transient community, a good leader will know how to maintain the involvement of those living locally as well as afar. Understanding the ambiguity that comes with running a parish in a foreign country and avoiding feeling isolated from fellow/sister priests and the community outside of the cathedral walls. Having lived in a foreign country already would be a plus.
Bring together our congregation and ignite a thirst for a church home.
Funding
Inculturation.
The challenge of reaching both on-line and in person worshipers concurrently. Also leading the congregation through more horrible events like war, pandemics, and violence all the while keeping the church sustainable.
Getting to know the Parish. Living abroad. Administration and management of a large church with good yet limited resources.
Driving the Capital Campaign for the organ renovation
A growing challenge for most (all?) churches and senior leaders these days is to maintain core Biblical values, feed the flock, and to present itself as socially relevant, the last of which is a vague concept. I personally love the Episcopal and Anglican traditions and hope that our next Dean will be able to embrace those traditions. At the same time he or she must build a team that can develop the ministries and programs that will keep the American Cathedral in Paris solvent and viable.
It seems people are not as inspired to go to Church as before COVID—I used to go quite a bit. Now I don't know why, I don't want to go. I don't know anyone anymore since Canon Mary and Dean Lucinda left. The cathedral seems very business oriented. I will however make an effort to attend. I did not comment on all the comments because I am not going to comment if I don't go—I have no idea how it is now. The forums seemed very intellectual to me, and for me church is a place to explore connection with God. I know the Cathedral needs to have money to run such a large institution, that is totally understandable. I simply don't seem to get anything out of going to the Cathedral. I wish the cathedral luck, these are not easy times.
Maintenir et promouvoir les valeurs de l'Eglise Episcopale en matière de justice sociale est certainement un défi dans un monde qui tend à se refermer sur lui-même est certainement un défi—mais c'est la mission prophétique de votre Eglise et je prie pour qu'elle soit de plus en plus visible en Europe par le rayonnement de la Cathédrale
Développement de la tradition Épiscopale / Anglicane en France.
During this most difficult financial crisis, due to the COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, the new doyen / Doyenne must insure the financial and spiritual well-being at the American Cathedral. Beautiful music should continue to maintain and support the identity and the durability of its enlightened mission to Paris, to Europe and to the entire world.
The new Dean must find an equilibrium within a community that is reactionary and can be divided on a variety of issues; a community that needs a sense of sincerity, kindness and belonging to increase participation.
Composer avec les humeurs, faire développer ce qui est déjà en place
Différence et diversité culturelle
Langue française
Faire ses preuves en vue de l'édification : En accomplissement sa mission (dans un esprit positif et d'initiative) tout en respectant la Vision qui anime la Cathédrale et les projets qui la soutiennent, et en tenant compte des priorités pour son développement, ainsi que des besoins de la Communauté. Capacités d'adaptation et de changement dans la sagesse et la persévérance.
(2 Timothée 2, 15)

Members of the Visioning team also facilitated in-person discernment at a parish retreat organized after church on July 10th. Some 40 parishioners participated in this 2-hour event.

The first set of responses come from a silent reflection on three questions: Who is God calling us to be? Where is God calling us to go? Who is God calling to lead us? These questions were posted on easels around the Parish hall and participants wrote their responses on post-it notes.

To stretch and challenge ourselves for the good of our cathedral community and for all those around us, all whose lives we may touch.
To start where we are and improve, searching for the truth and reconciliation where needed
Into the streets of Paris!Towards the more fragile community members of the Cathedral.
Towards being a church community that resembles God’s kingdom
In the right path, although it is difficult to find the right way; we have to pray for guidance.
Let’s be Good Samaritans in Paris.
We are called to reinforce and expand our outreach and our in-reach, through service to others, education and programs, musical excellence, pastoral care, the Word and how we choose to interpret and spread it to our community.
Facilitators for integration into parish life for newcomers (needy or not)
To make a safe place for the young, the persecuted, the aliens
To the needy of Paris
We are being called to go outside the Cathedral gate and minister to the wider community
Help those in need, particularly our local neighbors
Out into the world
A center for music to uplift people
To make a more peaceful world
To use our facilities in imaginative, welcoming, and sustaining ways
To preserve our physical plant as well as our spiritual community
Go places where people might not expect to find us, to remind them that God loves them and so do we: for example, the Pride Parade, Black Lives Matter, or refugee encampments
Celebrate and include youth: children, teens, young adults in our worship services and communal life; make them more visible and allow them to feel full members of our life together.
Take advantage of our global outreach now that we have online services
To find ways to step out, gently, from our position as a comfortable parish
Go into all the world and preach the good news of love
God has placed this church in an important place and wants the church as a united family to proclaim His Name and bring more people to Christ
Minister to the needy, including refugees and those living on the margins
Toward the non-religious, to have more non-spiritual activities for the wider community to have people get to know us
In His house and where ever we are needed to spread the Gospel
God is in our soul, our mind, and our heart because we are the image of God
Where my talents are needed; where I can be challenged to be/become a Good Samaritan
Hospitals, prisons, elderly homes; to people in our parish whom we don’t know Go “deeper” (or as deep as each is ready to go) in our spiritual journey, especially in a post-Christian world
Educational and spiritual exercises; service activities, even “one-offs” to involve people
Out into to the community, local and national
Towards one another, to strengthen our community and meet people where they are
On pilgrimages together
Reach out to people in Paris who never go to church
Train people in our parish to be spiritual directors who can accompany new Christians
Look beyond our walls to make our presence known as an open place for Christians to come
Be a resource to new arrivals to Paris to help them find their way, both needy and not-so-needy
We have to open our hearts and allow the Lord to use us
Towards a church that is “open to the city,” a church that has a presence in different places in the city
Translators: Between French and American, secular and religious, different communities (making God’s word and intentions understandable)
A people engaged with our multiple communities (and a bit more turned towards France& Europe)
We are called to be an active, welcoming community for our own members.
A people without fear.
People who find the ‘users guide’ to create a culture of ‘loving our neighbors’
His hands and feet on earth
Good Samaritans
Helping make a better world
Open to others’ aliments and suffering
Open to diversity
Able to come out of my comfort zone
A caring community for those in need: poor people, elderly people, isolated people
Inclusive and understanding of different kinds of people. Open-minded yet clear in who we are
A caring community which invites people to meet and get together more than once a week: prayer groups, home groups…
The word has to speak this answer to your heart. Only then might you understand (we).
A place that demonstrates how Christians can be modern, relevant, (a little) political (in the polity), caring, pragmatic and spiritual.People who know and share JOY!
People who build on their tradition and intellectual/spiritual resources to move forward.
Bridge builders between faiths, between communities, between generations
Peace makers & facilitators
A place of welcome and acceptance of all faiths, sexual orientations, races, abilities.
A place of welcome and worship for any who need it.
A nourishing community where people come to learn and grow in their faith
A voice in a secular world
To be a meeting center to make people from different countries, languages talk together, debate about the challenging issues of our days (green, climate…)
Children of God and therefore children of love
He’s asking us to be who we are in truth
I think our community is at a very good place with a place for everyone on we try… inclusive
From my point of view, He is calling us to be loving
To be not only a beacon of light but the voice of beautiful, gorgeous music (for me, in the Anglican tradition!)
With love, duty, and justice, God calls us to find getting ourselves useful in his way for all he may afford us also to pilgrim as right tenants in eternal life matters of our concern and hope for Paradise.
To be kind
Do unto others as we would have them to do unto us
Help the needy
Solidarity, listening-learning, tolerance, loving, kind to one another, welcoming open heart, teaching through example.
To be more visible from non-Christian people by achieving tasks for our world leading by God’s spirit. By this, we testify our faith in Christ.
God is calling us to realize that we have too much, not too little.
Theologically orthodox (catholic) but embracing those of all faiths, and persuasions as our human family.
To live Gods word in caring for each person in our community and in particular: old people who can’t move anymore, disabled people…
To proclaim and live God’s word ‘outdoors’ (the cathedral): hospitals, prisons, refugee centers
We are created in the image of God to praise, worship and glorify Him alone in the way we live in this world.
Humble faces of the message that Christ’s love is for all who wish to receive it.
People who love unconditionally with no judgment.
Welcoming, inclusive
Radical in our hospitality
Prayerful and pastoral
Connected to our community & church
God is calling us to serve the poor and open our doors to them, and to all who need healing and sustenance (spiritual and physical)
A place of worship and a community for English speaking people in Paris
To lead an exemplary life inside and outside the church.
More welcoming to different people and to work for more justice as a community
God is calling us to use our wealth and resources and building to do God’s work
To be strongly involved in the ecumenism relationships
To create living relationships and projects with the FR protestant, catholic, maronite, orthodox churches.
Be Good Samaritans to homeless, too poor
To be a loving, warm, welcoming community
An open place of worship
Dynamically/radical love translated into: teaching the love of God (bible studies), showing the love of God through outreach (dynamic local involvement), responsible love (teaching the beauty of tithing)
Outward looking and welcoming, inclusive Anglicans
A living demonstration of Christ’s way to the world
Loving, tolerant beings who care and are generous with those less fortunate
God is calling us to invite our brothers and sisters into Christian fellowship
Generous and kind to all, inclusive, and practicing radical love & hospitality
Honest open accepting of all
A place of welcome and hospitality for English-speaking people in Paris
To be a ‘voice in the desert’
To be a good Samaritan
To be a steward of loving our neighbor
Good & faithful servants
Willing workers
To discern together what God wants us to be (discussion and prayer)
A community who loves and cares for all without prejudice
Someone who is not afraid to be different
A person who is committed to his community and to social justice
Someone with a ‘frugal’ yet ‘fruitful’ vision for us
Willing to have a better understanding of this city, this country, this continent to make God’s project and love known ‘outside church’.
A man or a woman experienced leading a large urban parish, able to reach out into the French and European community, knowledgeable and wise
Someone willing to train and empower ministry leaders (education in theology and in community building)
One who deeply believes in and embodies the openness of Christ’s love for all
Somebody who pays attention to lonely sheep and not only to the majority of the herd: families, English-speaking WASPS
A good business person who understands that if the church does not stay in business, it ceases to exist.
A person with: strong pastoral vocation, outreach experience, international experience—with at least 1 foreign language skill, French if possible, a leader capable of managing and making the most of a limited staff—capacity to re-think the organization of the staff and church leadership.
Strong preacher & liturgist, pastoral leader, culturally mature & fluid, seeker of social justice
A man or woman, doesn’t matter
Gay or heterosexual doesn’t matter
Well educated spiritually & worldly
An activist—why not?
A good listener
A pastor (who will help us, and help us to help others)
Someone who leads and manages with strength and love
A leader from both the front and the rear. Who can provoke us to good works.
Someone who has a strength in building community and relationships, both within the parish and outside it.
A Christ-centered person
God is calling a good shepherd to lead his church. A shepherd whose sheep know His voice.
People who welcome and give asylum and make a safe place for youth, immigrants, LGBTQ+, people of color
Next Dean has to be well-educated and have a lot of life experience
Episcopalian (or other Anglican) with an international outlook and culture, not just US-centric
Person with a clear heart. Open mind. Clear spirit
An individual who is confident, intelligent, spiritual. Can reconcile the spiritual with the current secular. Someone authentic, with integrity. Enthusiastic, sense of humor
An interesting, articulate and inspiring preacher who challenges us to apply our spiritual values in our daily lives.
First of all, someone who shows what it means to be a Dean.
To be a good leader
To be available to listen to his or her Members
Give the good examples.
A teacher who is able to preach on the scriptures of the day. A leader for the pastoral care community.A good preacher
An organized person who can lead an organization
Good interpersonal skills Good fundraiser
A leader
A French speaker
Someone who is passionate about Open Table and extends this invite without conditions.
Somebody who is fluent in French
Someone who is ‘inclusive’ but does not put people in boxes
A leader who is not afraid to explore new paths and possibly guide us on them.
A warm, caring pastor
Our Dean: a nurturer, a visionary, a teacher, a leader, a tall order to be sure!
An efficient administrator with the skill to delegate, inspire and empower staff and volunteers
A visionary who can discern our mission in concert with the cathedral community and help us find our pathway
Somebody who could comfort needy people as well as confront and challenge comfortable people.
Next Dean has to be understanding of himself and other people, other cultures.
A shepherd who is wise, compassionate, & hospitable
Theologically episcopal
Someone who will make families feel welcome and youth and 20s and 30s want to be involved and live out their spiritual journeys here
Next dean has to be a good listener
Next dean has to be a preacher and a teacher
Teacher, counselor, liturgist, humble
Our next dean: experienced with multi-culturality, speaks 2-3 languages, willing of having/developing ecumenical projects
Somebody who helps me to connect between sermons and daily life

In the second phase of this event, the participants broke into four groups, each with a facilitator and a scribe to capture the feedback, to delve into greater detail.

Who is God calling us to be?
God is calling us to be who we are and after 30 years here we have come a long way on inclusiveness so don’t change for the sake of changing. Look at all we’ve done, we are different and get along. The Americans in America should do so well.
We should practice Truth and Reconciliation. That is part of love, love is truth.
We are called to be the children of God, God is love.
Even if we are inclusive we need to start with an Anglican base. We have the experience.
Mary Victor is here because her country was once a British colony.
When I was a student in America I was attracted to the Episcopal church, it drew me in because it is a welcoming place. We need to know who we are... we are international.
We are people who are radical in our hospitality to any and to all. Open, Inclusive, the tradition of Liturgy.
Liturgy sets you free, the focus is not only the priest in the pulpit.
I suggest more teaching… bible study, how to tithe, outreach.
Outreach, what is it? Pastoral care.
Vestry is better now, it is more diverse.
Where is God calling us to go?
We are online viewers
Why don’t we do an online coffee? Did this ever happen? Have the viewers fallen off post Covid when now people can attend services in person.
The pandemic forced us to do things in different ways… The Sandwich Ministry for example. As it is taking place in the street and not a lunch in the Parish Hall, neighbors observed and some began to participate. Now with the Noon service they can attend. Some of these people even joined the Cathedral. In that way, this Ministry has become a form of evangelism.
We are a larger group now because of the French language service. And these people don’t only attend on Saturday evening. This is a visible sign that we are welcoming people.
How can we thrive with a transient congregation? We should bring back the Welcoming Events hosted by the Dean. (Took place PreCovid).
Is this where we are meant to go?
We should bring more people in
Beef up our welcome and activities.
Who is God calling to be our next Dean?
We need a Federator as we are from so many different backgrounds.
In 2014 there was a seminar on Anglicanism–aimed at people from outside the Cathedral and it was a good exercise.
How will the new Dean be involved in the Convocation?
We are a Pro Cathedral so the new Dean must embrace that. But will they have time to do their job in this parish and take on leadership within the Convocation?
Some confusion on what is the difference of a Cathedral and a parish? We need to educate the congregation but not now, we have too much else to do to find the new Dean, but once they are in place we need to inform the congregation.
Bottom line, the new Dean needs to embrace their position as Dean and Rector.
The Cathedral is short staffed and needs to hire more people. Said by two people.
The new Dean should have good preaching skills but be sensitive to all nationalities.
International experience but cultural empathy and sensitivity.
The Convocation forum on racism was seen as too American from one person.
Therefore, attuned to Social justice–in our home country but also in France and Europe.
Need a strong pastoral presence but don’t want to burden the Dean with the duties, they should be able to delegate pastoral care. Don’t want to stretch the Dean too thin.
Therefore, a capacity to lead but a delegator. Having a vision to deploy a ministry.
A teacher and someone who can identify talent. (PS Ministry heads need to be trained)
A good manager, skills from past experience.
Preferred French speaker
Introductions: People’s feelings about the Cathedral (individual comments below, no overlap)
Love Open Table
Love the physical space (glory of the building)
Feeling of connection with Lucinda: Lucinda helped this parishioner with family issues and gave her support at difficult times; Appreciated that Lucinda was a woman
Like being able to engage with other congregants
Format of service same as those from (Roman Catholic) childhood
Like the sermons
Like worshiping God here
Appreciate the people
Attended Roman Catholic services, tried Anglican church in Paris, and American Church in Paris, ultimately attends American Cathedral
Come for the English-language service (a Frenchwoman who loves English)
Feels at peace in Episcopal church
People in this discussion group have been attending services here from 1 month to 15 years
Feel a sense of humility here
Don’t feel comfortable being asked to give money all the time/not accustomed to this
Who is God calling us to be? Where is God calling us to go?
What is our mission? Asking this question means: What is my mission? Is it to give money on the street? Is it to evangelize? Is it to provide fellowship to fellow congregants? Putting this all on the Dean puts us in a childlike position. The Dean directs the orchestra, but we play the instruments.
It would be good to have a Dean who knows the congregants well, to help identify individuals identify their missions and help identify which individuals suit particular missions
How do we deal with overwhelm? There is so much to do, but we can’t do it all, and not all at once
As Christians, our life is not just here. We need to be able to live it outside, but it’s not easy. Sandwich Ministry is a good example of taking Sunday morning into our daily life. Helping refugees would be another example.
Our church is a venue for letting people know about God, so it is important to bring them here.
As members of the church we can help the church to grow.
How? For example, Sandwich Ministry. We can’t shove Jesus down people’s throats but we can talk to them and make friends with them. Some people come to the prayer before the Sandwich Ministry.
Personal example: I first came to the Cathedral for a lecture and met Lucinda at the lecture. She encouraged me to come to the Sunday Forum. Note: we could advertise the Forum outside of the Cathedral channels, and as the service is afterward perhaps newcomers to the Forum would want to attend the service as well
Two things: bring people in, and go to them where they are. Where are they? Stephen Ministry is cited as an example. Teaching refugee children or helping them after school.
“Always preach the gospel. Sometimes use words.”
Who is God calling us to be is a personal and a collective question
God is calling us to be peaceful and bring peace to others
Being part of the church means being part of the body of Christ: we are the hands and the feet that keep doing the work
Religion should not be a burden or calvary; it should be about joy; there should be a way to go out the door and bring that joy to others
The intersection between church and the outside world is social justice
What is our church equipped to do?
What can we do with this physical space?
Is there an existing framework? Existing parameters? Could I just bring someone in off the street to get care? Joyce Mayer is cited as an example. Seems like we need to partner with other organizations, as ministry to help the homeless is heavy work. This is something to talk to the Dean about. What do our existing parameters allow us to do? I only know about Sandwich Ministry
Do we need Mission statements about our focus areas? Vision statements? I’d like to know what is possible for us to do, and what is out of the question.
We need a leader to help us identify what our mission is.
Who is God calling to lead us?
There’s personality, and then there’s character.
Love Lucinda
Someone who can direct and also delegate
Team leader
Someone who knows the congregation. How? People could volunteer to be known, by participating in an directory that assembles parishioners information (but the info would be about their talents and interests, so you could easily identify potential volunteers for specific tasks and missions)
What are the most important things we are looking for in a leader? A good shepherd. We will know their voice, and they will really get to know us. A Good Samaritan Someone who will provide active direction, giving the congregation active ways to fulfill our mission as followers of Christ
Introductions: Why did you first come to the Cathedral?
One person came 25 years ago from RC to the francophone group under George Hobson 25 years ago; drawn by the Anglican experience in a French-speaking community.
Another person part of a Franco-American couple, has been coming for 6 months, drawn by the notion: “Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, here you are welcome.”
Another French speaker came today for the first time, on a spiritual search, has been “church shopping” in that quest.
Another French speaker, baptized RC then switched to Evangelical Protestantism, then Anglican at Saint Michael’s, and found his spiritual home here.
A French-speaking American who once was lost but now is found and has remained here for 25 years.
Lastly, an Episcopalian from the US who came here to work, arrived on a Thursday, and was here that Sunday.
Who do we want to be?
Be more ecumenical, to reach out to other churches, other religions, other faith traditions.
Be more tolerant.
Be more engaged in our French community, through hospital and prison visitation, for example.
Become more proactive in promoting fellowship within our community (neighborhood groups, for example.
General feeling that we like who were are
Where do we want to go?
Go out into the world as disciples of our Christian faith, living these principles in our lives
Go where we can be useful, and helpful to other
Find the sweet place between getting our batteries charged by Sunday worship, giving us the cheerful strength to go out into the world that Christ has given us to do as his disciples
Who do we want to lead us?
Primarily, someone pastoral; a teacher, a visionary who can challenge us and nudge us in the right direction. It was expressed that past deans have been overly burdened with administration to the detriment of their pastoral work.
Who is God calling us to be?
Be a good Samaritan
Be kind
Be a comfort and support to others in their need
Do unto others as you would have done unto you
Need for more pastoral care within the church community—reach out to people you haven’t seen in a while (people will feel more eager to come if they are missed)
Provide shelter to people within the church (sponsor their stay inside/outside the church) where possible
Welcome people from different nationalities, other faith communities (interfaith leadership)
Have collection drives to donate
Networks for newcomers—connect people with those who can help/support on specific skill sets (Ex: Bloom where you are planted)—or offer resources like books/pamphlets
A newcomer’s section/place to find more information / volunteering opportunities
Avoid being territorial and protective of your group/friend’s circle within the church, welcome other people
Create more opportunity for people to volunteer—small groups based on needs of the church or hobbies
Character / skills we are looking for in a person who can lead us
Episcopalian
A good preacher
A visionary
A listener
A person who is attentive to the community & its members
Punctual
Knows what he/she is saying
A clear-headed, brave leader who places faith in God; is clear about our stand (who we are/want to be) in this city/country & in the world
Focused
A married couple—man & wife (not gay/lesbian)
Not be overly pious and lacking in involvement in the church
Able to reach out to all kinds of people, of all ages especially
Good in administration—manage, inspire, and lead staff and volunteers
Supportive of the music program
Speak French (the church can provide a contract which requires & supports learning French)
Know how to balance work & life
Multilingual already and open to other cultures
Non-judgmental
Middle-aged and not close to retirement (this should not be their last job before retirement)
A liberal democrat
Have positive ideas
Able to engage/start conversations about current political/social affairs without causing disputes within the church—teach the community on how to conduct civil discourse, bringing God & morality into the same conversation
Talk about how we would engage in difficult scenarios/situation in our lives

Members of the Visioning Team also met with the Youth Group and the children during Sunday school, posing similar questions to these members of the parish.

We met with three six-year-olds and three ten-year-olds in Sunday School on June 19th, 2022, for a discernment session as part of our search for the next Dean.
Note: The bulk of the commentary below comes from the older children. Please see accompanying photos of invitations to church, made by the younger children, to see their vision of and for our church.
Angelina Blundell explained the reason for our discernment to all of the children and we started by imagining together the most wonderful church in the world.
Angelina said: Close your eyes and imagine the most wonderful church in the world. What happens at this church? Who is welcome in this church? What are we doing in this church? What makes us want to go every single Sunday
They answered:
- Smaller chairs
- Kind People
- Greeting and being greeted
- Conversation about creating a better world, about bad leaders
- Everyone is invited, people of all religions come here
- People would come every Sunday for/to:
  - Kindness
  - Coffee hour at back of church with donuts
  - Sermon
  - Get motivated to do something they like
  - Help animals
  - Volunteer with Sandwich Ministry
We then split up into two groups. The younger children made invitations to church and the older children were given a handout with discussion questions (questions are listed below).
Click here to view the younger children’s invitations to church ↣
Geoff led the following discussion with the older children, based on the handout questions.
What is your best memory of church?
- Celebrations around the Dean’s departure
- Getting peppermints from [former Dean] Lucinda
- Celebrations outside in the garden
- The last Palm Sunday
- Being in the nave
- Special days (holiday services)
- Listening to the service and reading along from the bulletin
How would you describe our church to your friends?
- Holy
- Peaceful
- Interesting
- You feel relaxed here
- It’s a big church
- People are kind
- There are different personalities
- It’s God’s house
- Fun
- Friendly
- Community
- You can play in the garden
- They like the gospel readings
- They like the shorter services
How does our church help people? How have you helped? How can we help more?
- Sandwich Ministry
- Offering plate
- We should give money to the poor and homeless and mentally & physically unhealthy people, or spend the money on helping them
  - Give them food and medicine
  - People with Alzheimer’s were mentioned
- We should help Ukrainian refugees and the Ukrainians still living in Ukraine
  - We should promote world peace
  - We should not send weapons
  - We should send food
  - We should help them rebuild damaged infrastructure now and also after the conflict is over
  - We should make sure they have access to transport
- We should help animals and take care of the planet (climate change)
What words would describe a caring and excellent leader of a church?
- Nice
- Funny
- But a little serious, too
- Good at sermons
- Caring
- Talks to you
- Gives compliments
- Knows my name
What activities would you like to do with our next dean?
- Visits to Sunday School
- Coffee hour
- Go sightseeing (zoo, museums)
- Learn prayers together
- Learn about the dean’s job, about their life
- The dean should like children (and give them peppermints)
Additional comments:
- Gender doesn’t matter, except it would be nice to have another woman because Lucinda was the first, and all the previous deans were men
- It could be the person’s first time being a dean, or they could already have experience as a dean
We had four youth show up for youth group and had a short time to discuss the following questions:
What words describe who we are as a Cathedral?
What words describe the characteristics that we think our new Dean should have?
The plan was for the group to brainstorm all the words we could think of, and then pick the five best and use those to come up with a description of the Cathedral and of our new Dean. Sadly we didn’t have enough time to choose the five best words and write a description with them, but they thought that the word list by itself would be helpful and that it captured their ideas on the subject.
Here is the listing of words for each:
Words that describe the Cathedral:
- Diverse
- Giving
- Generous
- Non-local (we have people from all over Paris and the suburbs that come)
- Welcoming
- Prayerful
- Worshiping
- Multi-National (we have people from many nations and backgrounds)
- Open
- Community
- Musical
- Historical
Characteristics we want to see in our new Dean:
- Welcoming
- Loving
- Knowledgeable
- Insightful
- Funny
- Active (in all church activities, not just worship on Sunday morning)
- Dynamic
- Happy
- Relatable
- Speaks or is willing to learn to speak French (not one word, but important)Educated (about different cultures—American, French, and others)
- Buys in to what we do / Loves the job
- Open to learning new things

The Team

The Visioning team was responsible for the first phase of the Dean Search at the Cathedral. It was convened by Angelina Stelmach and Sue Sturman, and included Geoffrey Jennings, Seth Hinkley, Arthur Clement, Thomas Girty, Sarah Vanderveen, Bob Seeman, and Sunny Hallanan, rector of All Saints Parish in Waterloo, Belgium.

Commission

The Vestry charged us with the following tasks:

Prepare position posting by answering twelve questions approved by the Vestry along with the data, salary, etc.
Engage the congregation in discerning: What is God calling us to do and be in the coming years and what leadership is needed to help us do that? The focus is on discerning God’s call vs. what individuals might want.
Prepare a list of the gifts, skills and experience we need in the next dean for the Vestry to approve and use in their charge to the Discernment Team.
Prepare a way to tell candidates about the Cathedral.

Time Frame

Our time frame was very short, and we worked intensely to provide thorough and thoughtful feedback for the Vestry and the Discernment Team to use as they move forward. We were commissioned on June 14th and completed our work with a submission of the findings to the Vestry on August 3rd, for their approval by August 10th. We faced a deadline of August 15th to post the job, so that it would be available for viewing in time for candidates to consider the post prior to an important meeting of candidates and seeking churches in mid-September.

The complete report, including all raw data, is presented here. We trust that it will provide a true mirror for our community to see itself in all its harmony and diversity.

We wish to express our deep appreciation to the Visioning Team for their dedication, thoughtfulness, and commitment; our consultant Linda Grenz for her guidance; to the Vestry for its support; and especially to all the members of the Cathedral community who participated in the various aspects of this Discernment process.

Methodology

We first looked at what we came to refer to as 'The 12 Questions,' the questionnaire that forms the basis of the job posting as required by the American Episcopal Church. From those we derived, after much prayerful reflection, discussion, and brainstorming, a survey of both short and open-ended questions that was sent out to the parish on July 4th. Additionally, we held a Parish Retreat on July 10th, attended by some 40 people.

We did not record any names, and all the surveys were entirely anonymous. Aside from very slight redactions to protect peoples' privacy, the documents we are sharing here are verbatim.

Throughout this process, the Visioning team met weekly via Zoom to plan, prepare, review, and discuss as the project unfolded.

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