Washington National Cathedral to Honor WWI Centennial with Liturgical Resources

WASHINGTON – To mark the centennial anniversary of the First World War that began 100 years ago this month on July 28, 1914, Washington National Cathedral has created a collection of resources for worship in response to this important historical milestone. The liturgical resources, which were developed by the Rev. Canon Gina Campbell, the Cathedral’s […]

WASHINGTON – To mark the centennial anniversary of the First World War that began 100 years ago this month on July 28, 1914, Washington National Cathedral has created a collection of resources for worship in response to this important historical milestone.

The liturgical resources, which were developed by the Rev. Canon Gina Campbell, the Cathedral’s canon precentor, include suggestions for prayers, a responsive litany, shared readings and guides to preaching. Also included are examples of reflections on related biblical passages, exploring the themes of shame, wisdom and hope.

The Cathedral was invited to create these resources by the World War I Commission, an organization established by the United States Congress to help citizens learn more about World War I and the involvement of the United States. These resources can be found at http://www.nationalcathedral.org/wwi.


World War I, known as the “Great War” and the “War to End All Wars,” reshaped national boundaries, toppled the global geopolitical status quo and left 16 million dead and 20 million wounded in just over four years.

“As the country begins a four-year examination on the lasting legacy of World War I, Washington National Cathedral is privileged to partner with the World War I Commission by creating resources for faith communities to guide their prayer and reflection in worship,” said the Rev. Canon Gina Gilland Campbell, canon precentor, who oversees worship at the Cathedral. “I hope these resources capture the particularity of World War I and the inhumanity of war. And at the same time, I hope they reflect the deep longing of God that those whom God has made might live together in peace.”

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