San Diego Pride opens with interfaith service in Episcopal cathedral

San Diego’s annual Pride celebration began with a multifaith prayer service held at St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral on Tuesday evening, marking the tenth year of the event known as Light the Cathedral. The service featured religious leaders from a range of faiths gathering with the LGBT community.

The event, organised in partnership with San Diego Pride, was described by organisers as a spiritual and community-focused start to Pride Week. It has been held at the cathedral annually since 2015.

Religious leaders in attendance included representatives from Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities, with the exterior of St Paul’s Cathedral being lit in rainbow colours.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn were both present for the service.

In an interview with ABC, Whitburn commented that some LGBTQ+ people are currently "suffering and terrified", and said the gathering helped individuals feel supported and less alone.

The service took place inside the main sanctuary of St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Bankers Hill, a venue that has hosted inclusive and interfaith gatherings for many years. The cathedral is part of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.

This year’s service marked the tenth anniversary of Light the Cathedral, a milestone noted by both event organisers and cathedral clergy.

The Light the Cathedral event is part of a wider week of Pride-related activities in San Diego. San Diego Pride is considered the city’s largest civic event, drawing more than 250,000 people each year.

This year’s Pride celebrations have also drawn some criticism and withdrawals. Several elected officials and Jewish organisations have pulled back from participating in response to comments by headlining artist Kehlani regarding the Israel–Palestine conflict. The singer said in a music video last June, “Long live the Intifada,” and had previously posted, “It’s f— Israel, it’s f— Zionism.”

In response, some Jewish groups are hosting alternative events under the banner J Pride Weekend, for Jewish LGBT individuals.

No Catholic clergy are reported to have attended the event.

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