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

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

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

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

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

Scholarship Opportunities

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

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

Motions Approved During the San Antonio Meeting:

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

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

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

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

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