Office of Public Affairs
Deacons included in new Episcopal, ELCA clergy exchange guidelines
Marking a quarter-century of full-communion partnership, The Episcopal Church and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) now welcome the exchange of deacons in updated clergy exchange guidelines.
Christmas message from Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe
Dear people of God in The Episcopal Church, if you imagine yourself as a character in the Gospel Nativity readings, you’ll soon realize that the first Christmas was not about staying home by a warm hearth with chestnuts roasting and stockings hanging. Everyone in these passages is on the move, mostly without warning and against their will. Joseph and Mary are summoned from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a census. Shepherds, at the behest of an angel, leave their sheep in the fields to see what all the fuss is about. And the three Magi, my favorites, are just sitting there minding their own kingdoms when a star intrudes on their lives and leads them on an unplanned and uncomfortable trip far away from home.
Applications open for 2026-2027 Episcopal service year for young adults
As The Episcopal Church continues to expand its mission service opportunities for young leaders, applications are open for those ages 21-35 interested in a transformative outreach experience during 2026-2027. The priority deadline for U.S-based placements is Jan. 16.
Nominations to fill Executive Council vacancy accepted till Jan. 15
The Episcopal Church Executive Council is accepting nominations for a lay member to fill an unexpired term that became vacant when Sandra Teresa Montes Vela, who was elected at the 2022 General Convention, resigned from the council on Oct. 23, 2025.
Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota receives consents for Bishop-elect Shay Craig
The standing committees and bishops exercising jurisdiction have given the required majority of consents to the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota for its Oct. 25 election of the Very Rev. Shay Craig as bishop. Her consecration and ordination service is scheduled for March 14.
Executive Council to meet Dec. 11 to vote on 2026 budget
The Executive Council of The Episcopal Church will convene an online special meeting at 1 p.m. ET Dec. 11 to review and approve the 2026 churchwide budget. Those wishing to watch via livestream may do so on the General Convention Office’s YouTube channel.
Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin receives consents for Bishop-elect Gregory Kimura
The standing committees and bishops exercising jurisdiction have given the required majority of consents to the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin for its Oct. 18 election of the Rev. Gregory Kimura as bishop. His consecration and ordination service is scheduled for April 18.
Scott MacDougall named director for theological resources for The Episcopal Church
Theologian Scott MacDougall has been named director for theological resources for The Episcopal Church, a new position designed to support Church Center staff and collaborate with church leadership planning teams.
Episcopal Church honors veterans, commissions chaplains in special service
The Episcopal Church held its first Veterans Day Holy Eucharist service at 7 p.m. ET Nov. 11, honoring those who have served in the military and specially recognizing the Episcopal chaplains who support them.
Sermon at first churchwide Veterans Day Eucharist service
Following is a transcript of a sermon delivered by the Rt. Rev. Ann Ritonia, bishop suffragan of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, during a Veterans Day service at The Episcopal Church Center’s Chapel of Christ the Lord in New York City on Nov. 11, 2025.
