Winnie Varghese

"Winnie is a prophetic voice"

"Winnie is a prudent leader who finds time for her congregation's needs big and small."

"I have been following the work of Rev Winnie Varghese ever since I met her at a Gender and Inclusivity Workshop in Chennai, India in around 2014. I heard the clarity with which she spoke on the issue, her deep understanding of people and how we are all different yet equal struck a chord with a bunch of us. It not bookish knowledge, but it came from personal and lived experiance, and also from compassion for fellow men, women and all. I asked her in 2018 to contribute an article on the issue of sexual abuse within the church for a series in a magazine here in India, in the shadow of a Catholic nun who was raped by a Bishop - an incident that shook all of us. She willingly sent me a straight forward piece which reflected on the sad reality of churches that harbour men in clerical positions who abuse their power. The article was well recieved. In a world that is increasingly hate spewing Winnie's is a kind and gentle voice of reason that gives hope. We must not loose our humanity when all around there is a dearth of it. And what I like most about Winnie, is that all this 'gyan' springs from her faith which is practical and applied."

"Winnie was always a delight to work with/for. She's professional, hard-working, thorough, diligent, kind, caring, proficient, and humble. It was an honor and privilege to be a part of her team."

"Winnie Varghese is an extraordinarily warm, perceptive, and imaginative leader. From our first conversation, I was struck by the depth of her curiosity and her ability to make an artist feel genuinely seen, not simply as a performer, but as someone with ideas and a larger creative vocation.

Her vision for the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is expansive, generous, and alive to the role that art can play in creating connection, spiritual depth, and a true sense of public gathering. Performing at the Spirit of the City gala was a deeply meaningful experience, and Winnie’s trust helped create an evening of real energy and openness.

She combines intellectual depth, warmth, and decisive leadership in a way that is rare. I am grateful to know her and excited to see the community and cultural life she continues to build."

"Winnie is a very focused, energetic , smart and compassionate woman. She has a lovely sense of humor and is also able to draw people out. She listens and can therefore assess what contributes to difficult situations where diplomacy and tact can diffuse and redirect energies from conflict to resolution."

"Dean Winnie Varghese, the current dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, is an extraordinary faith leader - one whom we all really need at this time - and I am proud to endorse her. She is at once a compassionate spiritual steward, a brilliant scholar, writer, speaker and preacher, a community builder across many faith traditions, an outspoken advocate of equality and civil rights for all, a compassionate comforter and an unwavering friend. I feel so proud and privileged to know her, and have learned so much from her throughout our tenure on the Board of Trustees of Union Theological Seminary, of which she is a distinguished alumna.

In Faith and Hope,
Rhonda Joy McLean
Vice-Chair, Board of Trustees
Union Theological Seminary"

"A great priest"

"Winnie has a truly remarkable gift for bringing people together. Her ability to build a diverse and welcoming community around a shared vision is extraordinary. She connects with people on a genuine, personal level, making everyone feel seen, valued, and inspired to contribute."

"In solidarity with Winnie"

"The Very Rev. Winnie Varghese is an outstanding priest and leader whose ministry is marked by wisdom and courage. She brings people together with generosity and integrity, while remaining attentive to those on the margins. Her commitment to the Church's mission is matched by her ability to inspire others with hope."

"Truly unique and special"