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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ARKANSAS TO BE HONORED AT WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL WASHINGTON -- On June 1, 2003, Arkansas religious and political leaders, state residents and natives now living in the nation's capital will celebrate Arkansas and its people at a special worship service and celebration at Washington National Cathedral. As part of its national ministry, Washington National Cathedral offers prayers for the people and leaders of each state annually. The landmark cathedral honors each state with a major observance once every four years. "As a national house of prayer for all people, the cathedral opens its doors to all," said Vanessa Andrews, director of the National Cathedral Association. "Arkansas State Day will be an energetic celebration of the role the state plays in the life of the cathedral and our nation." The Right Rev. Larry Maze, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas, will lead a delegation of visitors from the state and will conduct the worship service. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., will read Scripture. Delivering the sermon as guest preacher will be the Rev. Arnold Nelson, a former congregational pastor for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Little Rock and Camden who now is director of the church's Division of Homeland Ministries Christian Church in Indianapolis. Pilgrim groups are expected from various parts of Arkansas. During the service, Arkansans will bear communion elements and offer up gifts to the poor. The state flag will be placed on the chancel steps in the cathedral for the following week to further mark Arkansas State Day. Following the service, the National Cathedral Association will host a reception for all visitors. Afterwards, docents will lead guests on a special tour of the cathedral, the sixth-largest in the world. The tour will highlight references to Arkansas, including the cathedral's floor that is constructed of Maroon marble from Ozark and the coat of arms of the Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock that is carved on one of the cathedral's half-bosses. "On June 1, we especially welcome Arkansas citizens and churches as we honor their contributions to our nation," Andrews said The National Cathedral Association, the organization of friends of Washington National Cathedral, has nearly 13,000 members from many denominations in every state and around the world. Its regional leaders in Arkansas are Joanna and Robert Seibert of Little Rock. ATTN PRINT MEDIA: An account of the celebration and photos from the event will be available on June 2. If you desire e-mail transmission of the account and/or photos sent as JPEG attachments please contact Steven Gotfried at the number above. Also, print-quality photos of Washington National Cathedral are available on our Website, www.cathedral.org/cathedral. Click on "Cathedral News."
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