[Washington National Cathedral] In partnership with the South African Embassy, Washington National Cathedral will honor the life of Nelson Mandela and hold the United States national memorial service on Wednesday, December 11. The service, which will be attended by Vice President Joe Biden and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, will take place at 11:00 a.m. EST. As it does during times of national celebration and loss, the Cathedral offers a sacred place to mourn the loss of this international leader in the fight for equality and human rights. A voice for justice domestically and around the world, the Cathedral stands with South Africans in mourning their loss and remembering the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

“Nelson Mandela, his family, the people of South Africa, and all who carry forward the struggle against discrimination will remain in our prayers as well as on our mission,” said the Very Rev. Gary Hall, dean of the Cathedral, after Mandela’s death was announced. “His life can and should be a reminder to all people that change for the better will always come when leaders serve with perseverance and compassion. To that call we recommit ourselves in his memory and honor.”

Washington National Cathedral has historic ties to the people of South Africa. The Right Rev. John Walker, former dean of the Cathedral and bishop of Washington, vocally advocated for the end of apartheid and demonstrated in front of the South African Embassy in 1985. The Cathedral also maintains a very special relationship with the former Anglican Archbishop of Capetown, South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize Recipient, the Most Rev. Desmond Tutu, hosting him for several special events over the years.

Details regarding how people can attend the service will be made available soon at Washington National Cathedral’s website. The service will also be streamed live at here.