Weekly Update | May 24, 2026

Dear friends in Christ,

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Dean of St. John’s Cathedral. I am honored and grateful to accept this call by the Vestry of St. John’s and affirmed by Bishop John Harvey Taylor on behalf of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

We begin this chapter of time after moving through important first stages of new relationships. Some would say we have already experienced the stages of forming, storming and norming as a community[1]. While I am not sure that we ever enjoyed a honeymoon, in life sometimes those sacred moments come in the midst of life-giving partnerships. After three years, we know each other well in ways that only comes with time.

In community, we know our strengths and growing edges. We know the division of labor in our household. Those who enjoy cooking and hosting friends, those who prefer serving at the table, or caring for mother earth. We know who enjoys working with their hands, versus the ones who sing, and the ones who are life-long learners that thrive on theological study. Together, we are becoming the body of Christ, even when we do not always agree, or occasionally step on each other toes. Yet, to the glory of God, every member, every visitor and guest, every choir member, every young person and old, every child and parent, every staff member, every vestry member, all who enters to pray and worship, to be fed, to rest and to be loved are essential to the whole, the body of Christ.

I am truly excited to make real the works of the Spirit. Plans are already underway to expand ministries to nurture and teach children, and to celebrate the diverse community who finds home at St. John’s. As we prepare to welcome Bishop-Elect Antonio, there will be opportunities for everyone to contribute. But before that, let us offer our sincere gratitude and love to Bishop John Harvey Taylor and Diocesan Staff for their leadership and support.

I extend my gratitude and appreciation to the Vestry of St. John’s Cathedral, the Parish Profile Transition Committee, and everyone who wrote warm and thoughtful notes of appreciation and support, as well as those who named areas of growth as we work and move together as one body. Each of us play an essential role in our life together. I give thanks for you, for the blessings of life and love, for this call to be with you and serve you knowing that all things are possible with God – especially when, we work together as followers of the One who calls, redeems and sustains us this day, and always.

With love and blessings,

Anne +                                                              

[1] Using the Stages of Team Development by Judith Stein