Our values - What makes us unique

  • We are radically welcoming - all are welcome, all belong!

  • We affirm all faiths and traditions

  • We care for each other both physically and spiritually

  • We work together and learn from each other every day

  • We do not receive any government funds and have no requirements for participation

History of common cathedral

In the summer of 1994, the Rev. Deborah W. Little began meeting with homeless people on the streets of Boston, offering sandwiches, friendship, and referrals. (Read the whole narrative of Rev. Little's journey to Street Priesthood)

From that simple beginning, common cathedral has evolved into an ecumenical church community that engages homeless and privileged people, service providers, clergy, seminarians, artists, and professionals of all kinds in mutual community that improves the physical, social, emotional and spiritual health needs of homeless people in Boston.

“How did I get to the street? I wanted to learn about God, and I wanted to learn what it is to be a servant. I wanted to get closer to people on the street, to help, to understand, to learn, and to see what it means to love your neighbor ...
What did the Hebrew prophet mean, what did Jesus mean, when they said if you really want to move closer to the heart of life, to the heart of God, get closer to the poor?”

— Rev. Debbie Little

Want to learn how to become an Ecclesia Ministries Affiliate?

Find resources and local affiliates at this website: http://ecclesiaministriesmission.weebly.com/

For many people who have been unhoused for years, isolation and invisibility are the hardest burdens to bear. Some have a hard time moving out of homelessness, finding - and retaining - permanent housing, and reshaping their lives as part of stable, supportive and life-giving communities. Reestablishing connection, trust, and belonging is the heart of all we do. In the Handbook of Health and Religion (Oxford University Press, 2001), Drs. Harold G. Koenig and Harvey J. Cohen, both Professors of Medicine at Duke University, reviewed more than 1,600 studies, and found that across mental and physical disorders, religious involvement is overwhelmingly associated with positive physical and mental health outcomes amoungst those who suffer most. We take this to heart.

common cathedral’s ministers are out on the streets nearly every day of the week offering prayer, companionship, and welcome to everyone we meet. Our weekly outdoor worship service and mid-week programs, common art and boston warm, provide community, connection and healing to hundreds of people experiencing homelessness each year. While we provide a Christian context for our worship and spiritual reflection groups, we are non-proselytizing ministry, proudly open and affirming of all people, and deeply respectful of every faith tradition, and of those who subscribe to no traditional faith at all.