Crossroads from Washington National Cathedral

Poet and essayist Christian Wiman joins Crossroads for a deep dive into consciousness: is it something we possess or something we participate in? Drawing from the intersections of faith, philosophy and modern science, Wiman and Dean Randy Hollerith discuss how poetry can open us to transcendence and deepen our awareness of grace

 

Additional Resources:

• Christian's New Poetry Book - The Dance
• Christian's Essay - "The Tune of Things"

Distinguished scholar and activist Dr. Catherine Meeks joins Canon Precentor Rose Duncan for a conversation on building relationships grounded in shared humanity. Drawing on her life’s work in racial healing and justice, Dr. Meeks seeks to move beyond the framework of “racial reconciliation” and explore how solidarity among marginalized communities is essential for fostering meaningful change.

 

Additional Resources:

• Turquoise & Lavender
• Bridging the Rivers of Difference

Special guest host Bishop Mariann Budde welcomes bestselling author Bruce Feiler to discuss his new book, A Time to Gather. Weaving candid stories with insightful research, they explore the surprising power of ritual, and how intentional moments of connection help deepen our relationships and navigate life’s biggest challenges.

 

Additional Resources:

• Bruce's Website
• Read A Time to Gather

US Senator Raphael Warnock joins Dean Randy Hollerith for a conversation on the moral challenges facing America and the role of faith in public life. Drawing from his new book, The Crooked Places Made Straight, Sen. Warnock reflects on democracy, voting rights, economic inequality, and why hope remains an essential act of faith.

 

Additional Resources:

• Watch Sen. Warnock's recent program from the Cathedral
• The Crooked Places Made Straight

As we commemorate the United States’ milestone anniversary, Cathedral Canon Missioner Leonard Hamlin welcomes awardees from The Courage Project initiative: Ahmad Hilal Abid, Founder and CEO of The House of Wisdom, Sgt. Major Raquel Painter, President and CPO of United Way of Onslow County, and Edgar Rosales, Jr., Founder of Voz. Sharing their respective experiences and perspectives through efforts to help improve lives and bridge communities, their stories remind us of the power of everyday bravery and the American story.

Additional Resources:

- The Courage Project
- United Way - Onslow County
- The House of Wisdom
- Voz Club at Long Beach City College

Journalist and author Ray Suarez joins Dean Randy Hollerith for a candid conversation about immigration, identity, and the future of American pluralism. Together, they discuss why immigration remains central to the American story and how people of faith can resist fear and work toward a more humane society.

 

Additional Resources:

• Check out Ray's latest book, We Are Home

In an age of political exhaustion and social fragmentation, how can we revive ways of meaningful human connection? Dean Randy Hollerith welcomes Maury Giles, CEO of Braver Angels, for a conversation on rebuilding trust across divides. Giles shares inspiring anecdotes and insights about Americans choosing paths grounded in dignity, curiosity, and courageous citizenship.

 

Additional Resources:

• https://braverangels.org/

Comment Magazine editor-in-chief Anne Snyder believes one of the great challenges of our time is transforming anxiety into yearning. From her childhood overseas, to her vision for “The Understory” festival at Washington National Cathedral, Snyder offers a hopeful framework for engaging public life with curiosity, humility, and wonder. Together with Dean Randy Hollerith, they also reflect on faith and the search for common ground in an increasingly fractured society.

 

Additional Resources:

• https://comment.org/
• https://cathedral.org/calendar/understory-uprising/

What does protecting religious freedom truly mean in a democracy and pluralistic society? Dean Randy Hollerith welcomes Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, for a deep dive into the constitutional principles, cultural tensions, and deeply personal convictions shaping today’s debates around faith and public life.

 

Additional Resources:

• https://www.au.org/

Earlier this year, Time by Luxmuralis transformed the Cathedral into a breathtaking experience of light, sound and movement. Dean Randy Hollerith welcomed artist Peter Walker of Luxmuralis to discuss the inspiration behind the acclaimed installation and to reflect on how immersive works can open new pathways to wonder, reflection, and even transcendence.

 

Additional Resources:

• Luxmuralis at the Cathedral
• Luxmuralis' Website
• Peter Walker's Website