Dear Members of the National Episcopal Church Women Board,
It is my privilege to present this report of my activities since our April 30, 2026, Board meeting. The past five months have been an especially active and productive season for National ECW. My work has focused on strengthening relationships throughout the Episcopal Church, supporting our diocesan and provincial ECW organizations, advancing our ministries of advocacy and social justice, preparing for the 2027 Triennial Meeting, strengthening our organizational systems, and representing National ECW in the wider church and Anglican Communion.
One of my primary responsibilities as National President is to remain connected with Episcopal Church Women at every level of our organization. During this reporting period, I had the opportunity to participate in gatherings and meetings across several provinces.
I attended the Alabama ECW Mountain Convocation in Mentone, Alabama, where I served as keynote speaker. I also organized and served as keynote speaker for the Women of Calvary in Bastrop, Texas, and later chaired their potluck luncheon and planning session.
I participated in the Province IV ECW Gathering at Camp Weed in Live Oak, Florida, the Province V BIG Conference, where I presented an ECW workshop and staffed an exhibit booth promoting the ministry of Episcopal Church Women, and the Province VI ECW Annual Meeting, where I served as keynote speaker. Most recently, I attended the Province VII ECW Fall Gathering in Alexandria, Louisiana, September 25–26.
These gatherings provide much more than opportunities to speak. They allow me to listen to women throughout the Church, hear about their successes and challenges, encourage local ECW leadership, and communicate the vision and work of National ECW.
I have also remained in conversation with diocesan leaders seeking to strengthen or restart ECW ministries, including Giselle James regarding efforts to restart the Diocese of Texas ECW, Lana Mederos, President of the Diocese of Oklahoma ECW, Debbie Gardiner, President of the Diocese of West Texas ECW, and Bishop Elizabeth Bonforte Gardner from the Diocese of Neveda.
These conversations reinforce the importance of National ECW being visible, accessible, and supportive to women throughout the Church.
A significant portion of my time since our April meeting has been devoted to preparation for the 2027 National ECW Triennial Meeting in Phoenix.
I have participated in numerous Triennial Committee and Workshop Committee meetings and have worked closely with our leadership and planning partners to prepare for this important gathering.
In July, I, along with Cindy Mohr, traveled to Phoenix for the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements meeting and for on-site preparation for Triennial. During that visit , we met with women from Trinity Cathedral regarding paid Triennial positions and met with Hyatt Regency staff concerning event arrangements.
I have continued working with the Triennial Workshop Committee, including the September 8 meeting at which we worked to finalize workshop plans.
The Triennial will be a major opportunity to bring Episcopal Church Women together for worship, learning, fellowship, leadership development, advocacy, and celebration. Our theme, “Women at the Well: Faith in Action,” calls us to recognize the ministry we have inherited while looking toward the future and asking how our faith calls us to action. The planning process has also required considerable attention to scheduling, staffing, facilities, workshops, worship, communications, and coordination with the General Convention planning structure.
Financial and Organizational Oversight
I have continued to work with DFMS and our National ECW leadership to strengthen our financial and organizational processes. On May 7, I spoke with Chris Lacovara, DFMS Chief Financial Officer, regarding the Wright Trust Fund and other financial matters. I attended the Finance Committee meeting on July 2 and September 9, and, on September 3, met with the National ECW Executive Board to review proposed financial policies. These conversations are part of our ongoing effort to ensure that National ECW has appropriate policies, procedures, accountability, and financial practices to support the ministry entrusted to us.
I have also continued discussions concerning our communications and administrative systems, including monthly meetings with the First and Second Vice Presidents and Webmaster to address communications issues. I have also regularly led Morning Prayer on National ECW Facebook Live. Elizabeth Bonforte Gardner.
Our social media and online presence give National ECW an opportunity to reach women who may not be able to participate in gatherings in person. Morning Prayer, virtual events, workshops, and other online communications allow us to remain connected across diocesan and provincial boundaries.
Advocacy and social justice have continued to be important components of my work.
On May 5, I attended the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery presentation, “MMIW: Understanding the Crisis and Advocating for Change.” I also participated in the Episcopal Indigenous Justice Roundtable and continued to support National ECW’s commitment to advocacy concerning Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. On June 8, National ECW participated as a sponsor of another Coalition for Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery webinar.
I have also remained engaged in Creation Care and Environmental Justice work, including participation in the Creation Care and Environmental Justice Committee and the Episcopal Church Creation Care calls.
On May 19, I participated in the NGO CSW May Monthly Meeting, which focused on the Crimes Against Humanity Treaty. I also participated in the Episcopal Women’s History Project Conference in Nashville and attended the debriefing of NGO CSW70 with the International Anglican Women’s Network.
These opportunities continue to help connect National ECW’s ministry with the broader work of women throughout the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion, and the international community.
One of the most significant experiences of this reporting period was my participation in A PLACE AT THE TABLE: Reimagining Power Through Every Voice, Facilitators Formation Programme, in São Paulo, Brazil, August 15–22. This experience brought together participants from across the Americas, the Caribbean, and the wider Anglican Communion. It was an important opportunity for learning, relationship-building, and exploring how women can participate more fully in leadership and decision-making.
I was especially grateful for the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between National ECW and the Anglican Alliance. During the training, I met with Mandy Marshall and Rob Dawe to discuss potential collaboration around gender justice, advocacy, and women’s ministry. I believe these relationships will provide opportunities for National ECW to participate more fully in the worldwide ministry of women in the Anglican Communion.
National ECW has continued to provide opportunities for women to learn and share practical tools for strengthening their ministries. I participated in the Virtual Event Series on Fundraising in August. This program has provided valuable information and encouragement for ECWs seeking to develop sustainable fundraising practices. The recording of the event is now available on our YouTube channel.
I also continue to recognize that fundraising is not simply about generating income. It is about helping ECW organizations identify their mission, communicate their ministry, engage their communities, and develop resources that allow their ministries to flourish.
Throughout this period, I have had many opportunities to speak directly with Episcopal Church Women about the importance of women’s ministry and leadership.
Whether through provincial gatherings, diocesan meetings, workshops, Bible study, Morning Prayer, or individual conversations with ECW leaders, my message has remained consistent: our ministry matters.
ECW provides a place where women can grow spiritually, develop leadership skills, serve their communities, advocate for justice, support one another, and live out their baptismal call.
Our challenge is to ensure that this ministry remains relevant and accessible to the women of today while honoring the legacy of those who came before us.
As we move toward the final months of 2026 and into 2027, our work will increasingly focus on the Triennial, strengthening National ECW’s organizational infrastructure, supporting provinces and dioceses, expanding communications, and continuing to develop relationships throughout the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion.
I am particularly excited about the opportunities before us. The 2027 Triennial gives us an important moment to gather, listen, celebrate, worship, learn, and discern the future of Episcopal Church Women.
At the same time, we must continue asking difficult and important questions:
- How do we reach women who do not currently see themselves reflected in ECW?
- How do we support dioceses and parishes where ECW leadership is declining?
- How do we equip the next generation of women to lead?
- How do we strengthen our financial and organizational foundation?
- How do we make National ECW more visible and accessible throughout the Church?
- How do we take the ministry we have inherited and faithfully carry it into the future?
These questions will require all of us to work together.
I am grateful for the many women and men who have walked alongside me during these past five months. Every gathering, committee meeting, conversation, workshop, prayer service, and planning session has reminded me that National ECW is not simply an organization. It is a ministry carried forward by women who believe that their faith calls them to action.
I am continually encouraged by the dedication I see throughout our Church. From women rebuilding diocesan ECWs to those gathering at provincial conferences, from women advocating for justice to those quietly serving their congregations and communities, the ministry of Episcopal Church Women continues. As we prepare for our next chapter, I ask that we continue to listen to one another, support one another, and remain open to where the Holy Spirit is calling us.
It is an honor to serve as your National President. I am grateful for your prayers, your partnership, and your commitment to the ministry of Episcopal Church Women.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Bortner
President
National Episcopal Church Women