1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002 · 713-222-2593 · Give
Since February 2013, Barkley serves as the eighth dean and twentieth rector of historic downtown Christ Church Cathedral, the oldest church in Houston, Texas, and the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. A vibrant, growing parish of 3,000 members, Christ Church has served for more than 175 years as a testament to the presence of God in the midst of the city.
Prior to Houston, Barkley served as the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown Roanoke, Virginia. Barkley began his vocation as rector of the Church of the Holy Apostles in Collierville, Tennessee (a suburb of Memphis). A “re-start” parish that moved from the city to the suburbs, Holy Apostles grew from 40 to over 400 members and constructed the first new Episcopal church in West Tennessee in over a decade.
Barkley is an avid writer and has published essays in The American Journal of Philosophy & Theology, The Journal of Pastoral Theology, The Anglican Digest, The Living Church, and Ratherview. He is the author of two books, Elements of Grace (2013) and In the Midst of the City: The Gospel and God's Politics (2018). Barkley also preaches and teaches around the country and serves on interfaith panels with leaders from other religious traditions. Barkley chairs the board of The Beacon, Houston’s largest empowerment day center for the homeless. He also serves on the North American Committee for St. George’s College - Jerusalem, the Anglican Center in the Holy Land, and on the board of Episcopal High School in Houston.
Barkley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Religion, magna cum laude, from Hendrix College; a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from The University of Chicago; and a Master of Divinity from The Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, on whose board of trustees he serves. He is married to Jill, and they have two children.
Read the Dean's blog for his reflections on Life, Faith, and the Gospel.
Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral. We are glad to welcome you to this diverse and vibrant community of faith. Since 1839, we have been a witness to downtown Houston through worship, learning and loving service. We hope that you’ll find inspired preaching, teaching, and worship, and become part of our Cathedral community.
The Cathedral is open and affirming for people of all races, ages, socio-economic statuses, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Whoever you are, and whatever your story, you are welcome to know God and one another here.
We’re glad you’re here and we would love to hear from you. At the Cathedral, all are welcome. Please introduce yourself by filling out our virtual welcome card. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-222-2593.
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Stewardship and Giving: Support Cathedral Ministries
Generously responding to God’s gifts is a reflection of spirituality and recognition that we are the stewards of his bounty. It is a way of life — something we do day in and day out.
There are many ways to make financial gifts to support the ministries, pastoral care, education, vitality, and growth of Christ Church Cathedral. We are grateful to donors who graciously make one-time gifts, annual pledges, ongoing planned giving, and who find other ways to offer their help forwarding the work of our ministries.
Learn more about how you can get involved and support the Cathedral, or offer your time as a volunteer.