Bishop Susan’s Response to Vandalism at St. Paul’s Cathedral

written by Susan Brown Snook | January 28, 2025

Dear Friends,

As I’m sure you know, the recent sermon by Bishop Mariann Budde (the Bishop of Washington DC) at the Service of Prayer for the Nation has placed the Episcopal Church in the national spotlight. Her call for mercy, justice, and unity in the face of division and fear has resonated deeply with many, but it has also led to a wave of criticism. 

This past Sunday, our beloved St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego and the nearby Ohr Shalom Synagogue were vandalized. 

St. Paul’s was marked with graffiti and the chilling sight of crosshair targets on its walls. The juxtaposition of profound truth-telling and the backlash it sometimes elicits is not unfamiliar. Yet, these recent actions remind us of the importance of our call to be merciful, even in the face of hostility–holding fast to our identity as people of hope, truth, and grace.

I used to have a deacon who often said, “You know you’re doing something right when evil attacks you.” Jesus put the same thought this way in the Beatitudes:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-11. 

In moments like this, we are reminded of Christ’s teachings on mercy. Mercy is not a passive act; it requires courage to stand firm in love and truth when confronted with hatred. Our commitment to justice and unity must be unwavering, even when it invites criticism or opposition.

Within the church, in times like these, we can all listen to and learn from one another and from the words of scripture. I ask all of us to work in the months and years to come toward a better understanding of one another, and a special effort to love and learn from those with whom we disagree, as long as disagreements remain civil. I believe there is much we can agree on in our church. We can declare together that Christ’s mission is our mission, and that Jesus is our savior, not any worldly administration, laws, or policies. And we can work together to carry out Christ’s mission among those who are poor, oppressed, and suffering in the world. The Episcopal Church stands for full love and inclusion for all God’s people, and we will continue to support those in need of mercy – both God’s mercy and that of human beings.

Let us come together as a diocese to pray for our community, leaders, and those who seek to harm or intimidate. May our prayers be a source of strength and resolve as we continue to uphold the values of mercy, justice, and unity. Let us take tangible steps to protect our communities, offering reassurance and peace to those who may feel vulnerable and scared in these times. As a diocesan community, we must take practical steps to ensure the safety of our churches and congregations:

  • Review and update safety plans: Ensure that your community is equipped with clear protocols for responding to potential threats or disruptions.
  • Increase awareness: Assign additional ushers or volunteers during services to watch for any unusual activity.
  • Report concerns promptly: If you receive threatening or aggressive communications, forward them to Jeff Green at jgreen@edsd.org for further assistance.

Even as we navigate these challenges, our calling remains unchanged. We are to live as witnesses to the courageous love of Christ, embodying mercy and grace in a world that desperately needs both – not allowing fear or anger to define our response, but rather the boundless compassion and forgiveness of our Savior.

Of course, none of us know what prompted the outpouring of anger at St. Paul’s Cathedral. We cannot know whether the perpetrator is angry at organized religion in general, at the Episcopal Church after Bishop Mariann Budde’s message, or at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

What we do know is that someone responded with hate to the good news of God’s love, welcome, and inclusion of all people–inclusion not just those of us in church, but everyone: immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ people, people of all races and nationalities.

My heart breaks for those who react with hate to God’s love poured out for all. 

I give thanks to St. Paul’s, which has been an example of Christ’s love in our San Diego community for many years. I give thanks for the leadership of Dean Penny Bridges and all the other clergy and lay leaders who make the Episcopal Church such a bright, shining light of God’s love.

Blessed is St. Paul’s, and blessed are all of our congregations because you show forth God’s love for all people.

Prayerfully,

Bishop Susan Brown Snook