Grace Cathedral

Dear Friends,  

We recently conducted our annual survey to better understand our community’s needs, perceptions, and desires. The Grace Cathedral Community Survey results provide an insightful snapshot of the cathedral’s current state and our community’s aspirations.

Your responses to the survey reflect a strong sense of community connection, and before sharing those results, we want to highlight an upcoming opportunity sponsored by Congregation Council this Sunday for you to deepen connections further at the cathedral:

Join us on the plaza for Congregation Sunday this Sunday, September 8, following the 11 am service. Meet representatives from our many active ministries and learn how you can get more involved. Enjoy great food, fun, and friends. 

This year’s theme, Year of Memory: Generations of Grace celebrates our history of congregational connection through images and stories, including a gorgeous slide show of our 175-year history created by our Cathedral Archivist, Michael Lampen. We look forward to seeing you at Congregation Sunday!

And now, let’s dive into the survey results!

Community Engagement  

We had 279 respondents this year, 13% more than in 2023.  

The survey results reveal a high level of satisfaction among respondents regarding Grace Cathedral’s role in the community. Most participants appreciate the cathedral’s commitment to inclusivity, its rich cultural programs, and its role as a sanctuary for reflection and spirituality. Many respondents highlighted the cathedral’s welcoming atmosphere and its efforts to foster a sense of belonging among diverse groups. 

Our community is digital, with over 55% stating they access all the information they need via our online sources (Website and Newsletters). Questions probing the importance of online ministries show an interest in providing more ways to engage with our remote community.  

“Even though I am 600 miles away, attending Grace online makes me feel closer to God. The amazing clergy, the music, and the feeling of belonging to this community —Grace offers everything I need. Thank you!” 

Programming and Events 

Regarding programming and events, the survey results reveal high satisfaction (49% very satisfied, 39% satisfied) at Grace Cathedral.   

The respondents love the choir (I have five pages of comments from respondents!) and the cathedral’s arts and cultural events, including other concerts, organ recitals, and art installations. These events are a cornerstone of the cathedral’s appeal and a critical factor in its cultural significance. 

Yet, there is also a demand for more variety in programming. Respondents have suggested introducing new programs, such as workshops on mindfulness and meditation, the return of labyrinth walks, more exercise classes for seniors, courses on comparative religion, and even Zumba. The desire for more diverse and interactive experiences reflects a continual interest in making Grace Cathedral a place for all to connect.  

Spiritual and Religious Life 

75% of respondents have attended a service at Grace Cathedral. The 11 am Sunday Choral Eucharist in-person is the most attended service, followed by Thursday Evensong in-person, and the 11 am Sunday Choral Eucharist online third. On the spiritual front, respondents expressed a deep appreciation for the cathedral’s traditional services and its role in nurturing spiritual growth.  

Many participants seek new ways to deepen their faith in the community. The survey respondents expressed a strong desire for people to further their education in The Book of Common Prayer, church history and liturgy, and to participate in more Bible studies and contemplative prayer groups.

Social Justice  

The survey results reflect a community deeply concerned about pressing social justice issues, with a majority ranking climate change as a first or second priority (57%). This was followed by social problems, including drug addiction, homelessness and income inequality (37%), and gun violence (36%). Grace Cathedral has an opportunity to leverage its position to meaningfully impact our society. Comments from respondents show a clear call for the cathedral to expand its role in these social justice initiatives and create more community dialogue and involvement opportunities.

Vision for the Future 

The survey results indicate a strong desire for Grace Cathedral to continue evolving while staying true to its core values. The feedback underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between tradition and inventiveness.  

“Grace does a lot of things right. Keep them and keep searching for more.”   

We encourage everyone to stay engaged with the ongoing developments at Grace Cathedral and contribute to shaping its future.  

Eva Woo Slavitt 
Canon Director of Marketing & Communications