
For more than a century, the American Cathedral in Paris has been
a center of worship for English-speakers abroad. Located near the
Seine in the heart of one of the world's most beautiful cities,
it numbers in its parish congregation Americans, Britons and French
as well as many other Europeans, Asians, Africans and Latin Americans,
all of many denominations. Permanent parishioners total about 400
and their numbers are considerably augmented by students, tourists
and business persons here on shorter-term assignments.
The cathedral, recently classified as an historic monument, was
consecrated on Thanksgiving Day in 1886, but its roots go back even
further, to the days when American Episcopalians began gathering
together for worship in the 1830s. Though its roots are old, its
outlook is young. Over the last two decades, the Cathedral has broadened
and extended its vast range of ministries to meet the changing needs
of a changing world. The Cathedral has expanded its outreach, from
the local and national community to other nations in West and Central
Europe.
As a Cathedral, we serve as the gathering church and “mother
church” for the Convocation of American (Episcopal) Churches
in Europe. The Convocation includes eight lively and thriving
parishes and several missions located throughout Western Europe.
The Convocation is under the jurisdiction of the Episcopal Church
in the United States and we are part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
As a cathedral, we serve as the ceremonial seat for the Convocation’s
Bishop-in-Charge. .
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