The Reverend Canon Julia Whitworth has accepted the call as the 12th rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Indianapolis. She serves as Canon for Liturgy and the Arts at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City. Her anticipated first Sunday at Trinity isJuly 10, 2016

“I am honored to be elected Trinity’s new Rector. I am inspired by Trinity’s historic commitment to a powerful combination of beautiful liturgy, deep spiritual inquiry, and vital mission outreach in the city of Indianapolis,” Canon Whitworth said. “I look forward to joining Trinity in its mission to reflect the love of God and Gospel of Jesus Christ in and on your community.”

Canon Whitworth has a passion for liturgy and music, preaching, and prophetic witness to the Church’s call to be a significant voice for social justice. She is also deeply committed to the integration of children and families in all aspects of the Church, especially through education, liturgy, music and service, and joyful community-building.

“We are so very blessed that Canon Whitworth has decided to accept Trinity’s call. Her liturgical excellence, scholarly preaching, strong interpersonal skills, and enthusiasm about serving a church in the heart of the city make her the perfect match for rector of our beloved church,” stated the search committee co-chairs.

Whitworth was ordained an Episcopal priest after a previous career as a theatre director and college professor. She has directed new plays and classics in New York and regionally, and is cofounder of “Shakespeare in Stonington,” a summer program of Opera House Arts, on Deer Isle, Maine. She has taught theatre and performance studies, directing, and acting at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and Mount Holyoke College.

After divinity school at Union Theological Seminary, Canon Whitworth’s first call as a priest was to St. James’s Episcopal Church in West Hartford, Connecticut, where she oversaw adult education and youth ministries. At the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, she plans and implements a wide array of worship offerings, ranging from small daily Eucharists to large-scale services for over 3000 people. Additionally, she collaborates on the visual and performing arts programming at the Cathedral as part of its commitment to civic engagement through cultural offerings.

Canon Whitworth and her husband, Ray Neufeld, have three young children.