Episcopal Church Women, Author at National Episcopal Church Women

Reflections from the 69th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women: Beijing +30 Meeting

By Susan Howland

It was a delight to join members of the National ECW board and others at the UNCSW: Beijing +30 meeting in March. The Commission focuses on gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls and this session will review outcomes from the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and make recommendations for improvement. I have been following this meeting and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action since 1995, but this was the first time I traveled to New York City to attend in person. I attended a number of parallel events, organized by NGO Committee on the Status of Women/New York, and listened to women’s stories from all over the world. Women spoke of many joys and challenges, but the message I heard was that over the last 30 years the Beijing Platform for Action had provided a foundation for women to bring women’s voices, sometimes slowly, into cultural, social, and governmental structures. The global network has provided a place for women to gather, discuss and give voice to the varied challenges that women face in their local context.

Episcopal Church Women2025-04-04T13:49:29+00:00April 4th, 2025|

Fun? Not Really-A Reflection on NGO CSW69

By Lisa Bortner

After returning from the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Committee on the Status of Women (CSW) 69, the question I am most asked is, “Did you have fun?” I can’t say that attending this event was fun. Yes, it was exciting to be in New York City with nine of my friends and cohorts from the National ECW and Girls Friendly Society, but it wasn’t “fun”. It was a serious occasion to look at the many issues that have been long standing and difficult obstacles for women. This year’s NGO CSW Forum was a gathering of civil societies that presented information and collaborated on what progress has been made since the Beijing95 meeting and where we need to focus our future attention.

The NGO CSW Forum runs parallel to and complements the United Nations CSW. The sessions focused on thirteen tracks: education and training of women, emerging issues, human rights of women, institutional mechanism for the advancement of women, the girl child, violence against women, women and armed conflict, women and health, women and poverty, women and the economy, women and the environment and women in power and decision making. Now you can see why I would not say that I had fun. What I can say is that when I left the NGO CSW69 I was more convicted to play a larger role in lifting up my sisters throughout the globe on issues that affect all women.

I would like to extend my gratitude to those from the National ECW and the Girls Friendly Society who participated—largely at their own expense—in the NGO CSW69.

A heartfelt thank you to:
Annie Jacobs, Lois Frankforter, Ginny Guzman-Walsh, Dianne Roberts, Susan Howland, Laura Orcutt, Lisa Jo Woods-Kriss, Lydia Kugler, and Cat Spoko. Thank you!

One of the National ECW’s primary objectives at the meeting was to advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Throughout the conference, we heard from Indigenous women across the world who shared similar struggles.

Tragically, we did not meet a single Indigenous woman from the United States. By the end of the first week, we felt a deep conviction: next year, we must sponsor our own NGO CSW session on the plight of U.S. Indigenous Missing and Murdered Women. Our goal is to bring Indigenous Episcopal women to the table, giving them the platform to share their stories and advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities. To make this happen, we seek to collaborate with other entities within the Episcopal Church.

The NGO CSW challenged us to confront the long-standing and complex barriers that continue to oppress women. In response, we recognize our calling to play a larger role in uplifting our sisters globally on the issues that affect all women.

What Can You and I Do?

We Can Pray.
Prayer is our foundation. Let us pray fervently for justice and change.
We Can Educate Ourselves.
We must learn and spread awareness. It is my hope that more Episcopal women will participate in the NGO CSW’s virtual parallel events. These opportunities need better publicity within our church, as they are a valuable means to nurture and educate our future leaders.
We Can Advocate.
- We can write to our lawmakers.
- We can stand with our sisters in the streets.
- We can strategize to amplify our voices.
We Can Teach Future Generations.
As faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, we must guide our children and grandchildren on these critical issues. We must instill in them a commitment to treating all people with love and respect while equipping them to advocate for themselves and their communities.

We must raise our voices loudly to defend:

Reproductive rights
The right to marry the person we love
Access to clean water and a sustainable environment
Freedom to worship without ridicule or disdain from others
Justice for the marginalized, the impoverished, immigrants, and all who suffer

A Prayer for Justice and Strength

Gracious and Just God,
We lift up to You the women who stand boldly for justice,
who raise their voices for the voiceless,
who work tirelessly for change.

Bless them with wisdom to speak truth in love,
with courage to stand firm in the face of opposition,
and with endurance to press on, even when the road is long.

Protect them from harm, strengthen their resolve,
and surround them with support and encouragement.

Let their words and actions sow seeds of hope,
bringing healing, justice, and peace to the world.

May they always walk in Your light, guided by Your love,
and may their work bear fruit for generations to come.

Amen.

Episcopal Church Women2025-04-04T13:45:43+00:00April 4th, 2025|

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Wear Red on May 5 in Recognition of

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Breaking the Silence: Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) is a human rights emergency that has persisted for far too long, affecting Indigenous communities across North America. Despite its devastating impact, the epidemic has been largely ignored by mainstream society. It is time to break the silence, demand justice, and take meaningful action to protect Indigenous women and girls.

How You Can Help

Addressing the MMIW crisis requires collective action. Here are ways you can make a difference:

Raise Awareness: Share information about MMIW on social media, attend awareness events, and support Indigenous-led organizations.
Hold Governments Accountable: Contact lawmakers to push for policies that prioritize justice for Indigenous women and hold law enforcement agencies accountable.
Support Indigenous-Led Efforts: Donate to organizations that support MMIW families, attend events and rallies that support the cause.
Listen to Indigenous Voices: Amplify the stories of families affected by the crisis and center Indigenous perspectives in advocacy efforts.
Contact your State & Congressional Lawmakers– Write letters and emails to your state legislators and congressional delegation advocating for MMIW legislation.

The time to act is now. Indigenous women deserve safety, justice, and the right to live without fear. By standing together, we can break the silence and bring an end to this crisis.

Episcopal Church Women2025-04-03T15:34:01+00:00April 3rd, 2025|

National Board Met in Birmingham AL January 17th 2025

16th street Baptists

Board at Baptists Church Birmingham AL On their second board meeting, The National Episcopal Church Women spent part of their time commemorating the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement. The trip began with a tour of the 16th Baptist Church, the Kelly Ingram Park and The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The NECW would like to thank the tour guide for sharing so much information about the church. Just to mention, its history began in 1873 as the First Colored Baptist Church of Birmingham. The present-day church was built in 1911. The church met notoriety when a bombing took place on Sunday September 15, 1963. On this day four girls were killed in that bombing. They were Addie Mae Collins (age 14), Carole Robertson (age 14), Cynthia Wesley (age 14) and Denise McNair (age 11). After which the well-known Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham began.

Image Right: 16^th Street Baptist Church – Birmingham, AL

At Kelly Ingram Park, the NECW board took a moment and said prayer in front of the “Four Spirits”

The “Four Spirits” is a memorial sculpture of the 4 young girls, depicting what they were doing, in the basement of the church just moments prior to the bombing. According to research, in January 2017, Pres. Barack Obama signed legislation declaring the area around Birmingham’s Kelly Ingram Park, which includes the church, as the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.

Four Spirits Birmingham The tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was an individual tour in which each board member could walk through and see the many cultural and educational research that comprise this great Civil Rights Institute.

Respectfully Submitted – Gloria Rogers, 2^nd Vice President

Episcopal Church Women2025-02-28T19:17:19+00:00February 28th, 2025|

Publishing Deadlines for 2025

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.

News Blast email newsletter

Publish Month	Delivery Date	Deadline for Submission
March	March 1st	February 24th
April	April 5th	March 31st
May	May 3rd	April 28th
June	June 7th	June 2nd
July	July 5th	June 30th
August	August 2nd	July 28th
September	September 6th	September 1st
October	October 4th	September 29th
November	November 1st	October 27th
December	December	December 1st

Communique’ Magazine

Delivery Month	Submission Deadline
June 2025	April 15th, 2025
October 2025	August 15th, 2025
January 2026	November 15, 2025

Episcopal Church Women2025-02-28T14:54:47+00:00February 28th, 2025|

WEEK 1 The Burden of Injustice

March 6th 2025

Station 1: Jesus is Condemned to Death

We stand with you, O + Christ, in solidarity against violence.

For by your love and sacrifice, you call us to work for justice and peace.

In this season of reflection, we hear from the prophet Isaiah.

Scripture: Isaiah 53:7-8

⁷He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
⁸By oppression^[^a^] and judgment he was taken away.
Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was punished.

May God’s word take root in our hearts.

Reflection: (Rev. Canon Debbie Royals)

On unjust judgments faced by victims of gender-based violence and the need for justice and advocacy.

Q: What small steps can each of us take to support victims and advocate for justice?

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.

Have mercy upon us.

Station 2: Jesus Takes Up His Cross

We stand with you, O + Christ, in solidarity against violence.

For by your love and sacrifice, you call us to work for justice and peace.

In this season of reflection, we hear from the Gospel according to Matthew.

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

²⁸“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

May God’s word take root in our hearts.

Reflection: (Rev. Canon Debbie Royals)

Considers the burdens carried by survivors of violence and the importance of community support

Q: What does meaningful community support look like for survivors?

Hymn Come unto me, ye weary, 337 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lKA_7oXXlk

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.

Have mercy upon us.

Episcopal Church Women2025-03-10T14:31:00+00:00February 28th, 2025|

Human Trafficking Egregious Exploitation in Our Midst

A Two-Hour Presentation on Zoom
Yvonne O’Neal, Presenter
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Start Times: 10am PST / 11am MST / 12pm CST / 1pm EST

A Zoom link will be sent to registrants the week of the event

Human trafficking is pervasive, with millions of vulnerable individuals around the world being exploited. The scale of human trafficking is horrifying. It occurs not only in distant regions but also in every state In the United States, within our communities and neighborhoods.

This presentation will address the various forms of human trafficking, also referred to as modern-day slavery, and the reasons it continues to thrive. Attendees will learn how to recognize the signs of trafficking. We will examine how our societies often choose to look the other way and discuss what can be done to change this.

What can The Episcopal Church and ECW do to help dismantle this multi-billion-dollar business of human trafficking? Please bring your compassionate hearts, and let’s explore how our churches can become safe spaces and advocates for victims.

Yvonne O’Neal, Presenter

Yvonne O’Neal is a dedicated social justice advocate focused on ending human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and violence against women and girls. She is a founding member of the Episcopal Diocese of New York Task Force Against Human Trafficking and actively participates in the NGO Committee to Stop Trafficking in Persons at the United Nations. Yvonne has organized webinars on human trafficking and has spoken at important events, including the first UN Ocean Conference in 2017.

As a representative of the Africa Development Interchange Network, Yvonne has held leadership roles in various NGO committees and has produced numerous panels. She has served on different boards, including the Episcopal Diocese of New York’s ECW board, and is currently a member of the Church Pension Group Board of Trustees, where she chairs the Audit Committee. Having grown up in the church, Yvonne has been involved in her parish, Holy Trinity in Manhattan, and has promoted international mission outreach.

Her contributions to advancing women and girls have earned her several accolades, including the Society of Financial Service Professionals’ Paul S. Mills Scholarship and the Equitable Community Leadership Award. A retired financial consultant with multiple industry qualifications, Yvonne holds a Master of Arts degree from New School University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Puerto Rico. She has also completed the Women’s Leadership Institute certificate program at Hartford Seminary.

This event will be video, and audio recorded. We reserve the right to share any part of one’s participation on our website, in our print collateral, or with other registered participants. If you sign on to participate through our Zoom link, you acknowledge your understanding of and agreement to this notification.

For additional Information: Ginny Guzman-Walsh, Chair NECW VIRTUAL EVENT SERIES ginnygw@icloud.com

Episcopal Church Women2025-03-02T19:25:48+00:00February 27th, 2025|

Stations of Hope: A Thursdays in Black Journey Against Violence

Introduction and Background:

Lent is a sacred season in the Christian tradition—a time for deep reflection, repentance, and renewal. It invites us to walk with Jesus on his journey to the Cross, contemplating his suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph over death. Yet, it is also a time to confront the harsh reality that Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion were acts of violence. His story resonates deeply with the experiences of countless people who suffer violence and injustice in our world today.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global crisis. Statistics tell us that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 9 men are victims of GBV each year. Survivors are often silenced by fear, shame, and social stigma while cycles of violence continue.

Through Thursdays in Black, we are called to raise awareness, offer solidarity, and seek practical solutions to end sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This Lenten series, Stations of Hope, invites us to reflect on the Stations of the Cross through this lens. Each station becomes a space to consider the reality of violence, particularly SGBV, and to explore how we—individually and collectively—can respond with compassion, advocacy, and action.

Together, let us walk this journey of reflection and renewal, holding onto the hope that love and justice will prevail.

Dates: Thursdays, March 6 – April 17, 4:30 PM, EST

Location: Zoom – we will email the link to everyone before the event. No need to register.

Each session includes: Scripture, a brief reflection, and a hymn

Join us as we reflect, pray, and take action together in hope and love.

Week 1: The Burden of Injustice (March 6)

Week 2: Support and Compassion (March 13)

Week 3: Acts of Kindness and Solidarity (March 20)

Week 4: Vulnerability and Wounds (March 27)

Week 5: Hope and Perseverance (April 3)

Week 6: Community and Restorations (April 10)

Week 7: Love and Service: A Maundy Thursday Reflection – April 17

More information about this program coming next week.

Episcopal Church Women2025-03-01T18:45:01+00:00February 19th, 2025|

Summary of January 2025 National ECW Board Meeting

The National ECW (NECW) was blessed to be able to spend time with the Diocese of Alabama ECW Board while in Birmingham for our January 2026 board meeting. They joined the NECW for a tour of the 16^th Street Baptist Church, hosted dinner, and then provided transportation to the Cathedral for the Advent for Sunday Services. The board had the opportunity to visit the Civil Rights Institute on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The board also had three productive days of board meetings.

The next board meeting is scheduled for: May 1-5, 2025 – Province VI – Billings, Montana.

Below is a summary of current activities by the NECW.

The UTO submitted a motion to the Executive Council to change the funding allocation derived from the Wright Trust Fund to a 50/50% split between the UTO and ECW in 2023. In response to this the NECW board has submitted a motion to the Executive Council asking that all Wright Legacy Trust Fund monies be allocated to the NECW. The ECW notes that UTO currently holds more money in their trust fund coffers and receives more annual income for administrative expenses than the ECW. It is also noted that in April 2024 Executive Council approved UTO bylaw changes to include all genders and UTO now holds itself to be a ministry of the whole church and is no longer an exclusively women’s ministry. The Wright Trust is to be applied to the use of official women’s organizations, and UTO is no longer a women’s ministry organization per their current by-laws. Currently the Wright Trust Fund dividends are split between the ECW at 79% and the UTO at 21%.

The following motions were approved:

To allocate $500 for a sponsorship for the Association of Episcopal Deacons Conference.

The NECW board voted to donate $1000 to Sawyerville of Birmingham, AL. The mission of Sawyerville, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, is to create opportunities for children and youth in Hale County through free summer programs, mentoring, and scholarships. All of their programs work to serve God, broaden the horizons of participants and staff, improve race relations in Alabama, and enrich the lives of those living in poverty.

In response to the wildfires in Southern California, the NECW board voted to donate $1000 to the Diocese of Los Angeles One Body One Spirit annual appeal.

After attending Sunday services at the Cathedral of the Advent in Birmingham the NECW board voted to donate $100 to the church.

The board voted to advocate and address issues of murdered and missing indigenous women as our Social Justice initiative for the year.

The NECW will pursue completion of a history of Triennials that was started by the 2018-2024 President and to investigate publishing pricing.

At the invitation of The Diocese of Taiwan in Taipei, President Lisa Bortner and Province VIII Representative Ginny Guzman-Walsh will attend the Taiwan Diocesan Convention in May for the purpose of creating goodwill and understanding between the Diocese and the ECW ministry.

The NECW Social Justice Chair along with the National ECW President will be representing the National ECW at the NGO United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City from March 10-16, 2025. Other members of the board will be attending the meeting at their own expense.

The Ad Hoc Creation Care and Environmental Committee’s job description for the Member at Large position was approved. The position will be advertised and chosen in the upcoming months. Look for more information on this in the ECW News Blasts, Facebook and on our website.

The board voted to create two scholarship programs. The first is to be called Women in Theology and will be awarded to women pursuing a master’s degree in theology in the amount of $2500. The second scholarship is to be called Women in Healing Professions and will be awarded to a woman pursuing an advanced degree in a healing profession in the amount of $2500. The criteria for the scholarships and applications are to be released in June 2025.

The NECW Virtual Event Series will continue with the next session being held on April 5 on human trafficking and then the following event scheduled for July 12 on prison ministries.

During lent the NECW will promote Thursdays in Black. The World Council of Churches website explains: “The campaign is simple but profound. Wear black on Thursdays. Wear a pin to declare you are part of the global movement resisting attitudes and practices that permit rape and violence. Show your respect for women who are resilient in the face of injustice and violence. Encourage others to join you.”

The NECW chose their 2027 Triennial theme: “Women at the Well: Faith in Action”.

The NECW continues to encourage all ECWs to register and be counted. You may register your ECW on our website at ecwnational.org.

Episcopal Church Women2025-02-03T18:19:52+00:00January 30th, 2025|

Episcopal Church Women in the News 01-04-24

Episcopal Church Foundation, ECF, Chooses Longtime Associate as New Leader

The ECF manages $709 million in assets for Episcopal congregations and institutions, and sponsors a variety of programs and resources that seek to strengthen the church and prepare for its future.

Wheeling Island Church Members Show It’s Better To Give Than Receive

After Santa came down the chimney, he went to Wheeling Island for one last opportunity to spread holiday cheer.

The Art of Iconography at Holy Trinity Church

A Santa Fe church takes on a massive—and ancient—art project that inspires awe and underscores the harsh reality of faith.

Q&A: Bishop Carol Gallagher looks back on 35 years of service in dioceses across the church

She ordained a priest in 1990 and consecrated a bishop in 2002, plans to retire in early 2025

Building a Fighting Church Part I: Defending the Dignity of Trans and Non-Binary People in 2025 and Beyond

Episcopalians and all others interested in justice for women, LGBTQ+ justice, and social justice are invited to join this webinar to learn from gender justice leaders within and beyond The Episcopal Church about the current legislative terrain in the U.S. impacting these areas and the work that can be done to uphold the dignity of all God’s children.

Episcopal Church Women2025-01-03T22:11:48+00:00January 3rd, 2025|

Episcopal Church Women

About Episcopal Church Women

News Blast email newsletter

Communique’ Magazine

March 6th 2025

Station 1: Jesus is Condemned to Death

Station 2: Jesus Takes Up His Cross

Yvonne O’Neal, Presenter

Introduction and Background:

Below is a summary of current activities by the NECW.

The following motions were approved: