Veterans Ministry
The Office of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries is building a churchwide network of Episcopal veterans, military family members, chaplains, clergy, and lay leaders committed to strengthening support for veterans across their communities and congregations. Through the Episcopal Veterans Network, we are connecting veterans with each another; expanding parish-based ministry; equipping congregations with practical resources; and ensuring that veterans and their families experience the church as a place of belonging, healing, service, and spiritual growth.
Our current work includes developing scalable ministry resources; coordinating with diocesan veterans ministry leaders; deepening partnerships with Veterans Affairs chaplains and community organizations; and creating pathways for veterans to access pastoral and practical support.
In partnership with the Brotherhood of St. Andrew—whose longstanding commitment to prayer, service, and evangelism strengthens our ability to grow veterans ministry across The Episcopal Church—we are inviting veterans, military family members, clergy, and lay leaders to engage with the Episcopal Veterans Network, participate in the Veterans Ministry Commission, and contribute their expertise to a coordinated, churchwide effort.
Whether you are a veteran, service member, family member, or an advocate, we encourage your participation in this effort to build a strong network of leaders and communities that can respond well to the needs of veterans.
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Join the Episcopal Veterans Network
The Episcopal Veterans Network is a churchwide ministry that began in 2015 as a weekly veterans’ support group in Austin, Texas, led by an Army chaplain. In 2024, the church’s 81st General Convention adopted and expanded this initiative to serve the material, mental, social, and spiritual needs of members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. The network is governed by the Veterans Ministry Commission, composed of volunteer Episcopal clergy and lay leaders.
Veterans Ministry Commission
The Veterans Ministry Commission works with the Office of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries to support, advise, and advance veterans ministry throughout The Episcopal Church. Members bring their prayer, wisdom, experience, and discernment to this shared work, which includes supporting congregations in becoming veteran-friendly communities; encouraging collaboration with ministries and partner organizations that serve veterans; and affirming the spiritual contributions of veterans within the life of the church. Members meet and pray together regularly, working with church leadership to ensure that veterans ministry remains faithful, pastoral, and responsive to those who have served.
Military-friendly congregations
Would your church like to become a designated Veteran/Military Friendly Congregation? Learn more and find out how to enroll here.
