President’s Report to the National ECW Board
Reporting Period: January–April 2026
This season has been filled with meaningful opportunities for prayer, leadership, advocacy, and connection across the Church and beyond. I remain deeply grateful for the ways in which this Board continues to support and engage the mission and ministry of Episcopal Church Women.
A steady rhythm of spiritual leadership has grounded my work during this time. Through hosting Morning Prayer on Facebook Live across several weeks in January, February, March, and April, I have sought to create space for reflection, encouragement, and community. These gatherings continue to be a reminder that our work must always be rooted in prayer and guided by the Holy Spirit.
In the area of governance and administration, an important action taken following our January meeting was the communication of the Board’s decision to suspend distributions from all National ECW Trust Funds for the 2026 calendar year. In that same correspondence, I shared the Board’s resolution regarding the Wright Legacy Trust Fund (#630). After careful consideration, the Board determined that changes to the United Thank Offering’s bylaws—expanding leadership eligibility beyond women—mean that it no longer meets the original intent of the fund, which was designated for the work of the Woman’s Auxiliary Division. As a result, we have requested that our Executive Council revoke the current allocation arrangement so that the trust may be fully directed to the National ECW. Our resolution is now being reviewed by Executive Council’s Finance Committee. In addition, I met with DFMS leadership to continue conversations around our accounting systems as well as new DFMS systems that are to be used for travel, reimbursements and payments.
Communication and infrastructure have also been a focus during this time. I met regularly with our 2nd Vice President and website/editor to address ongoing communications needs and to strengthen our digital presence. Much work went into the Whova platform that was used by the NGO Commission on the Status of Women to host our virtual event focusing on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
A significant highlight of this reporting period was my participation in the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. This experience was both inspiring and sobering, as global leaders gathered to address the theme of ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls. Our presence there as Episcopal Church Women was a powerful witness. We began the week in fellowship, hosting a welcome gathering for our delegation and guests, and continued with worship, relationship-building, and engagement in both official UN sessions and parallel events.
One of the most meaningful contributions of the National ECW during this time was our virtual parallel event, “Raising Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.” This presentation brought critical attention to an ongoing crisis and reflected our commitment to advocacy, education, and justice. I am deeply thankful to all who contributed their time and leadership to make this event impactful.
Much of this season has also been shaped by engagement with the wider Church and global partners. I participated in ongoing conversations through the Episcopal Indigenous Justice Roundtable, as well as gatherings connected to the NGO Commission on the Status of Women. Hosting the Province Presidents and Representatives meeting in February provided an important opportunity to listen, collaborate, and strengthen relationships across our provinces.
Throughout this period, I have also remained engaged in the life of The Episcopal Church through webinars, panel discussions, and Creation Care initiatives. Completing the Climate Ambassador certification was a particularly meaningful step, equipping me to further integrate environmental justice into our shared work.
Equally important has been my connection with diocesan ECW groups. I have had the privilege of serving as a speaker and presenter at several diocesan gatherings, including in Springfield, Western North Carolina, Chicago, and Province VIII. These moments of being present with women across the Church are deeply life-giving and affirm the strength, faith, and dedication that continue to define ECW at every level. It was also a joy to support the beginnings of a new ECW chapter at St. Cecilia’s in Round Top, Texas as well as a group that hope to restart the Diocese of Texas ECW—an encouraging sign of renewal and growth.
In addition to these engagements, I have remained active in the work of our committees, including Finance, Bylaws, and Triennial planning, as well as in conversations supporting General Convention preparations.
Taken together, these months reflect a season of faithful movement—of showing up in spaces both local and global, of tending to the responsibilities of governance, and of continuing to lift up the voices and concerns of women. The work of Episcopal Church Women remains vital, and it is a privilege to serve alongside each of you as we carry this mission forward.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Bortner
President, National Episcopal Church Women