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National Cathedral Dean To Step Down After 3 Years At Church

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Very Rev. Gary Hall says he will step down as dean of Washington National Cathedral and retire at the end of the year.

Hall has served as a progressive leader of what's often considered the nation's church for three years. He helped balance the cathedral's budget after years of financial struggle and opened the church to same-sex marriages.

Hall says the seat of the Episcopal Church is entering a new era and needs a long-term leader for a decade or more. Hall announced his plans to the cathedral community in a letter Tuesday with two years remaining on his contract.

The 66-year-old says the cathedral will pursue a major capital campaign to increase its endowment and finish repairs from earthquake damage at a time when American religion is changing.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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