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Women in Healing Scholarship

Women in Healing Professions Graduate Studies Scholarship Application

Deadline: April 1, 2026

Applications Open: February 1, 2026

Award Amount: $5,000

Submit to: scholarship@ecwnational.org

Download the Application

Overview

This scholarship supports women pursuing graduate-level studies in a healing-related profession (e.g., nursing, medicine, counseling, social work, public health).

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Identify as female
Be enrolled or accepted into a graduate program in a healing-related profession (e.g., nursing, medicine, counseling, social work, public health)
Be active in an Episcopal parish
Be involved with Episcopal Church Women or women’s ministry group (parish, diocesan, or national level)
Provide a letter of recommendation from an Episcopal priest

Application Checklist

Please include the following:

Personal Information Form (below)
Short Essays (3 total, see prompts)
Letter of Recommendation from an Episcopal priest
Proof of Enrollment (acceptance letter or transcript)

Section I: Personal Information

Full Name:

Mailing Address:

Email Address:

Phone Number:

Diocese:

Parish Name & City:

ECW Involvement or women’s ministry (parish/diocesan/national):

Graduate Program Name & Institution:

Degree Pursued:

Anticipated Graduation Date:

Section II: Essay Prompts (300 words each)

Describe your call to a healing profession. What motivated your pursuit of graduate study in your field (e.g., nursing, medicine, social work, counseling)? How does your faith inform your approach to care and justice?
How has your involvement in ECW and parish life nurtured your sense of service and vocation?
How would this scholarship support your academic and professional goals in the healing professions?

Section III: Letter of Recommendation

Please include one letter of recommendation from an Episcopal priest who knows you well and can speak to your faith, character, and commitment to ministry or healing work. Please email letter of recommendation to scholarship@ecw.org.

Submission Instructions

All application materials, except for letter of recommendation, must be submitted as a single PDF by April 1, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Email to: scholarship@ecw.org

Episcopal Church Women2026-02-11T21:07:30+00:00February 6th, 2026|

ERD Tool Kit

16 Days Activism 2025 Grace, Justice & Hope

for Women & Girls Everywhere

A Toolkit To Work Together For Lasting Change

The National Episcopal Church Women (NECW) Board Social Justice Committee is joining hands with Episcopal Relief & Development to answer a shared call: to uplift women and girls everywhere and help them thrive in safety, dignity, and opportunity. Together, we invite our faith communities, families, and friends to engage in this transformative work through a powerful and flexible collaborative toolkit.

This initiative calls us to action — to empower women, strengthen economic stability, cultivate women leaders, and work boldly to reduce violence in all its forms. Grounded in faith and justice, the Social Justice Committee has also lifted up two urgent commitments within this effort: the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and advocacy for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

We are called not only to care, but to act. This toolkit offers a meaningful pathway to become part of the solution. A simple yet impactful first step is completing the Wellness of Women & Girls in Your Community survey (page 9), helping us listen deeply and discern where our communities are most needed.

Episcopal Relief & Development invites us to engage through four guiding priorities:

Joy and Wonder – Faithfully nurturing early childhood development
Grace, Justice & Hope – Standing with women and girls everywhere
Nurture & Sustain – Building resilience through climate-focused action
Restore & Renew – Responding with compassion when disaster strikes

We encourage you to explore the full Episcopal Relief & Development toolkit — a rich collection of prayers, studies, outreach ideas, and resources from across the Church — and to let it inspire faithful action rooted in love, justice, and hope.

View the tool kit at the Episcopal Relief and Development website

Episcopal Church Women2026-02-06T16:27:18+00:00February 5th, 2026|

January 2026 National ECW Board Meeting Summary

The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Board convened in San Antonio, Texas, from January 15–19, 2026.

On Sunday, the Board worshiped at Christ Episcopal Church, located in the historic Monte Vista District of San Antonio. The church’s beautiful stained-glass windows provided a peaceful and prayerful setting for worship. In keeping with longstanding tradition, the National ECW Board donates $1,000 to a charitable organization within the host diocese. This year, the Board is pleased to award a $1,000 grant to Threads of Blessing, an outreach ministry of Christ Episcopal Church that supports Ugandan women who create hand-stitched items sold in the United States.

Over the past year, the Board’s Social Justice initiative has focused on advocacy for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Building on this work, the Board is now bringing this issue to the global stage through participation at the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The NGO Committee on the Status of Women, New York (NGO CSW/NY), is a coalition of civil society organizations and individuals advocating for gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity. The priority theme for CSW 70 is ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls.

The NGO CSW will take place both virtually and in person from March 9–19, 2026. A National ECW virtual session titled Raising Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women will be held on Wednesday, March 11, at 11:30 a.m. Central Standard Time. Indigenous Episcopal leaders will share insights on this critical issue and ways individuals and communities can advocate for justice and change. Registration will be required, and additional details will be shared when registration opens.

As part of its commitment to the spiritual, intellectual, and professional empowerment of women, the National ECW Board is proud to offer two annual scholarships funded through the NECW Memorial Fund. Each scholarship provides $5,000 to one recipient annually. Applicants must be actively involved in an Episcopal parish and demonstrate participation in Episcopal Church Women at the parish, diocesan, or national level. Applications open February 1, 2026, and must be submitted by April 1, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Scholarship Opportunities

Women in Theology Graduate Scholarship
Supports women pursuing graduate degrees in theology or religious studies who seek to serve in ordained or lay ministry within The Episcopal Church or a related religious community.
Women in Healing Professions Graduate Scholarship
Supports women pursuing graduate degrees in healing professions, including but not limited to nursing, medicine, social work, counseling, public health, or occupational therapy.

Another significant initiative approved at this meeting establishes a grant program offering up to $1,000 to new or inactive Diocesan ECWs. These grants are intended to support the creation of women’s ministries in dioceses without an ECW or to help re-energize those that have become inactive. A copy of the grant application is attached, and additional information will be available on the National ECW website.

Motions Approved During the San Antonio Meeting:

Approved Fran Bramblette as Secretary of the Board
Approved a $1,000 Province VII grant to Threads of Blessing
Corrected the Unified Gift recipient for Triennial to Native Health
Approved the donation of $1,341 from the MMIW fund to the Snowbird Fund of the Montana Community Foundation
Awarded $3,000 disaster relief grants to the Dioceses of Alaska, Jamaica, Olympia, and Taiwan
Awarded a $2,000 disaster relief grant to the Diocese of Los Angeles
Awarded $1,000 to the Diocese of West Texas in support of the Threads of Blessing ministry at Christ Episcopal Church, San Antonio
Approved proposed bylaw changes to be presented at the 2027 Triennial Assembly
Passed the 2026 budget
Approved the publication of three Communiqués in 2026
Approved compensating writers for Communiqué articles
Adopted an initiative to support Episcopal women’s participation—both in person and virtually—at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and to promote grassroots engagement at the parish, diocesan, and provincial levels

The Board also approved a motion to partner and collaborate with Lynnaia Main, The Episcopal Church Representative to the United Nations, including:

Sharing information about the UNCSW, its structure, and the global advocacy work carried out by participants
Assisting, as needed, with The Episcopal Church Bishops’ Delegation and the Anglican Communion delegation
Supporting The Episcopal Church’s engagement with the United Nations and the resulting advocacy and civic engagement throughout the Church

In addition to full Board sessions, the following committees met in San Antonio: Social Justice; Triennial; Finance; Creation Care and Environmental Justice; Marketing; Scholarship; Startup Grants; and Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures.

Your National ECW Board remains committed to advancing new programs that strengthen the Kingdom of God and serve the women of The Episcopal Church. Those interested in becoming more involved are encouraged to contact their Diocesan or Provincial President. A complete list of contacts is available at www.ecwnational.org

Episcopal Church Women2026-02-05T18:22:54+00:00February 5th, 2026|

President Report 12-2025

President’s Report
National Episcopal Church Women Board Meeting
Reporting Period: September–December 2025

Since the September 2025 Board Meeting, I have remained actively engaged in representing and advancing the mission and ministry of the National Episcopal Church Women through worship leadership, governance, communications, partnerships, and provincial and diocesan engagement.

Provincial, Diocesan, and National Engagement
In October, I had the honor of serving as keynote speaker at the Arkansas ECW Fall Gathering (October 10–11), offering reflections on the theme “Cultivate and Let Go.” I also attended the Province I ECW Annual Meeting via Zoom on October 18, along with the virtual event Balancing Act: Master the Art of ECW Budgeting, which was later posted to the NECW YouTube channel on October 19. On December 4, I was also in attendance for the stellar presentation of Saying ‘No” to Gender Violence: The Rape of Tamar” by the National ECW Chaplain Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart. This presentation was later posted on our YouTube channel also.

On November 15, I attended the Diocese of North Carolina ECW Annual Meeting in Winston-Salem, NC, where I served as keynote speaker. My presentation included my personal testimonial, an overview of National ECW initiatives, reflections on spiritual cultivation and release, and a visioning session focused on the future of ECW. I also participated as a speaker at the Province V ECW Meeting held November 22–23 at Bellwether in Ohio.

Committee Work and Governance
Throughout this reporting period, I remained engaged in National ECW governance. On October 14, 2025 the National ECW Secretary, Patricia Rutenberg, resigned from her position. The Executive Committee met on October 16 to discuss possible candidates for the office. I present to the board for consideration as Secretary, Fran Bramblette. Fran has served the Diocese of Alabama ECW as the Birmingham Convocation Co-Coordinator for two two-year terms, as President-Elect for one term and as President for one term. She was recognized as the Distinguished Woman from the Diocese of Arkansas at Triennial 2024.

I also attended the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements meeting via Zoom on November 5 and the Finance Committee meeting on November 19. Additionally, I attended the Church Women United Common Council meeting on November 20. On December 3, I met with the Ad Hoc Committee that is developing a grant program for inactive and new Diocesan ECWs to start or restart ECWs. This is a promising new program that we are hoping will promote new Diocesan ECW Chapters.

I have sought clarification from DFMS on per diem reimbursements for the board. In response I was informed that DFMS would be moving to a new platform for reimbursements in 2026 and that new travel policies would be announced at the introduction of this new system.

Communications and Digital Ministry
I met regularly with our communications team—John Wilkerson and Gloria Rogers—on October 27, November 24, and December 22 for communications review and planning. Topics discussed

included the monthly News Blasts, website updates, upcoming virtual events, and planning for the next Communiqué.

I continued to lead Morning Prayer on Facebook Live on October 1, October 8, October 29, November 26, and December 24, while also recruiting additional leaders to share in this ministry.

Justice, Advocacy, and Partnerships
I participated in multiple planning sessions with the International Anglican Women’s Network on October 20 and November 10 in preparation for the 16 Days of Activism, including Break the Silence Sunday. As part of this work, I scheduled the 16 Days of Activism posts on Facebook. I also attended Sacred Ground on October 26 and participated in the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery Episcopal Indigenous Justice Roundtable via Zoom on December 16.

On behalf of the National ECW an application to host a Virtual Parallel Event at the NGO CSW70 Forum in New York City was submitted and accepted. The National ECW will be presenting a virtual workshop on “Raising Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women” on Wednesday, March 11 at 12:30pm. The Social Justice and Communications Committees are now working on orchestrating this momentous event. On December 19, I met with Lynnaia Main and Annie Kate Jacobs to discuss attendance at UN NGO/CSW70 and National ECW’s potential participation.

Future Planning
Looking ahead, I solicited hotel bids for the January 2027 Board Meeting from locations in Cartagena, Colombia; Jackson, Mississippi; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Richmond, Virginia; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. After careful consideration, the Hyatt Hotel in Cartagena, Colombia has been booked for the January 14-19, 2027 Board Meeting.

Conclusion
This season has been marked by deep engagement across the Church, strengthened partnerships, intentional communications planning, and faithful leadership in worship, justice, and governance. I am grateful for the continued collaboration of the Board, officers, and committees as we move forward together in this ministry.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Bortner
President, National Episcopal Church Women

Episcopal Church Women2026-02-06T16:00:14+00:00February 5th, 2026|

Honoring Those Who Came Before Us

The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) stands on a foundation built by the faith, vision, and generosity of those who came before us. Over the years, individuals and families recognized the importance of sustaining the mission of ECW and established trust funds that continue to provide vital financial support for our work today.

These gifts were more than financial contributions; they were acts of deep trust and hope in the future of this organization and in the women who would carry its mission forward. Because of their foresight, National ECW is able to respond to emerging needs, support ministries, and remain faithful to our calling without fear of instability.

We hold these benefactors in our hearts with profound gratitude. We give thanks for their commitment, their stewardship, and their belief in the enduring work of Episcopal Church Women. Above all, we give thanks to God, whose provision has been made visible through their generosity and whose grace continues to sustain us.

As we move forward, may we honor their legacy by being faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us and by continuing the work to which God has called National ECW—now and for generations to come.

Below are our dedicated Trust Funds:

363.00 James, Edward H., Concord, MA (1923) Gift of, A Special To establish “The Mary L. James Trust.” Income to be at the disposal of the Women’s Auxiliary

417.00 Emery, Mrs. Mary M., Cincinnati, OH (1928) Bequest of, A Special Principal and interest for the Women’s Auxiliary.

418.00 Hogg, Miss Mary Ann, Pittsburgh, PA (1928) Bequest of, A Special Income to be expended in consultation with the Women’s Auxiliary

425.00 Woman’s Auxiliary, Maine (1928) Gift of, A Special To establish “The Anna B. Ogden Memorial Fund.” Income to be used for maintaining the Anna B. Ogden Memorial Room in Windham House, New York, or for such other educational purposes as the National Council in consultation with the Executive Board of the Woman’s Auxiliary may determine.

459.00 Dering, Ella V., Utica, NY (1932) Bequest of, A Special Income to be used at the discretion of the Women’s Auxiliary.

512.00 Griffith, Miss Leonora V., Washington, DC (1939) Gift of, A Special To the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Board of Missions of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Trust fund established on vote of Executive Board of the Woman’s Auxiliary. Income to be used at their discretion.

521.00 Blood, Miss Lulu M., Penn Yan, NY (1940) Bequest of, A Special Trust established upon recommendation of the Executive Board of the Women’s Auxiliary. Income to be used at said Board’s discretion.

571.00 Wallen, Augusta Cass, Plainfield, NJ (1945) Bequest of, A Special Income to be added to the legacy income account of the Women’s Auxiliary, to be expended at the discretion of the Executive Board of the Women’s Auxiliary.

630.01 Wright, Emilie G., Hartford, CT (1951) Bequest of, A Special This fund resulted from a legacy of one-half of the donor’s residuary estate. The donor made a non-binding request that the money be used for the work of the Women’s Auxiliary (now the Episcopal Church Women). The income from this fund is divided between the Episcopal Church Women and the United Thank Offering, in the proportions directed by their executive committees: currently 71% [Trust Fund No. 630.01] to the Episcopal Church Women and 29% [Trust Fund No. 630.02] to the United Thank Offering.

687.00 Lindley, Grace, New York, NY (1956) A Special Gift to the Women’s Auxiliary. Action of its Executive Board authorized establishing trust fund. Income for use of the Women’s Auxiliary.

695.00 Pulcifer, Ella Greenwood, Wellesley, MA (1957) Bequest of, A Special Fund established upon recommendation of the Massachusetts branch of the Women’s Auxiliary. Income to be used at the discretion of the National Executive Board of the Women’s Auxiliary.

791.00 Windham House Trust Fund (1973) A “special.” Income to be used for the Episcopal Church Women. Windham House was sold in 1972, and after the closing of the sale, the proceeds were used to establish this fund.

793.00 Van Buren, Elvira Lorraine, Westhampton Beach, NY (1974) Bequest of Income to be used for the general uses and purposes of the Episcopal Church Women.

879.00 National Triennial Endowment Fund (1984) Established to receive contributions to aid in funding the National Triennial. Income only to be used toward the funding of the National Triennial Meeting of Women of the Episcopal Church.

896.00 McClenahan, Mary Edith, Trust, Cedar Rapids, IA (1985) For the Woman’s Auxiliary to the Board of Missions of the Episcopal Church in the United States, income for the Triennial Women.

917.00 Episcopal Church Women, Reserve Fund for the (1988) This fund was closed in November 1994 at the request of the National Board of the Episcopal Church Women; its shares were transferred to the DFMS Endowment Fund, Trust Fund No. 927, and used for triennial meeting expenses in 1998 and 1991. The fund was re-established in January 1996 at the request of the Episcopal Church Women.

1063.00 National ECW Board Scholarship Memorial Fund (2014) This fund was established with a gift of $50,000 by the Board of ECW in 2014 for women in graduate study for the ministry or helping professions. According to the ECW Board, interests as well as the principal can be used for scholarships. ECW will review applications and make annual awards based on need. This fund welcomes donations. This is a custodial-type fund, meaning that DFMS is not trustee for these funds but as custodian is providing the owner (ECW) with access to investment management through DFMS endowment.

Episcopal Church Women2026-02-05T18:10:02+00:00February 5th, 2026|

Raising Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

Save the Date!

NGO CSW70 Virtual Parallel Event

�� Wednesday, March 11, 2026
⏰ 12:30–2:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
�� Via Zoom (link forthcoming)

The National Episcopal Church Women (NECW) invites members and partners nationwide to stand in solidarity and take action in response to the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)—a devastating reality affecting Indigenous communities across the United States and beyond.

Rooted in faith, prayer, compassion, and advocacy, NECW recognizes the urgent call to raise awareness, support healing, and work alongside Indigenous leaders to seek justice and ensure the safety of Native women and their families.

Join us for a powerful virtual panel discussion led by Indigenous leaders of the Episcopal Church. Together, they will explore the deep historical injustices, systemic violence, and complex jurisdictional challenges that continue to fuel this crisis—and highlight pathways toward accountability, healing, and hope.

All are welcome. Your presence matters.

National ECW Participation in the United Nations Committee on the Status of Women

Over the past year, the National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Board’s Social Justice initiative has focused on advocacy for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Building on this important work, the Board is now bringing this issue to the global stage through participation in CSW 70 via NGO/CSW parallel events.

The NGO/CSW70 gathering will take place both virtually and in person from March 9–19, 2026, making participation accessible regardless of location. All Episcopal Church Women are warmly invited to join these free public events as part of our shared commitment to justice and advocacy. Registration for the events will be opening soon. Please check their website, https://ngocsw.org/, to register for these free events and workshops.

As part of this effort, National ECW will host a virtual parallel event titled:

Raising Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
11:30 a.m. Central Standard Time

Indigenous Episcopal leaders will share insights on this critical issue and offer guidance on how individuals, congregations, and communities can advocate for justice, healing, and change. Our workshop leaders include The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals, Province VIII ECW President Madeline Sampson, The Rev. Isaih “Shaneequa” Brokenleg and The Rev. Deacon Twila Two Bulls. Registration will be required, and additional details will be shared when registration opens.

Why This Matters

Understanding the distinction between CSW and NGO/CSW helps us engage more intentionally. While governments negotiate policy at CSW, faith communities and advocates shape the moral conversation through NGO/CSW. By participating in parallel events, Episcopal Church Women add their voices to a global chorus calling for dignity, justice, and hope for all women and girls.

We invite you to join us—learn, listen, and stand in solidarity as we carry this vital work onto the global stage.

Understanding the Difference Between the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and NGO/CSW70 Parallel Events

Each year, women and advocates from across the globe gather around the work of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the world’s principal intergovernmental body dedicated to advancing gender equality. Alongside this official UN gathering is a dynamic and accessible space for civil society engagement known as NGO/CSW, which hosts parallel events that amplify grassroots voices and lived experience. While closely connected, these two spaces serve distinct—and complementary—roles in the global movement for justice.

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

The Commission on the Status of Women is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). CSW brings together representatives of UN Member States to assess progress on women’s rights, address emerging challenges, and negotiate Agreed Conclusions that help shape international policy and commitments.

Participation in CSW sessions primarily involves government delegations and accredited organizations. The work is formal and diplomatic, focused on policy negotiation, accountability, and global frameworks for change. In essence, CSW is where governments meet to set priorities and make commitments on behalf of women and girls worldwide.

For CSW 70, the priority theme is ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, a focus that resonates deeply with many ongoing advocacy efforts within faith communities and civil society.

NGO/CSW and Parallel Events

Running concurrently with CSW, NGO/CSW is organized by the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, New York (NGO CSW/NY). This coalition of civil society organizations and individuals advocates for gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity. While NGO/CSW works closely with the UN, it is not a UN body and does not engage in formal negotiations.

Instead, NGO/CSW facilitates parallel events—sessions organized by NGOs, faith-based groups, academic institutions, and advocacy organizations. These events are open to the public and free to attend. Parallel events may take many forms, including panels, workshops, worship services, storytelling sessions, and strategy conversations. NGO/CSW70 refers to these civil society events connected to the 70th session of CSW, offering a powerful opportunity for voices outside government to be heard.

Episcopal Church Women2026-02-05T19:05:45+00:00February 4th, 2026|

Women in Theology Graduate Studies Scholarship Application

Deadline: April 1, 2026
Award Amount: $5,000

Submit to: scholarship@ecwnational.org

Download the Application

OVERVIEW

This scholarship supports a woman pursuing graduate-level studies in theology, religious
studies, or ministry (lay or ordained).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

Identify as female
Enrolled in a graduate program (M.Div., M.A. in Theology, or equivalent)
Be active in an Episcopal parish
Be involved with Episcopal Church Women or women’s ministry group (parish,
diocesan, or national level)
Provide a letter of recommendation from an Episcopal priest

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Please include the following:
Personal Information Form (below)
Short Essays (3 total, see prompts)
Letter of Recommendation from your priest
Proof of Enrollment (acceptance letter or transcript)

SECTION I: PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full Name:
Mailing Address:
Email Address:
Phone Number:
Diocese:
Parish Name & City:
ECW Involvement (parish/diocesan/national):
Graduate Program Name & Institution:
Degree Pursued:
Anticipated Graduation Date:

SECTION II: ESSAY PROMPTS (300 WORDS EACH)

Describe your call to theological study. What inspired your pursuit of lay or ordained
ministry? How do you hope to serve the Church through your work?
How has your participation in Episcopal Church Women and your parish community
shaped your spiritual journey and leadership?
How would this scholarship support your vocational path in theology or ministry?

SECTION III: LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Please include one letter of recommendation from an Episcopal priest who knows you well
and can speak to your faith, character, and commitment to ministry or healing work. Please
email letter of recommendation to scholarship@ecwnational.org

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

All application materials, except for letter of recommendation, must be submitted as a single
PDF by April 1, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Email to: scholarship@ecwnational.org

Episcopal Church Women2026-02-11T21:09:36+00:00February 3rd, 2026|

Sacred Earth Sacred Voice Quarterly Book Series

Sue Mueller NECW A Quarterly Book Series on Faith, Creation, and Justice

Hosted by the National Episcopal Church Women’s (ECW) Creation Care and Environmental Justice Committee

Join Episcopal Church Women from across the country for the launch of our new quarterly book series, Sacred Earth, Sacred Voice. Each season, we’ll explore a powerful book that brings faith, creation care, and justice into conversation – amplifying diverse authors and sacred wisdom.

Our first gathering will feature an informal group discussion of the acclaimed anthology:

All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis

Edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson

This collection of essays, poetry, and art centers the voices of women leading the climate movement – scientists, farmers, teachers, poets, and activists – offering deep insight, courageous storytelling, and a shared vision for what’s possible.

When: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 7 pm Eastern
Where: Zoom Link

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83545906835?pwd=dkjJUYFi6xgSVugyYWtGPMMZieRkZl.1

You can find All We Can Save here.

Episcopal Church Women2026-01-20T17:20:59+00:00January 20th, 2026|

Mary, did you ever feel overwhelmed?

Mary,

Did you ever feel overwhelmed?
Did the weight of it all press on your chest
in the middle of the night
when no one else was awake but you and God?

Did you ever ask Him, quietly,
Are you sure I’m enough for this?

Did you kiss his small feet,
that had yet to touch the ground,
Not knowing they would one day press into waves and steady them?

Did your lips linger there, unaware that all creation would be waiting for those steps?

Did you hold his hands,
guiding them through ordinary days,
Not knowing those same hands would heal the sick, would lift the broken, would bless and be
broken themselves?

Were there moments you longed to be ordinary?

To have a son whose life stayed small,
whose dangers were limited to skinned knees and not prophecy?
I worry about the small things…
am I patient enough, gentle enough,
doing this right?

And you were entrusted with the Savior of the world and still had to learn motherhood
one day at a time.
When you felt overwhelmed, when you felt inadequate,
did you remind yourself
that even the Savior of the world
first needed a mother
to simply hold him?

This Christmas, I see you differently.
Not only as the one who said yes,
but as the mother who held that yes
through every ordinary day.

I’m so grateful for these days,
for the weight of a child on my chest every night, for the small holiness of being needed.
And yet, I cannot imagine the weight you carried, to love a son so completely while knowing the
world would ask everything of Him.

By Isabel Krauss Enloe

Episcopal Church Women2025-12-23T15:55:17+00:00December 23rd, 2025|

Acting in Hope Prayers and Witness Prayer Meeting

Acting in Hope: Prayers and witness to a safer world for women and girls, an online prayer gathering on December 10 will commemorate both International Human Rights Day and the end of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign. It will feature speakers from Liberia, India, and Papua New Guinea on the challenges in their region on gender-based violence, the work being done to address it, and the hope they hold for the well-being of women and girls.

Featured speakers are Ernest Cajuste, Senior Program Officer, Trauma and Resilience, Episcopal Relief and Development who works with Liberia; Revd Moumita Biswas, Human Rights Worker in Calcutta, the Church of North India, has worked on matters of violence against women and girls for many years and will address issues of technology and digital violence; and Thelma Guni, who is Assistant to the Primate, Anglican Church of New Guinea, a region where gender-based violence has been significant.

The online event will include scripture, poetry, hymnody and music, and time for reflection where attendees can add prayer requests. It is sponsored by three Anglican Communion networks—the Anglican Peace and Justice International Anglican Family Network (IAFN) and the International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN)—and is open to anyone to attend.

You can join in by registering in advance for either of two meeting times:

10 December, 2025 08:00-09:15 UTC (London) https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hAfo8S0uSDisftpHBUr3DA

10 December, 2025 18:00-19:15 UTC (London) https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DUdDvAFsT96yTa3w2ZxlUg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting. Join us as we come together as a global Anglican community of faith.

Episcopal Church Women2025-11-20T15:47:20+00:00November 20th, 2025|

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