Cathedral Conversations

In a special episode of Cathedral Conversations, Bishop Greg Rickel sits down with Michael and Cara to talk about his 15 years as bishop of the Diocese of Olympia. 

We're back! Michael and Cara talk with Olivier Santos about his journey from Grace Cathedral to Saint Mark's, and about his work and his own journey in what it means to belong.

Carmen Brady, a member of the Cathedral Choir and of the vestry, talks to Cara and Michael about her career in journalism, her time at Saint Mark's, and how sometimes, all you can do is smile and nod.

In this themed episode, we're talking about appropriation: what it is, why it's disrespectful at best, and presenting some examples of what cultural appropriation looks like. We also talk about appreciation, and what that can look like in different contexts. To find out more about how to practice yoga appropriately, go here.

(Content warning: domestic violence, self-harm ideation, racial violence) Cara and Michael conclude their conversation about why representation of BIPOC people is so important; from the characters we see on TV, to the names being read out during the prayers of the people. To find out more about missing Black women and missing Indigenous women, go to https://ourblackgirls.com/ and https://juustwa.org/.

Representation is a big issue for BIPOC people, and representation in church music? Even more so. This is the first episode on our theme of representation: why it is important, and what is overlooked when equal representation is missing. Cara and Michael chat about some observations Cara’s picked up in her capacity as a music student and professional musician, and why “merit-based hiring” is a good way to shut out entire demographics of professionals.

In our first themed episode, Cara and Michael attempt to unpack microaggressions: what they are and why they're so frustrating to experience, and how to have better interactions.

The second (concluding) part of our conversation with Vinh Do, longtime cathedral member and former vestry member, about his story at Saint Mark's, and his reaction to the anti-Asian violence.

The first part of our conversation with Vinh Do, longtime cathedral member and former vestry member, about his story at Saint Mark's, and his reaction to the anti-Asian violence that preceded and followed the 2021 Atlanta shootings.

In this second interview with Vinnu, we check in with her after the Atlanta shootings and the anti-Asian hate seen across the country.

Vinnu tells us about how she came to Saint Mark's, and what it's like being one of the few South Asian people at the cathedral. …

In the first part of this episode, Cara and Michael talk about each other; their respective journeys to Saint Mark's, and how they find ourselves being people of color in a mostly white church.…

In the second part of this episode, Cara and Michael continue their talk about each other; their own respective journeys to Saint Mark's, and how they find ourselves being people of color in a mostly white church. …

A short message from Michael and Cara to address the delay in releasing the interviews of this podcast.

In the second part of the first episode of the “About Race” podcast, Cara Peterson and Michael Perera explain how and why this conversation about race at Saint Mark's came about.

In the first episode of the “About Race” podcast, Cara Peterson and Michael Perera explain how and why this conversation about race at Saint Mark's came about.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” performed by Cara Peterson at the Edwin Pratt Memorial Service at Saint Mark’s, February 2, 2019.

In the second part of my interview with Rev. Jennifer King Daugherty, we talk about what it means to be a cathedral community at a time of quarantine and racial reckoning, and we turn the clock back to my second Sunday at Saint Mark’s.

In the first part of this two-part interview, I talk to the Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty about how she got started in the Episcopal Church, how she came to Saint Mark’s, and what it means to be the Canon for Congregational Life.

Choir member, vestry member, former Canon for Cathedral Operations, Education for Ministry mentor, coordinator for the cathedral renovation project and setting up the livestreaming ministry, Maria Coldwell talks about her journey to Saint Mark’s, and the seminal experience in her life that helped her reconnect with God.

In part 2 of our interview, longtime members of Saint Mark’s Dick and Jane Carter recount the story of how they came to the cathedral, the many ministries they’ve served in, and how their connection to a church in Russia gifted us our beautiful icons.

Longtime members of Saint Mark’s Dick and Jane Carter, recount the story of how they came to the cathedral, the many ministries they’ve served in, and how their connection to a church in Russia gifted us our beautiful icons.

"The poetry of our hymns and anthems often sounds like a love song to God; and I don't mean in an ushy-gushy way, but in a deeply profound way."…

In Part 2 of this wide-ranging interview, Bishop Greg Rickel continues talking about his spiritual response to the COVID-19 epidemic, how the outbreak has affected our churches and communities, the challenges of being a bishop, and what it means to observe Easter in quarantine.

In Part 1 of this wide-ranging interview, Bishop Greg Rickel talks about how he got started in the Episcopal faith, his spiritual response to the COVID-19 epidemic, how the outbreak has affected our churches and communities, the challenges of being a bishop, and what it means to observe Easter in quarantine.  

Laney and Emily of the Seattle Service Corps describe what it’s like to live in intentional community with the other corps members, what they do in their service organizations, and what they’ve discovered in their time at Saint Mark’s.

The Rev. Canon Nancy Ross: Experiencing Jesus  The Rev. Canon Nancy Ross breaks down her journey from a Catholic church in upstate New York, to becoming a transitional deacon at Saint Mark’s, to why the work of Sanctuary is vital to our mission as Christians. 

Adam Conley: Directing the Service Corps  Adam Conley tells us about how he got started in the Episcopal Church, his journeys through England and Saint Paul’s in Seattle, and how being the director of the Seattle Service Corps is a kind of homecoming for him.

  The Rev. Canon Cristi Chapman: A Dream Come True (recorded September 24, 2019) The Rev. Canon Cristi Chapman talks about how Seattle was always on her radar, what it means to be the Canon for Spiritual Growth and Stewardship, and the experience of preaching on her very first Sunday at Saint Mark’s.

Julia Logan and Henley: Nurturing (recorded July 15, 2019) Senior Warden Julia Logan tells the story of how she became an Episcopalian in the first moments of her life, and how her journey of lay leadership has inspired her to overcome her fears.

Lynne Markova: A Beautiful Mosaic (recorded January 29, 2019) Lynne Markova continues her story of finding Saint Mark’s, becoming a vestry member and senior warden, holding the reins while the dean was on sabbatical, and how her experiences here have changed her life. (This is Part 2 of a two-part interview).

Lynne Markova: A Beautiful Mosaic (recorded January 29, 2019) Lynne Markova takes us on her journey of finding Saint Mark’s, becoming a vestry member and senior warden, holding the reins while the dean was on sabbatical, and how her experiences here have changed her life. (This is Part 1 of a two-part interview.)

  Virginia Lenker: Making a Cathedral a Home (recorded July 11, 2019). Virginia Lenker, responsible for so much of the wonderful hospitality at Saint Mark’s, explains how she goes about making the cathedral a center of welcome and warmth for visitors from all around the world.

Mac Brown: The Power of Calling (recorded January 17, 2019) Mac Brown tells the story of his long history with Saint Mark’s, and why he served as everything from senior warden to Justice Ministries Coordinator, and even taught a class on discernment.

The Rev. Earl Grout: Holy Accidents (recorded January 2, 2019) Deacon Earl Grout goes deep about the diaconate, his service at Saint Mark’s, the importance of liturgy, welcoming newcomers, and his love of all things naval.

What is Questioning Together? Russ, Rachel and Elizabeth tell us how this group came together, the importance of wrestling with challenging questions, and the difference between cross-examination and therapy.…

Vi Lynk and Mary Segall: We Don’t Quit (recorded November 29, 2018) Vi Lynk and Mary Segall talk about how the mutual ministry of Visual Arts and Mid-East Focus led to the dramatic “I Am” exhibit, and what the work of Visual Arts and the Mid-East Focus ministries means to Saint Mark’s.

Karen Knudson tells the story of her long history with the cathedral, her passion for social justice work, and how the longevity of the Compline service has brought generations from far and wide to Saint Mark’s.…

Peter, Susan and Cameron McClung talk about their journey to Saint Mark's, their varied service in the cathedral, and what the work of the community means to them.…

Episode Seven (Recorded September 29, 2018) Having been at Saint Mark’s for less than a year, Elliott Jacksh reflects on what drew him to the liturgical experience, and the differences between Ketchikan, Alaska, and Seattle. …

Episode Six (Recorded September 21, 2018) The former worship coordinator at Saint Mark’s talks about his journey of faith, his next steps, and meeting the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Seattle, the President of the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, and the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.…

Episode Six (recorded August 22, 2018) Rev. Canon Pat Taylor talks about how she got started with the priesthood, her many years at Saint Mark’s, and how change seems to follow her wherever she goes. …

Episode Five (Recorded July 26, 2018) Walter Stuteville talks about his many years of service at Saint Mark’s, how he has seen the cathedral change, and what makes this community work. …

Episode Four (Recorded July 3, 2018) Kelly Moody, Director of Children’s & Family Ministries at Saint Mark’s, casts her mind back to walking into the cathedral with three children for the first time, and what children and family ministries means to her today. …

Episode Three (recorded June 14, 2018) Before he headed to seminary, Malcolm McLaurin looked back on his road to Saint Mark’s, his work with youths and young adults, and why he feels the call of the clergy.…

Episode Two (Recorded June 6, 2018) Associate Musician & Choir School Director Rebekah Gilmore talks about her musical background, her experiences leading the choir school at Saint Mark’s, and the special moment she enjoys at every Christmas pageant. …

Episode One (Recorded May 22, 2018) Former member of the Seattle Service Corps Paige Foreman talked about her passion for social change, her impressions of Saint Mark’s, and her future in seminary. …

The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason: Unfolding (recorded April 24, 2019) The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason talks about his journey of faith in the Episcopal Church, what it means to be the dean of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, and the three words his wife said to him when he was being considered for the position.