The Rev. Randolph Hollerith appointed dean of the Cathedral Church of St Peter & St Paul in Washington

Dear Friends of Washington National Cathedral,

I am delighted to report that the Rev. Randolph “Randy” Hollerith has accepted our call to serve as Cathedral dean.

For the last 16 years, Randy has been the rector of St. James’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Va., where he has earned a national reputation for innovation in institution building, team leadership and justice ministry in the city and beyond. He is a faithful Christian leader, energetic, humble and strong, and he is excited to join us in this pivotal moment of the Cathedral’s life and mission.

Here is what Randy wrote about his vision for the Cathedral:

“Is the Cathedral a place where disciples are formed and nurtured? Is it a place unabashedly committed to the way of Jesus Christ? I believe the Cathedral can be a place that is radically open and hospitable while also deeply faithful to the Gospel.”

Randy describes himself as “a team builder at heart.” The Search Committee and I were taken with his commitment to building strong teams, vibrant institutions, and a collective witness to the Gospel of Christ. He shares our vision of strategic capacity-building to equip the Cathedral for mission in our time.

Randy also has a personal connection to the Cathedral. He grew up in Alexandria, Va., and would often visit to watch the stonemasons at work. He describes having one of the first spiritual experiences of his life here at the Cathedral. There’s a family tie as well: his great grandmother was present on Sept. 27, 1907 as President Theodore Roosevelt helped lay the foundation stone.

Randy shares our commitment to social justice and community engagement. He has led St. James’s in the work of racial reconciliation, forging lasting ties in the Richmond community. He has a record of successful fundraising campaigns that will serve us well, and a pastor’s heart that is, in his words, “centered on being faithful to Christ and Christ’s work in the world.”

Randy’s wife, Melissa, is also an Episcopal priest. She currently serves as chaplain and chair of the religion department at St. Christopher’s School in Richmond. They have two children: Marshall, a rising senior at Washington & Lee University; and Eliza, who graduates from high school this year.

Randy will begin his work as dean in mid-August. In the meantime, he will come to Washington periodically to meet with staff and Chapter members, and to begin engaging the wider circle of the Cathedral community.

Thank you for your faithfulness and prayers during the interim period. I give thanks to God for all of you, and for the gift of the Holy Spirit working in and among us. Please pray for our new dean and his family as they make their way to us.

Faithfully,

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde
Bishop of Washington
Interim Dean of Washington National Cathedral