National Cathedral Canon Precentor announces departure

from The Lead by Nicholas Knisely:

The National Cathedral announced on Friday that:

"The Rev. Canon Carol Wade, who oversees the design and execution of some of the nation's most high-profile religious services, will leave her position as canon precentor at Washington National Cathedral after a sabbatical that begins on July 1."
"At times of great celebration and deep grief, Carol's creativity has enhanced the spiritual life of the Cathedral, the Episcopal Church, and the nation," said the Very Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd, dean of the Cathedral. "Whether it was a presidential funeral or a typical Sunday Eucharist, she infused her work with warmth, dignity, and a profoundly human touch. We will miss her very much."

The full announcement follows:

For immediate release

May 21, 2010

Cathedral Canon Precentor Carol Wade to Leave Following Sabbatical

The Rev. Canon Carol Wade, who oversees the design and execution of some of the nation'smost high-profile religious services, will leave her position as canon precentor at Washington National Cathedral after a sabbatical that begins on July 1.

"At times of great celebration and deep grief, Carol's creativity has enhanced the spiritual life of the Cathedral, the Episcopal Church, and the nation," said the Very Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd, dean of the Cathedral. "Whether it was a presidential funeral or a typical Sunday Eucharist, she infused her work with warmth, dignity, and a profoundly human touch. We will miss her very much."

The Cathedral will not call a new precentor, Lloyd said, but will divide Wade's duties among other priests on the staff. "Carol documented her work thoroughly and shared her experience widely," Lloyd said. "She leaves behind a capable liturgical team."

During her six years at the Cathedral, Wade designed or oversaw the funeral of former President Gerald R. Ford, the Inaugural Prayer Service of President Barack Obama, the investiture of the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, numerous services celebrating the Cathedral's centennial, and the recent postearthquake prayer service for the people of Haiti. She was also co-chair of the team that designed and executed the worship at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2009, and served as chaplain to the church's House of Bishops.

"Canon Carol Wade has been a gift to the whole of the Episcopal Church during her service at the National Cathedral," said Jefferts Schori. "Her creativity, pastoral sensitivity, and stunning liturgical sense have enriched and uplifted worship for the wider Church, the House of Bishops, and the 76th General Convention. I am deeply grateful for the blessing and challenge she offered the bishops through her ministry as chaplain. I look forward to her next chapter, knowing that God will be abundantly glorified."

Though widely known for her liturgical work, Wade is also a compelling preacher and a capable administrator, Lloyd said. At the Cathedral, she directs a team of 20 employees and volunteers who were collectively responsible for 1,800 services each year. She also created the American


Lessons and Carols service for Public Radio International and won a local Emmy Award for coproducing the Cathedral's annual Christmas morning service. Wade created worship services for the 2005 Interfaith Convocation on Global Poverty and the Millennium Development Goals; the 2005 and 2007 Interfaith Convocations for Bread for the World; the Breakthrough Summit for the Women, Faith, and Development Alliance; and the ecumenical service of Christian Peace for Iraq.

"Carol made significant contributions to our work on global justice and in cultivating interfaith partnerships," said the Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, bishop of Washington. "She has a heart for reconciliation that informs all of her work."