In a poignant moment on September 27, 2025, the installation ceremony of the Rev. Winnie Varghese as the new dean of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City was unexpectedly halted due to a family emergency. Approximately 700 attendees had gathered to witness Varghese’s historic appointment as the first queer woman of color to lead the world’s largest Episcopal Gothic cathedral.
The ceremony, which aimed to promote Christian unity and emphasize interfaith relationships, featured readings from the Torah, Quran, a Hindu saint, and the Book of Revelation. Musical performances included a Sufi melody, a traditional spiritual, and a three-piece Indian band, reflecting Varghese’s Indian heritage and honoring her family.
Midway through the service, Varghese’s father fainted, prompting her to step away from the altar to attend to him. The congregation responded with prayer and support, and Varghese’s father was promptly taken to a nearby hospital. Later, Varghese shared on social media that her father was feeling much better.
Despite the interruption, Varghese’s message of solidarity and commitment to the cathedral’s mission endured. She expressed her deep connection to the community and her dedication to fostering an inclusive and compassionate environment at St. John the Divine.
