James Parks Morton

James Parks Morton (January 7, 1930 – January 4, 2020) was an American Episcopal priest and founder of the Interfaith Center of New York.^[1]

Morton celebrating Communion at his final service as Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, on December 29, 1996

Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Morton was dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine for 25 years (1972–1996).^[2][3] During his tenure at the cathedral, he started many new projects and initiatives, including the "Green Cathedral Initiative," and inviting artists in residence such as Paul Winter, Philippe Petit & I Giuliari di Piazza.^[3]

Projects

Morton spoke about his personal relationship with the "green movement" in the film The 11th Hour.^[4][5] In 1996, the National Audubon Society awarded him its highest honor, the Audubon Medal.^[6] He was a contributor to Seven Pillars House of Wisdom.^[7]

Press

Morton worked with Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf during the Park51 scandal following September 11, 2001.^[8]

References

1. Martin, Douglas (1996-02-27). "Ending Lively Era, A Dean Is Leaving St. John the Divine;The Innovator's Work Is Done, Even if the Cathedral Is Not". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-10-29.
2. Goldman, Ari L. (January 7, 2020). "James Parks Morton, Dean Who Brought a Cathedral to Life, Dies at 89". New York Times. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
3. Atkisson, Alan. "The Green Cathedral, An Interview with James Parks Morton". In Context. Context Institute. Archived from the original on 26 August 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
4. "James Parks Morton Filmography". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Archived from the original on 10 July 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
5. "Biography of James Parks Morton". 11th Hour Action, Ideas and Experts. 11thHourAction.com. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
6. "Previous Audubon Medal Awardees". 9 January 2015.
7. "Reverend James Parks Morton Bio". Contributors, Seven Pillars. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
8. Salazar, Christian. "Imam Faces Divisions Over New York Mosque". The Washington Times. Retrieved 21 October 2011.