Rev. Dr. Carol Marie Worthing

Reverend Dr. Carol Worthing was born and raised in Duluth Minnesota, and baptized and confirmed at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. After a notable career in teaching secondary and postsecondary programs in Cinematics and Photojournalism, Carol earned a Master of Divinity degree from Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, now Luther Seminary, in St. Paul, MN. In 1982, she was the first daughter of Gloria Dei to be ordained into parish ministry in what was then the Lutheran Church in America, a predecessor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Her previous career in teaching photojournalism led to her internship with The Lutheran magazine. Carol served parishes in Fargo ND, Pierre SD, and Cedar Falls IA, during which she earned a Doctor of Ministry in Ecumenical Relations, and a PhD in Theological Studies from the Graduate Theological Foundation. She was then called to notable leadership roles in ecumenism, first in the Illinois Conference of Churches, and then the Texas Conference of Churches. She also served as an editorial associate during the entire 20 years of Lutheran Partners publication, a journal for lay and ordained church leaders. Carol returned to Duluth after she retired, and was a leader in the ELCA’s Northeast Minnesota synod "Grounded in Grace" Centering Prayer initiative.

Carol moved to California in 2013 to be closer to her son, where she joined the Pacifica Synod of the ELCA as a retired minister. Carol also became canonically resident in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, where she served an interim ministry at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church. She then became a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral where she was fondly known as their “resident Lutheran”, and Adjunct Pastor (ELCA). Since 2016, she led bible studies and numerous book studies each Spring and Fall. As a member of the retired clergy worship team, Carol occasionally preached, which she counted as a great privilege, and she presented Adult Forums on The Reformation, as well as on author Anne Lamott.

Carol was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Worthing, and by William Beatty, the father of her two sons, and her son Gregory Beatty. Carol is survived by her son Graydon Beatty, daughter-in-law Minghong Sun, granddaughter Changchang Ding, nieces Janet Worthing and Kay (Steve) Borud, nephews Roger (Julia) and Ralph (Tina) Worthing, and numerous grandnieces-and-nephews. Carol and all her loved ones are entrusted to God's eternal promises, made sure through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held for Carol at St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, on May 23, 2026, at 10:00 am.