A Season of Faith in Action
Dear ECW Sisters and Friends,
As I reflect on the first months of 2026 and our recent National ECW Board meeting in Providence, Rhode Island, I am filled with gratitude for the faithful witness of Episcopal Church Women across our Church. This season has been marked by prayer, advocacy, service, planning, and renewed connection—reminding me once again that ECW continues to be a vibrant and vital ministry grounded in faith and action.
Throughout January, February, March, and April, I continued hosting Morning Prayer on Facebook Live along with others, creating intentional spaces for reflection, encouragement, and community. These moments of prayer have served as an important reminder that our ministry must always begin with listening for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Whether we are serving locally, advocating globally, or tending to the work of governance, we do so rooted in prayer.
One of the most meaningful experiences of this season was participating in the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Gathering alongside women and leaders from around the world was both inspiring and sobering as we explored issues surrounding justice, equality, and dignity for women and girls. Episcopal Church Women were present not only as observers, but as active participants and advocates.
A particular highlight was our National ECW virtual parallel event, “Raising Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.” This powerful presentation reflected our commitment to advocacy, education, and justice while bringing attention to the ongoing crisis impacting Indigenous communities. I remain deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their gifts and leadership to this important work. The Board later reaffirmed this commitment during our Providence meeting by approving additional efforts to increase the diversity of our Social Justice Committee and strengthen our MMIW advocacy initiatives.
This spring also brought opportunities for collaboration across the wider Church. Conversations continued through the Episcopal Indigenous Justice Roundtable, NGO Commission on the Status of Women gatherings, Creation Care initiatives, International Anglican Women’s Network and General Convention and Triennial planning. Completing Climate Ambassador certification was especially meaningful as we continue to integrate environmental justice into our shared mission.
Communication and connection remain central priorities. Alongside our Second Vice President and website editor, work continues to strengthen the National ECW’s digital presence and communications infrastructure. This was especially important in supporting the virtual platform used during the UN Commission on the Status of Women event.
One of the greatest blessings of these past months has been time spent with women across the Church. I had the privilege of speaking and presenting in Springfield, Western North Carolina, Chicago, Province VIII, Mentone, Alabama and other gatherings. These visits are always deeply life-giving and remind me of the faithfulness, creativity, and commitment that define ECW ministry at every level. It was also encouraging to support the beginnings of a new ECW chapter at St. Cecilia’s in Round Top, Texas, as well as efforts to restart the Diocese of Texas ECW.
Our recent National ECW Board meeting in Providence, Rhode Island, hosted by Province I, beautifully reflected the spirit of service and fellowship that defines this organization. One of the most moving moments of the gathering was attending Church Beyond the Walls in Burnside Park. Despite cold drizzle and gray skies, the bilingual outdoor Eucharist radiated warmth, welcome, and joy. Following worship, Board members assisted in serving meals and distributing bread and clothing to those in need—a powerful reminder that ministry happens not only in meeting rooms, but also in direct service to our neighbors.
The hospitality extended by the Diocese of Rhode Island ECW and St. David’s on the Hill was extraordinary. Sharing fellowship, meals, worship, and conversation with women from across the region was a gift. We also concluded our gathering worshipping together at Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, giving thanks for the ministry entrusted to us.
Much of our Board meeting focused on preparations for the 2027 Triennial, which will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, from July 3–8, 2027, under the theme Women at the Well: Faith in Action. Planning is well underway as we prepare workshops, worship opportunities, a Share Fair, leadership elections, and the Distinguished Woman’s Luncheon. We are especially excited about opportunities for fellowship, learning, and celebrating the ministries happening throughout the Church.
The Board also approved several significant actions during our meeting, including grants and donations supporting Church Beyond the Walls, dioceses impacted by natural disasters in Hawaii and Nebraska, sponsorship for the Big Provincial V Gathering, and the establishment of start-up grants for parish ECWs. We also committed support for the Prayer Vigil on the Doctrine of Discovery and approved the adjusted Triennial budget.
As I look back on these months, I see a season defined by faithful movement—showing up in spaces both local and global, tending carefully to governance and stewardship, advocating for justice, and continuing to strengthen the ministry of Episcopal Church Women. Everywhere I travel, I am reminded that ECW is alive with compassion, creativity, resilience, and hope.
Thank you for the countless ways you continue to serve Christ and the Church through Episcopal Church Women. It is a privilege to serve alongside each of you as together we continue living out our call to faith in action.
Faithfully,
Lisa Bortner