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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

Register Now!

NGO CSW70 Virtual Parallel Event

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
⏰ 12:30–2:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

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.

Registration is now open for our NGO CSW70 Forum virtual event. Please register at https://ngocsw70.events.whova.com/registration/. Registration is free! Then search for National Episcopal Church Women. You will enter the event through the NGO portal on March 11. See you then!

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.

Make your donation here

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. Please register for these free events and workshops at https://ngocsw.org/. Once you have registered you will be brought to the Whova app. Please navigate to the agenda tab and then search by date for our event. You will discover, you have access to hundreds of workshops. Our workshop will be held at 12:30 EST on March 11. Add us to your agenda. Then on that date and time open the Whova app and join us as we live stream the event.

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. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg and The Rev. Deacon Twila Two Bulls.

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 Women2026-03-06T19:40:14+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|

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.

Say no to gender violence Too often gender violence is condoned or ignored because “it’s in the Bible.” In our current time when there are voices that want to return woman and girls to the state of property and ignore the rights of our trans and non-gendered siblings, it is time to debunk hurtful myths and provide resources so all can have lives free of gender violence.

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.

Episcopal Church Women2025-10-31T16:39:44+00:00October 31st, 2025|

Balancing Act: Master the Art of ECW Budgeting

Jane Schenck October 18th at 11:00am central

Our next presenter will be Jane Schenck presenting on creating a budget.

Jane is a relative newcomer to ECW, but a long-time professional accountant. She worked for Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, Illinois for 32 years doing budgeting and accounting. Her relevant education and credentials are a Master of Management degree in Finance and Accounting from Kellogg Graduate School of Management (Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois) and a CPA from Illinois. After attending the Triennial in Austin in 2018 and joining the ECW-Diocese of Chicago board later that summer, she was elected treasurer the following year and served until becoming president in 2022. She has also been her parish’s treasurer/bookkeeper for the last 13 years (All Saints in Western Springs, Illinois), as well as team leader for the parish’s Endowment Fund since 2009. Recently, she has served on the board of Episcopal Charities as their Secretary, and just joined the Finance Committee. She aspires to help each of these organizations work towards financial sustainability.

Episcopal Church Women2025-10-16T19:10:12+00:00September 6th, 2025|

National ECW Rejoices: Episcopal Church Welcomes Missionary Diocese of Navajoland

St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Bluff, Utah The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) join in joyful celebration and thanksgiving with the Episcopal Church as it welcomes its newest diocese — the Missionary Diocese of Navajoland — a historic and Spirit-filled step affirmed on June 24, 2025. After decades of faithful ministry, prayer, and perseverance, Navajoland is no longer just an area mission—it is now a fully recognized missionary diocese, embracing its sacred identity while moving boldly toward self-determination and leadership within the wider church.

For the women of the ECW, whose hearts are deeply rooted in supporting ministries that uplift communities through faith and service, this moment is cause for heartfelt rejoicing. The elevation of Navajoland is not just an institutional change; it is a powerful recognition of a people who have long lived into the Gospel with cultural integrity, resilient hope, and deep reverence for the traditions of the Diné people.

The National ECW gives glory to God for this milestone. We rejoice with our sisters and brothers in Navajoland, whose faith, perseverance, and vision now shine as a beacon to the whole church. We especially give thanks for our Province VIII ECW President, Madeline Sampson, and her family’s involvement in bringing about this historic event.

Episcopal Church Women2025-07-03T16:18:21+00:00July 3rd, 2025|

Episcopal Church Women Stand in Solidarity with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is called to action in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), a crisis affecting Indigenous communities across the United States and beyond. As faithful women of prayer, compassion, and advocacy, the ECW recognizes the urgency of raising awareness, supporting healing, and partnering with Indigenous leaders to bring justice and protection to Native sisters and their families.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Indigenous women face murder rates more than ten times the national average in some areas, and thousands of Native women and girls have gone missing or been murdered with little attention or resolution. The crisis is a complex and ongoing issue rooted in historical injustices, systemic violence, and jurisdictional challenges.

How ECW Can Make a Difference

Amplify Indigenous Voices
ECW groups across provinces, dioceses, and parishes are encouraged to learn from and partner with Native leaders and organizations already working tirelessly on the front lines. Listening to Native voices, inviting Indigenous speakers to ECW events, and sharing their stories can help center those most impacted.
Host Awareness Events
Local ECWs can organize prayer vigils, red dress installations, or film screenings to shed light on MMIW. The red dress has become a national symbol of remembrance and visibility. Hosting an event during Indigenous Peoples’ Month in November can bring communities together in sacred remembrance and advocacy.
Support Indigenous Ministries
Many Episcopal dioceses—including the Missionary Diocese of Navajoland and the Diocese of Alaska—have ministries deeply connected to Native communities. ECW can support these ministries with prayer, presence, financial resources, and grant applications dedicated to empowering Indigenous women and children.
Pray
The power of prayer remains at the heart of ECW’s mission. It is important that we include MMIW victims and their families in our prayers. Creating liturgies or including petitions for MMIW in Sunday services remind congregations of their shared responsibility.

The National ECW is committed to walking alongside our Indigenous sisters, holding space for grief, and lifting up the light of hope. Our baptismal covenant calls us to seek and serve Christ in all persons and strive for justice and peace among all people.

Episcopal Church Women2025-07-03T16:03:48+00:00July 3rd, 2025|

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