The Very Reverend Gray Lesesne, D.Min. (whose preferred pronouns are he/him/his) is the Dean and Rector of Christ Church Cathedral. Passionate and energetic about Jesus’ call to love our neighbors as ourselves, Gray leads our team of talented staff in our mission of Glorifying God, Serving Our Neighbors, and Transforming Our City.

Gray has over 20 years of experience in developing and growing communities of faith in the Episcopal Church. Most recently, he served from 2015-2020 as the church planter and then Vicar of Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Brownsburg, Indiana. Good Samaritan grew from 0 to 180 people under Gray’s leadership, with a focus on inclusive evangelism and welcome of newcomers and spiritual seekers, vibrant partnerships with neighbors and nonprofits, and creative approaches to ministry in a church without permanent worship space. It was this creative spark and drive to connect with newcomers and neighbors that led to our calling Gray to serve as our Dean and Rector. Gray is no stranger to Christ Church Cathedral, having served as our Canon and Senior Associate from 2008 to 2015.

Gray holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Presbyterian College and Master in Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Virginia Theological Seminary. He is a two-time member of the Episcopal Church’s House of Deputies and was appointed in 2018 to the Episcopal Church’s Task Force on Church Planting and Congregational Redevelopment.

A native South Carolinian, Gray has now become a Hoosier by the grace of God. Away from Monument Circle, you’ll meet him working out at the Athenaeum or Jordan YMCAs, running or biking along the Monon Trail, and occasionally appearing in amateur theatre around town. Married to Ethan, they love living in the Warfleigh neighborhood of Indy.