Sustaining Social Justice Outreach

In January 2026 the Vestry and Trustees of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul created the Baker Ely Justice Fund within the Cathedral's endowment to support local programs that address LGBTQ+ rights; hunger; homelessness; immigrant rights; homeless and troubled youth; and inclusion for those with disabilities and neurodivergence.

Started with a generous donation from the estate of Bishop Ely in honor of Archdeacon Stan Baker, what makes the Baker Ely Fund unique is that it is designated to provide long-term, ongoing systemic support of local organizations assisting underserved members of our community, and not for direct or acute short-term need.

This fund is to be held and invested along with the Cathedral's other endowment accounts. Spending rules stipulate that disbursements cannot be made from the fund until it has reached a balance of $100,000. If you would like to help grow this fund, you can use the Cathedral's donation page, or make a donation by check to the Cathedral, with "Baker Ely Justice" on the memo line.

The Rt. Rev. Thomas C. Ely

In 2001, Tom was consecrated as the 10th Bishop of Vermont, a role he held until his retirement in 2019. During his episcopate, Bishop Ely was recognized nationally as a champion for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality, helping to lead the Episcopal Church toward greater inclusion. He was also a strong advocate for sensible gun control, serving as a member of Bishops United Against Gun Violence.  Again and again, those who knew him recall his abiding hope—hope in God, hope in people, and hope in the power of love to transform the world. He lived in constant hope, and his life was a radiant testament to love in action.​

The Ven. J. Stannard Baker

The Ven. J. Stannard “Stan” Baker was ordained to the diaconate in 2009 by the Rt. Rev. Thomas Ely and was assigned to the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.  Both in his secular work as a psychotherapist and in his ordained ministry, he brought his insights and sensibilities about people to the forefront of the discussion. He was the lead plaintiff in Baker v. Vermont, the case in which the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to the benefits and protections of marriage. Stan will be remembered for his compassion, overarching sense of humanity, and ability to connect with people who needed his care and love.