Dear Friends in Christ,

Each year, UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence calls people around the world to stand together in prayer, awareness, and action to end violence against women and girls. This global campaign begins on November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and concludes on December 10 (Human Rights Day).

In connection with this observance, the Episcopal Church will commemorate Break the Silence Sunday on November 30, 2025. This day provides us an opportunity to lift our voices in solidarity with survivors, to confront the sin of gender-based violence, and to renew our commitment to creating communities of safety, justice, and peace.

The Toolkit includes:

• A message from The Most Reverend Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop.
• Worship resources to support your parish observance of Break the Silence Sunday.

We encourage you to share these materials with your local church and clergy as well as with your ECW sisters, so that all may incorporate this observance into their liturgy and prayers.

The Episcopal Relief & Development’s 16 Days of Activism Toolkit, which the National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will be using throughout the campaign. This resource is designed to inspire faith-based action and deepen our collective efforts to end violence against women and children.

Thank you for your faithful partnership in this vital ministry of justice and compassion. Together, may we continue to pray, speak, and act for a world free from violence.

In Christ’s peace,

Blessings,
Lisa Bortner
National Episcopal Church Women President

God has a great plan—not just for your ministry, but for your leadership journey. Trust Him, follow His direction, and let every decision reflect His heart. When we put Jesus first, everything else falls into place—not always easily, but always in His perfect order.

Lead well, dear sisters. Lead with Jesus.

Lisa Bortner – President
National Episcopal Church Women 2024 – 2027

Read this issue of the Communique’ – English

Versión en español del Comunicado’

Saying ‘No’ to Gender Violence
The Rape of Tamar

Thursday – December 4, 2025
5 pm – 6:30 pm (eastern)
Zoom Workshop
Link will be sent via email
Workshop will be recorded and posted to the NECW YouTube channel.

Too often gender violence is condoned or ignored because “it’s in the Bible.” This session will be facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart, national ECW chaplain. Bring your questions and resources to share on this most important topic.

Learn more about the workshop

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.

Order via our online literature request form.

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.

Support the Communique’

Digital Donations Accepted here

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 and choose either English or Spanish editions. Donations to cover shipping costs will be accepted. These efforts align with our growing commitment to sustainability and inclusion. 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

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

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.

See the publishing deadline dates