Entering its Second Century, "America's Church"
Grapples with Tensions Between Religion and the Public Square

National Public Television stations around the country have begun airing Journey Films' newest film, WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL: A New Century, A New Calling. The documentary film examines the role of The National Cathedral in Washington, DC 100 years after the beginning of its construction and at the dawn of the third millennium. Archival footage and photographs depict the amazing 83-year construction era ending with the placement of the final finial by President George H. W. Bush. Looking into the future, the film explores the relevance of a Cathedral in the 21st century as a sacred space for an increasingly diverse nation.

Filmmaker Martin Doblmeier observes, "The edifice itself is stunning. But in 21st-Century America, beauty is insufficient to what challenges us. It needs to be complemented by a commitment to confront the serious issues facing America today. In its tone and through its events, the Cathedral models the kind of open and trusting dialogue among people of all faiths – and those without faith – that offers the promise of a better accommodation between religion and the public sphere."

The film looks at the Cathedral’s response to the needs and expectations of Christianity in its many expressions while trying to reconcile Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and many other major world faiths through the use of seminars, interfaith celebrations of prayer and music, and emerging models for encouraging mutual respect and understanding among the major religions. Its Sunday Forum series showcases live and on-line interviews with leading thinkers on a broad range of faith issues, including Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life), Archbishop Desmond Tutu, genome pioneer Francis Collins and others.
Using original HD and archival footage, the film reminds us that the Cathedral serves as America’s site for presidential funerals (Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford) and burials (Woodrow Wilson) and as a gathering place for national mourning (9/11 and Hurricane Katrina). Through some breathtaking footage of its large Gothic interior and exterior artwork, it traces the adaptations of the great European-inspired building to its American history.

WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL: A New Century, A New Calling is produced by Journey Films, of Alexandria, VA, who also produced BONHOEFFER and The POWER of FORGIVENESS. It is a presentation of South Carolina Educational TV and is distributed by National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). 

To learn more about the Washington National Cathedral click here.