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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Elizabeth Mullen |
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WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL CENTENNIAL GALA Gala to Honor Desmond Tutu WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday evening, November 9, Washington National Cathedral continues its Centennial celebration with the first ever candle-lit gala which will welcome people of all faiths and unite a community of committed individuals who support the church’s wide-ranging ministries. South Africa’s anti-apartheid hero Archbishop Desmond Tutu will be the evening’s honored guest and inaugural recipient of The Cathedral Prize for Advancement in Religious Understanding, acknowledging his efforts in unifying people across the religious spectrum. Archbishop Tutu is a Nobel Peace Laureate, primary architect of post-apartheid South Africa, author and spiritual leader. The Washington National Cathedral choir and Grammy Award-winning vocalist Aaron Neville, accompanied by a gospel choir, are scheduled to perform. Along with Cathedral Dean Sam Lloyd and Gala Chairs Bruce and Marilou Sanford, the black-tie gala will bring together philanthropic, social, civic and political leaders as the Cathedral embarks upon a second century as a church for the nation, a place of reconciliation and house of prayer for all people. When: Friday, November 9, 2007; 6:30 pm reception followed by dinner at 7:30 pm. Where: Washington National Cathedral, Wisconsin and Massachusetts Avenues, NW, Washington, D.C. Why: On September 29, 1907, Bishop Henry Yates Satterlee laid the foundation stone for Washington National Cathedral before a crowd of 30,000, including President Teddy Roosevelt. Ever since, the Cathedral has welcomed people of all faiths and beliefs to worship, pray, mourn the passing of world leaders and to address the pressing moral and social issues of the day. A unique blend of the spiritual and civic, the Cathedral commits its future work to be a leading voice of generous-spirited Christianity and a catalyst for God’s vision of reconciliation and interfaith dialogue, promoting respect and understanding. Media: Please rsvp by phone or e-mail. Check-in will be held in the registration tent located at Hearst Circle off Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Photo availabilities:
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