Center for Prayer & Spirituality - Engaging the Contemplative Life

Since his ordination as a priest at St. John’s Cathedral in 1985, Father Kahl’s entire ministry has taken place in the state of Florida and it has always been in the context of a church and school partnership. He has served as the long-time rector and school chaplain of parishes in Coral Gables and Tampa, an assistant rector and chaplain of parishes in Jacksonville Beach and Jacksonville.

His belief that parish and diocese are partners in a common mission has been expressed in his service as a member of the executive board of two dioceses.

Upon his retirement as an active priest, Father Kahl has returned to his home Diocese of Florida.

He is the Director of the Cathedral’s Center for Spirituality and Prayer.

Father Kahl serves as the Diocesan Chaplain to the Retired Clergy Community.

Father Kahl describes himself as a contemplative person and priest, believing strongly that the spiritual life is grounded in silence, solitude, and stillness. His faith is guided by the Anglican precepts that Christianity is Biblical, Creedal, Sacramental and Episcopal.

Father Kahl was born in Sendai, Japan, and grew up as an Army brat, the oldest of four children. He lived in thirteen different places in the first fourteen years of his life before the family settled in Tallahassee, where his sisters still live. His brother lives in Minnesota. He is a graduate of Leon High School, Florida State University, and the Church Divinity School of the Pacific.

Father Kahl writes about himself: “I am the father of three adult children, Abigail, Madeleine, and Aidan. I am in the constant company of my partner, Margaret.

“I love to take long walks, anywhere, anytime but especially on the Florida beaches. I love to fish in cool waters, build large sandcastles, and have meaningful conversations long into the night. Reading is a favorite activity and I have been known to keep two or three books open at the same time. I am passionate about baseball at all levels but admit to a life-long loyalty to the New York Yankees.

“But most of all I love the Lord Jesus Christ. It is my heart’s deepest desire do all things necessary to help others come to a lasting and abiding relationship with Him who Is The Way, The Truth and The Life.

“I love serving the Lord Jesus as a priest of the Episcopal Church. I am blessed when I am able to disciple and enable persons with the goal that they may come to ‘know, love and serve the Lord’.

“I am guided in all things by a biblical principle written in St. Paul’s First Letter to Timothy: ‘The aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.’ "