ECW Women Articles-Poems-Announcements Archives - National Episcopal Church Women

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

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|

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|

How to be a Prison Volunteer

How to be a Prison Volunteer!

Presents: A Luncheon Workshop

Saturday July 12, 2025

11:00am – 1:00pm CST

Ever wondered how to be effective with prison chaplains, prisoners, and children of prisoners? There are multiple opportunities that take little time but a commitment pays dividends! Programs both inside and outside prison walls exist and need YOU to be a volunteer! This three part presentation with a Q&A will give you inspiration to be THE ONE PACE! The One Person who can change a persons Adverse Childhood Experience into an A-HA moment! From Kairos, a program designed like Cursillo, which is made for prisoners, to New Hope, a children’s Camp and After School program (featured on Good Morning, America!) to Girl Scouts, teaching, sending note cards, and helping with Transitional Housing (like Magdalene Houses) there are so many ways to become a beacon of hope for those with little or no hope!

Matthew 25:36 states “I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

Workshop Presenter – The Rev. Linda Paul, O. C.

Linda is currently writing a book “The Social Implications of Incarceration.” She began speaking on this topic at Rotary and Church meetings three years ago. Zoom presentations or traveling upon request.

deaconlbpaul@gmail.com

ECW Diocesan Board Member, Chaplain
Trinity- Tulsa, Oklahoma
Eddie Warrior Correctional Center, Instructor
Nat’l Speaker “Social Implications of Incarceration”
Deacon- Retired Diocese of Oklahoma

View and Share the Workshop Flyer

Volunteer opportunities in all States!

Kairos – Intensive weekend for inmates similar to Cursillo or A Walk to Emmaus kairosprisonministry.org
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars – programs both inside and outside to help mothers reunite with their daughters and learn good parenting skills. gseok.org
Approved Short Courses that shorten time:
Anger Management, Unlock Your Thinking, Safe Sexual Practices, Building Social Networks, Better Communications, Teaching background not required but helpful. (Texas Institute of Behavioral Research TCU)
Postcard, Christmas Card, Pen Pal programs – Usually must be preapproved by the Warden and Chaplain(s).
AA or CR – Alcoholics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery meetings need leaders.
Play Day – volunteer to be present to help moms and their children for one day during spring break.
Message Project – Video moms reading books to be sent to their children, along with the book. themessagesproject.org
Poetic Justice – Arts and creative writing instruction – printing of newsletters. Can have scholarship opportunities. poeticjustice.org
Church Sponsored Picnic for families! Grill hotdogs and hamburgers outside, bring inside with tables for trimmings, salads and DESSERT! Play games, karaoke. (great idea for Youth Group or Scout Troup for Community Service time!)
New Hope – Originally a Deacon led program to provide Summer led programming for child of incarcerated parents, this was featured on ABC Good Moring, America, several years ago for its work with children newhopeoklahoma.org
Church Services – both Lay and Clergy as well as Bible Study
Choirs, plays, performances – talk with the Chaplain to be approved. Paperwork will include a background check.

Diversion and Housing

Diversion Programs – Drug Court, Post Release, transitional programs for women, Helping Women Recovery by gkff.org
Exodus Homes cjamm.org/exodushouse
Oxford House oxfordhouse.org private church programs.
Magdalene House By The Rev. Becca Stevens, and Episcopal priest and the current chaplain of Saint Augustine’s Chapel at Vanderbilt University. Through their work they have established 60 Sister Houses in 50 States, transitionalhousing.com/Magdalene-house and Thistle Farms for International! thistlefarms.org

Episcopal Church Women2025-07-12T16:47:34+00:00June 6th, 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|

ECW Women Articles-Poems-Announcements

Saying ‘No’ to Gender Violence The Rape of Tamar

How to be a Prison Volunteer!

Volunteer opportunities in all States!

Taking Care of Business: Basic Parliamentary Procedures

Saying ‘No’ to Gender Violence
The Rape of Tamar