Episcopal Church Women, Author at National Episcopal Church Women

Celebrating Faith and Fellowship in Taiwan

National ECW Officials Visit the Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan

In a journey marked by grace, hospitality, and shared faith, Lisa Bortner, National President of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), recently visited the Episcopal Church in Taiwan. During her ten-day visit, Bortner expressed heartfelt gratitude for the vitality and spirit she witnessed throughout the Diocese. She was accompanied by Ginny Guzman-Walsh, Province VIII ECW Representative to the National Board, and the Rev. Canon Bruce Woodcock, the Episcopal Church’s Partnership Officer for Asia and the Pacific.

Warmly welcomed by clergy and lay leaders alike, the National ECW delegation engaged deeply with ECW ministries across the Diocese. “It was an honor and a joy to visit numerous Episcopal churches and witness firsthand the devotion and vitality within the ECW ministries,” Bortner said. “The hospitality and spiritual vibrancy I experienced left a lasting impression.”

A key highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Diocese’s vision for Women’s Ministry, led by Regina Chang, Diocesan ECW President. Chang outlined three guiding pillars: strengthening the life of faith, promoting a culture of gratitude, and supporting the mission of the church. Bortner noted that these principles offer an inspiring framework for women’s ministries around the world.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Diocese plans to build on this foundation with a continued focus on spiritual formation, relational connection, and grateful action. One notable expression of this approach is the women’s Line Group, titled Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, which encourages members to slow down and center their lives on Christ amid the demands of daily life.

The Diocesan ECW’s leadership was also evident in their Lenten program, inspired by Father Anselm Grün’s book Rediscovering the Source of Life in 40 Days, which invited participants across the Diocese into a meaningful journey of spiritual renewal.

Bortner shared her admiration for the joy and creativity that marked every gathering—from cheerful kindergarten performances and rhythmic African drumming to the grace of Praise Dancing. “Every moment was filled with a sense of shared joy and purpose,” she said.

The success of the visit was made possible by the coordination and warmth of many local leaders. Bortner expressed deep appreciation for Bishop Lennon Yuan-Rung Chang and his wife, Hannah; Catherine Lee, their gracious hostess; and the many clergy and lay leaders who welcomed the delegation and made the experience so memorable.

As she returned home, Bortner reflected on the richness of the journey. “I return deeply encouraged and grateful for the opportunity to witness such a vibrant expression of faith and community in the Diocese of Taiwan,” she said. “May the work of the ECW continue to flourish and inspire others, as they lead with grace, wisdom, and hearts attuned to God.”

This visit stands as a testament to the enduring strength of faith-based fellowship across cultures and continents—and the transformative power of women’s ministry in the life of the Church.

Episcopal Church Women2025-06-06T16:56:27+00:00June 6th, 2025|

Standing Together Against Violence: The Girls’ Friendly Society Leads the Charge

Girls Friendly Society THE GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY

The Girls’ Friendly Society (GFS) has long been a beacon of hope, empowerment, and advocacy for girls and women worldwide. Now, with the launch of the “Orange Days” campaign, GFS is amplifying its voice to bring awareness to the urgent and persistent issue of violence against girls and women and the collective refusal to tolerate it any longer.

Every 25th of the month, members of GFS across the nation and around the globe unite by wearing orange, a vibrant symbol of solidarity and determination. This simple yet powerful gesture serves as a reminder that gender-based violence is a global crisis that demands attention, action, and change. The message is clear: violence of any kind will not be tolerated, and the voices of girls and women will resound loud and clear in the fight for justice and equality.

Orange Days” is not just a campaign, it’s a movement. It calls upon individuals, communities, and organizations to stand together in advocacy and awareness. By wearing orange, engaging in discussions, and supporting initiatives that address gender injustice, each person plays a role in creating a safer and more equitable world for all.

As GFS members come together in solidarity, their message is strengthened by the collective determination to end violence and foster environments where girls and women can thrive. Through education, empowerment, and advocacy, GFS continues to lead efforts to dismantle systems of oppression and build communities rooted in respect and equity.

We warmly invite the Episcopal Church Women to join us in this important initiative. join the spirit of unity and purpose as we stand together for Orange Days. Let us shine a light on gender injustice and empower change your voice and action can make all the difference. Show your support by wearing orange on the 25th of each month and sharing photos on Facebook to amplify the message. Together, we can demonstrate our solidarity and commitment to ending violence against girls and women. Let’s make our voices heard and our presence felt boldly, loudly, and with unwavering determination.

Episcopal Church Women2025-04-23T16:30:19+00:00April 23rd, 2025|

Virtual Event Basic Parliamentary Procedures

Taking Care of Business: Basic Parliamentary Procedures

A Ninety-Minute, Interactive Workshop on Zoom

By Cherise Story, CPA, MBA, PRP, NECW Parliamentarian

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Start Times: 10am PST / 11am MST / 12pm CST / 1pm EST

The Zoom link will be sent via the News Blast the day before the event

Attendees will gain an understanding of why Robert’s Rules of Order is used for effective and efficient meetings. The session will review member and officer roles, rights and privileges, demonstrate the proper form for making motions, review rules of debate and decorum, and examine common misunderstandings.

J CHERISE STORY, PRP is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian and active member of the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP). She currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians and was appointed coordinator for the NAP Leadership Conference in both 2024 and 2025.

Cherise is deeply involved in parliamentary leadership. She serves on the NAP District Six Administrative Team, is President of the Bayshore Unit, and sits on the membership committee of the Green Gavel Electronic Unit.

Her parliamentary consulting clients include a prominent Houston-based nonprofit, a national service organization, and a political organization. Drawing from her experience as a former president and presiding officer of a 1,000-plus member service organization, Cherise understands the power of parliamentary procedure in running effective meetings.

She is a seasoned presenter, having led workshops on parliamentary procedure for NAP membership exam preparation, local units, state association events, national conferences, and other nonprofit groups. She has also served as a professional presider and as a judge for youth parliamentary competitions.

Beyond her parliamentary work, Cherise brings over 40 years of corporate experience in financial services, audit, and corporate trust administration. She has led numerous managerial training programs and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Cherise holds a degree from Southern University and earned her MBA from the University of Wisconsin.

This workshop will be recorded.

Download the Event Flyer

Episcopal Church Women2025-05-02T14:28:06+00:00April 23rd, 2025|

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|

Episcopal Church Women

About Episcopal Church Women

National ECW Officials Visit the Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan

Taking Care of Business: Basic Parliamentary Procedures

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