The National Episcopal Church Women and its local groups are ministries of the Episcopal Church
Since 1871, the National Episcopal Church Women, ECW, have championed women’s rights and the Christian foundation of God and family. They are a ministry of the Episcopal Church and celebrate that Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Their women’s ministry and children’s programs feed, educate, and provide community grants around the world. They are a volunteer organization that creates a legacy for Episcopal Church Women to lead future generations with stewardship in Christ.
Serving women and girls since 1871
Triennial News
Women at the Well: Faith in Action
Mark your calendars! The National Episcopal Church Women (NECW) will gather for Triennial 2027 in Phoenix, Arizona, July 3–8, 2027, concurrently with The Episcopal Church’s 82nd General Convention.
Our theme, “Women at the Well: Faith in Action,” invites us to draw inspiration from the women of Scripture and from one another as we live out our faith through service, leadership, advocacy, and community.
Triennial is a special opportunity to conduct the business of the National ECW, worship together, learn, celebrate, and build connections with Episcopal women from across the Church. The 2027 gathering will offer something for everyone, including 25 inspiring workshops, a Distinguished Women’s Luncheon, a Share Fair, a dance party, and the election of National ECW officers. Our ECW exhibit booth will also be a place to connect with friends, learn more about National ECW ministries, and purchase ECW items. Learn more about the program…
Triennial Distinguished Women Nominations are open
We invite every Diocese and Province to nominate a Distinguish Woman for Triennial 2027. As you make your selection through prayer, discernment, and thoughtful reflection, seek the Lord’s guidance. Consider the women whose lives shine as examples of faith, leadership, compassion, and service. We look forward to celebrating these women who bring unity, celebration, and thanksgiving to all of us.
Make nominations on the website.
Invitamos a todas las diócesis y provincias a postular a una mujer distinguida para la Asamblea Trienal de 2027. Al realizar su elección mediante la oración, el discernimiento y una reflexión profunda, busquen la guía del Señor. Tengan en cuenta a aquellas mujeres cuyas vidas resplandecen como ejemplos de fe, liderazgo, compasión y servicio. Esperamos con ilusión celebrar a estas mujeres que nos aportan unidad, motivos de celebración y gratitud a todos.
16 Days of Activism
The National Episcopal Church Women invites you to join us for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, November 25 through December 10. The theme this year is Ensure Justice, Protect Survivors, End Impunity. Each day, we’ll share information, reflections, and ways to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls. Visit our Facebook page daily as we stand together in faith, compassion, and commitment to a safer world for all. Together, we can make a difference!
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women runs through 10 December, Human Rights Day. Episcopal Relief & Development’s 2026 16 Days of Activism Toolkit offers something to do each of those sixteen days: a fact, a Scripture meditation, a reflection, and one concrete action a person or a congregation can complete that day.
It is free, it is built for parishes, schools and ministry groups as much as for individuals, and it can be printed or read online. View or download the toolkit
President’s Report
Bellwether Farms, Wakeman, Ohio
The National Episcopal Church Women Board met September 30–October 4, 2026, at Bellwether Farms in Wakeman, Ohio. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Board to conduct essential business, strengthen organizational structures, advance ministry initiatives, and prepare for the 2027 Triennial.
Key Areas of Discussion
Among the significant areas addressed by the Board were:
- Web Development: The Board moved forward with the process to hire a new web developer to strengthen NECW’s online presence and communications.
- ECW History Book: Plans continued for an ECW History Book, with the goal of making the resource available digitally in time for Triennial 2027.
- Scholarship Program: The Board celebrated the success of its inaugural scholarship program supporting women pursuing theological education and careers in the healing professions.
- Policies and Procedures: Significant work was completed to strengthen and clarify NECW policies and procedures. The Board formally documented practices and institutional knowledge that had been […]
Raising Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) calls it members to take action in response to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), a tragedy impacting Indigenous communities across the United States and beyond. As leaders of faith, prayer, compassion, and advocacy, the ECW recognizes the urgent need to raise awareness, support healing, and collaborate with Indigenous leaders to seek justice and ensure the safety of Native women and their families.
Donate to Help the MMIW Fund
Support the ECW’s work with MMIW by donating and receiving a t-shirt. These donations are designated for our work with murdered and missing indigenous women. The national ECW board will be in New York for the UN Women conference wearing these shirts.
Summer Communique’ 2026
Dear ECW Sisters and Friends,
As I reflect on the first months of 2026 and our recent National ECW Board meeting in Providence, Rhode Island, I am filled with gratitude for the faithful witness of Episcopal Church Women across our Church. This season has been marked by prayer, advocacy, service, planning, and renewed connection—reminding me once again that ECW continues to be a vibrant and vital ministry grounded in faith and action… Read More
Lisa Bortner – President
National Episcopal Church Women 2024 – 2027
Read this issue of the Communique’ – English
Diocesan and Parish ECW Start-up/Reactivated Grants
The National Board has made available funding to support Diocesan and Parish level ECW groups. These funds are for the purpose of new startups and reactivation of previous groups. To apply for these funds download and submit the appropriate application to: ECWstartupgran
Lots Happening on FaceBook
New Literature Available
We have stickers available for order. Choose between stylish full color or black and white.
The tri-fold flyer Grants flyer shows how to apply for a grant as well as ways to support the Episcopal Church Women community by giving to one of our many grants.
Suggest a Workshop Presenter
The ECW wants to help our membership connect with talented speakers. Have you experienced an outstanding presenter or workshop leader? Please provide their information in the form below. We will develop a library of available speakers that can be used at the parish, diocesan, provincial and national levels. If you are a potential workshop presenter, feel free to suggest yourself. Make your suggestions here.
Sign-up for the Communique’ Magazine
Support the Communique’
In a joint effort between our Communications and Creation Care Committees, we’re encouraging members to access the Communique’ online to reduce environmental impact. Members who wish to continue to receive a printed version will be able to request it via our website. Sign-up here.
Make checks payable to: Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS)
Addressed to: National Episcopal Church Women – Treasurer
Valzie Peterkin
4671 North Pine Valley Loop
Lecanto, FL 34461
Register Your ECW or Women’s Ministry
We are asking all parish and diocesan Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and Women Ministries to register their group. We need your contact information to better serve you. As we gather this list of ministries, we will be able to assist those groups that register with a wider umbrella of support services. Register here
Publishing Deadlines
The National Board maintains two publications.
For monthly information about the Episcopal Church Women and all is local groups, this email newsletter provides a great resource. You can register to receive the News Blast at the bottom of this page.
Four times per year, the National Board publishes a print and digital magazine. The Communique’ is delivered to individuals as well as religious institutions around the world. The magazine publishes articles and news about many subjects that impact women’s lives.
The News Blast is how Episcopal Church Women stay informed
It has local news articles from around the country that highlight ECW and their church’s ministry work, human interest stories that affect women’s lives within the church, as well as announcements about the Communique’, workshops, NECW board news, Triennial, and Episcopal Church news that impacts the ECW and women within the church.
If you would like to submit a story link, news, or article—contact the editor at editor@ecwnational.org