Search for the Eighth Bishop Almighty God, giver of every good gift: send forth your light and your truth, that they may lead us in discerning who we are as Christ’s church now, and who God is calling us to be in our next season of shared ministry; so guide the hearts and minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this diocese, that we may receive a faithful shepherd, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Christ our Lord. Amen. An Update from the Search Committee Landscape Survey Findings The Search Committee gives thanks for the time and heartfelt participation of everyone who has taken part in the search process so far. The results of the diocesan survey, summarized in the Executive Summary, reflect positive energy across the diocese for the work we do together. It is especially encouraging that congregation members, diocesan staff and leaders, and active and retired clergy share a vision for who we are, who God is calling us to be, and the qualities and character we desire in our next bishop. Executive Summary Executive Summary (Español) Members of the Search Committee are actively writing and editing the Diocesan Profile, with the goal of publishing it and opening the application period before Thanksgiving. On that note, the Search Committee is collecting photos from across the diocese for the creation of the Bishop Profile and other materials. These photos help show our identity and tell our story. Share your photos in the shared Google Photos Album below. Share Your Photos From mid-November to mid-December, members of the Search Committee will travel to six locations across the diocese to share what has been learned and to hear from the people of the diocese again as the process moves into the discernment period. The Committee is mindful of its commitment to hear from and include members of the diocese from Murphy to Sparta and from Gastonia to Mars Hill. The Search and Transition Committees ask for your continued prayers and are grateful for the notes of encouragement they have received. Please also keep in your prayers those priests who may already be discerning whether God is calling them to serve as our next bishop. Email the Search Committee 1/1 We are searching for a new Bishop for the Diocese of Western North Carolina! So, what does that mean, exactly? A Bishop is the guiding and overseeing leader of a Diocese in the Episcopal church. In fact, Episcopal Church literally means a church of Bishops. A Diocese is a community of congregations, usually organized by region. Our Diocese is composed of congregations in Western North Carolina. Our latest Bishop, José McLoughlin, has been called to serve in a different capacity in The Episcopal Church, and we are searching for someone God is calling to be our Bishop in the next chapter of our Diocese’s ministry. The end of a Bishop’s ministry with a Diocese is an important opportunity to reflect on who we are as Christ’s Church now and on who God is calling us to become in the next season of our shared ministry. This transitional moment is important for all of us in the Diocese of Western North Carolina so that we move forward together prayerfully and faithfully. Bishops are called through a prayerful and thoughtful process of election. We trust that the Holy Spirit moves in this prayerful process as applicants offer up their names to a Search Committee that will consider the needs of the Diocese and the gifts of the applicants. Through this consideration, a few candidates will be presented to the Diocese to join in praying and listening for guidance. The Standing Committee will formally call for an Electing Convention in the Summer of 2027, and delegates from all the congregations, both Clergy and Lay, will elect the next Bishop from those candidates. In all this process, we continually pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us as we seek a Bishop to join us on our journey to follow Jesus. Communications Upcoming Dates Search Team Supply Bishop The Standing Committee serves as a council of advice for the Bishop is the ecclesiastical authority in the absence of a Bishop, and are leading the search and transition process for the next bishop. They will work with the search and transition committees throughout this process. Standing Committee The Rev. Susan Buchanan President Ms. Jane Schronce Vice President Mr. Alex Coimbré Recording Secretary The Rev. Dr. Erin Kirby Ms. Kim Miller The Rev. Dn. Cynthia Nash The Rev. Dr. Robert Wetherington Ms. Amanda Cook standingcommittee@diocesewnc.org Search Committee The Rev. Gaelyn Evangreene (Chair) St. James, Hendersonville The Rev. Toni Belhu St. Francis, & St. Gabriel's, Rutherfordton Ms. Allison Bowen Grace, Asheville The Rev. Dn. Pam Bright Redeemer, Shelby Ms. Carolyn Burhans Trinity, Spruce Pine Mr. Michael McLaughlin Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville The Rev. Amy Peterson Trinity, Asheville Dr. Peter Purcell St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock The Rev. John Roberts Transfiguration, Bat Cave The Rev. Elizabeth Tester St. Luke's & Our Saviour, Lincolnton bishopsearch@diocesewnc.org Transition Committee The Rev. Robert Hartmans (Chair) Grace, Asheville Ms. Christine Longoria Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville Ms. Susan Wilson Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville Ms. Mary Elizabeth Waters-Smith St. James, Black Mountain bishoptransition@diocesewnc.org Check in here for pertinent upcoming dates in the search and transition process. Dates are subject to change and will be updated as the information is determined and available. Bishop Profile January 2027 In-Person Gatherings November & December All communications from the bishop search & transition process will be archived here. If you want to receive communications in real time, subscribe to our Diocesan Communications Email List . This will subscribe you to the Along The Way newsletter and all pertinent diocesan letters & communications. Bishop Search Committee: Listening Sessions Schedule (September 22, 2026) Standing Committee & Executive Council: Joint Resolutions (September 10, 2026) Letter from the President of the Standing Committee (August 31, 2026) Bishop Search Committee: Last Chance to take the Survey (August 24, 2026) Bishop Search Committee: Survey is Live! (August 2, 2026) Updates & Reminders about the Bishop Search & Transition Process (July 27, 2026 Letter from Search Committee on Upcoming Surveys (July 20, 2026) Video Update on Search Process from Fr. John Roberts (July 16, 2026) Standing Committee, Search and Transition Teams Meet at Valle Crucis to Begin Bishop Search Process (July 8, 2026) Bishop Skirving to Serve as Supply Bishop for Pastoral Visitation (July 8, 2026) Invitation to Give to Bishop's Farewell Purse from Standing Committee (June 22, 2026) Announcement of Search & Transition Teams from Standing Committee (June 18, 2026) Call for Search & Transition Team Nominations from Standing Committee (May 27, 2026) Departure Announcement Letter from Bishop José (April 16, 2026) We are honored that the Rt. Rev. Rob Skirving will be assisting our diocese in this time of transition as a Supply Bishop. Bishop Skirving was ordained deacon and priest in 1986 in the Diocese of Huron in the Anglican Church of Canada, and went on to serve parishes in Huron and in the Diocese of Eastern Michigan before his election as Bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina in 2014, where he served until his retirement in 2026. Bishop Skirving and his wife, Sandy, make their home in Beaufort, North Carolina. 2026 Visitation Schedule 2027 Visitation Schedule

We are the Episcopal Church in the 28 counties of the westernmost portion of the state, with more than 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations, six summer chapels, and two conference centers. It's a vibrant and exciting place to live and work and experience the glory of God's creation. The Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina We are the Episcopal Church in the 28 most western counties of North Carolina, with more than 15,000 members contributing to 60 year-round congregations, four summer chapels, two conference centers, a summer camp, Deerfield Retirement Community, and Christ School. It's a vibrant and exciting place to live and work and experience the glory of God's creation. Learn About Our Diocese Empowering Youth and Young Adults Youth are more than just our future—they are our present. We invite youth and young adults to participate fully in the life of the Church. Learn More Exploring Our Churches From the mountains to the foothills, in cities and towns throughout Western North Carolina, our churches offer something for everyone. Learn More Telling Our Stories Evangelism through storytelling. We believe that we can walk the Way of Love through sharing the stories of our unique and diverse diocese. Learn More Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage "Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage" is a pilgrimage celebrating and amplifying the stories of historically black parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Learn More Stay Up-To-Date Subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest news from our diocese and parishes. Have news you want to share? Email our Missioner for Communication . Download the Diocesan Seal Click image to download.

Along the Way Newsletter Have a story or an event you want to share in our Along the Way newsletter? Check out our submission guidelines and send your information to katie@diocesewnc.org by Monday at noon to be considered for placement in the following day's newsletter. Along the Way - Weekly Newsletter The weekly newsletter of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, Along the Way , is published every Wednesday (excluding some holidays). The e-news offers stories and events from around the diocese, including parish events and what's coming up at our camps and conference centers. It also includes job openings, resource links for clergy and lay leadership, and national Episcopal Church news. See our latest newsletter in the archives below. Church Leadership Weekly Checklist of Upcoming Dates and Deadlines Important dates in the coming months for clergy, wardens, and staff will be posted each week, and a link is included in each newsletter. See the latest checklist here. Do you need an easy way to share the Newsletter signup with your congregation? Print out the PDF attached through the button below for a flyer with a QR code that can be shared in your bulletin or displayed in the narthex for easy signup. Newsletter Signup Flyer Newsletter Archives

A Reflection on Cuba By the Rev. Brent Norris, rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Asheville Since 2014, St. Mary's Asheville has been in an intentional relationship with the mission congregation San Felipe el Diacono in Limonar, Cuba. This small but faithful congregation has been meeting in a garden shed since their church was destroyed by a hurricane in the 1970s. St. Mary's, along with congregations in other dioceses, have helped buy an adjacent house that is being renovated for worship, education and fellowship to use while a new church is being built. St. Mary's takes an annual trip to Cuba and the priest of San Felipe el Diacono has visited St. Mary's.

Expanding the Circle The growth of the Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina rests in equal measure to the faith, perseverance, and ministry of women, persons of different sexual orientations, and minority persons such as Hispanic/Latinx. Our story includes early pioneer women who nurtured the faith formation of their families by collaborating with diocesan bishops, clergy, and neighbors to secure funds to construct church buildings, manage and direct diocesan schools for girls, teach Sunday School in local parishes, and lead women’s auxiliary groups. One notable churchwoman was Miss Minnie Drinker of St. James, Black Mountain, who became the first social worker in the mountains of North Carolina. Watch Bishop José's address to the Episcopal Church Women of WNC for the group's 150th anniversary. In the latter half of the 19th century, the Diocese supported the ministry of deaconesses, women set apart to care for the sick and the poor. Following the 1976 General Convention, our diocese welcomed women priests and deacons to lead and serve our congregations. The Rev. Elizabeth “Ibba” Tappe was the first woman ordained priest in the diocese, and the Rev. Sherry Mattson was the first rector of a church serving the people of St. David’s in Cullowhee. In the 1980s, the Rev. Neil Zabriskie, rector, and dean of The Cathedral of All Souls was known as "the living social conscience" of the diocese. He advocated and challenged the diocese to begin facilitating conversations around human sexuality as well as becoming a welcoming and safe church for gay and lesbian persons. By the early 1990s, we had embarked on diocesan-wide dialogues around the blessing of same-sex relationships. Today, our diocese not only welcomes all people to worship and serve in our congregations, we also celebrate the ministry of our LGBTQ clergy and lay leaders. Likewise, during the 1990s, Bishop Robert Johnson and others recognized that Western North Carolina was becoming one of the fastest-growing Hispanic/Latinx populations in the country. Bishop Johnson worked to establish our first Spanish-speaking mission at La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville and call our first Hispanic/ Latino Missioner, the Rev. Tim Hoyt. Today, the diocese has a vibrant Spanish-speaking ministry with four mission sites across the diocese, numerous parish ministries serving their Spanish-speaking neighbors, and two full-time Hispanic/Latino missioners. The Cathedral of All Souls <<>> Origins LEARN MORE Origins LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle

Safe Church Background Checks Active Screening Faith has been consolidated to Protect My Ministry. To set up an account please call the support number at 1-800-319-5581. Once you are approved, you will be sent a username and password to logon to the Protect my Ministry website. Then you can begin processing background checks using the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina (WNC) Screening package options. Background Check Packages: Staff Package: Base price of $37.50 Each educational institution and state have additional mandated processing fees. These fees are not covered in the base price; therefore, the total cost will increase by the cost of the fees. For example, the National Student Clearinghouse charges $8.76 per name searched as part of the education verification, and the state of North Carolina charges an additional $12.75 for the Motor Vehicle Record processed through the state. The Initial Staff package includes the following information: National Sex Offender Registry Search National Criminal Database Search Education Verification (one record only; additional records cost extra) Federal by District Criminal Search MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) Volunteer Package: Base price of $12.50 The base price does not include any state processing fees, which may be required to process the reports. Therefore, the total cost will increase by the cost of the fees. *Credit checks and DMV records can be added for an additional cost. The Volunteer package includes the following information: National Sex Offender Registry Search National Criminal Database Search For instructions on the steps to conduct a background check click here. Note for Clergy Protect My Ministry can be used for clergy seeking licensing only. For clergy new to the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, or for any clergy who will have cure at a parish in our diocese, background checks will be done using Oxford Documents, and the cost for the background check will be incurred by the clergy or the parish they are serving. The initial cost for an Oxford Document background screening is $155 and can cost more depending on how many jurisdictions the clergy has lived. Please contact Jess Ives regarding Oxford Documents background checks. Contact Info Protect My Ministry: 1-800-319-5581 or cs@activescreeningfaith.com Diocese: Eden Lewis , Director of Formation & Discipleship

Indigenous Ministries Conference On March 26, 2022, we gathered as a diocese with 5 respected speakers to discuss the past, present, and future of the Diocese of WNC with our indigenous siblings. Our 5 speakers were the Rev. Dr. Brad Hauff (Indigenous Missioner for The Episcopal Church), the Rev. Dr. Bude VanDyke (Rector at the Church of The Good Shepherd in Decatur, Alabama), Dr. Trey Adkock (Director of American Indian and Indigenous studies at the University of North Carolina at Asheville), Mr. James Bradley (Secretary of Education for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), and Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Mr. Richard Sneed. Photos by Pamela Mumby of Land of the Sky Photography.

Public Health Resources These Public Health Resources can help you stay updated on the latest COVID-19 News. Check back regularly for any important updates. Mental Health Resources North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Article: Managing Your Overall Health National Alliance on Mental Health The National Child Trauma Stress Network Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463) National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) Center for Disease Control Follow CDC on social media Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , Youtube Download/Print - "What You Need to Know" English , Spanish Download/Print - "What to do if you are sick" English , Spanish Download/Print - "Stop the Spread of Germs" English , Spanish World Health Organization Follow WHO on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube NC Public Health Department Follow NCPH on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube Episcopal Relief and Development Faith-based response to epidemics Remote Ministry WHAT YOU CAN DO Prepare Accordingly: Read CDC's Faith-Based and Community Organizations Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist Read the full Red Cross, "Coronavirus: Safety and Readiness Tips for You" Coronavirus and Kids: CDC Update

The 97th Annual Convention -- November 2019

Back Safeguarding & Securing Our Churches Below you will find resources for you and your parish to help ensure a safe church for all. If you have any further questions or need help with Safe Church, Safe Communities Training, please contact the Director of Formation & Discipleship, Eden Lewis. The web address for online training is https://www.praesidiumacademy.com/ Jesus Christ calls us to loving relationships that are healthy and helpful to each other. The obligation to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being is binding for all the baptized. Educating and empowering the people of our diocese is central to creating and maintaining safe churches and activities for everyone. The Diocese of Western North Carolina requires many ministry positions and volunteers to complete Safe Church Training. All Safe Church, Safe Communities Training is done through online modules by Praesidium Academy . Every church is encouraged to assign an administrator to keep track of parishioners' training. If you need help setting up an administrator, please get in touch with Eden Lewis. Who is required to take Safeguarding Training? All clergy—whether stipendiary, non-stipendiary, or otherwise—who are engaged in any ministry or service to the church. All vestry members or members of similar decision-making groups who have the authority to approve the creation of ministries, programs, or activities for children or youth. All persons who teach, supervise, or assist with supervising children or youth in ministries, programs, or activities more than occasionally. All persons who provide transportation to children or youth more than occasionally. All paid or volunteer church personnel whose work regularly takes them throughout the facility or grounds, and/or who interact regularly with church members or the community. Safe Church, Safe Community Training Guidelines Clergy, Staff, and Vestry Volunteers FAQS for Learners FAQS for Administrators Resources for Securing Our Churches Background Checks Active Screening Faith has been consolidated to Protect My Ministry. To set up an account please call the support number at 1-800-319-5581. Once you are approved, you will be sent a username and password to logon to the Protect my Ministry website. Then you can begin processing background checks using the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina (WNC) Screening package options. Background Check Packages: Staff Package: Base price of $37.50 Each educational institution and state have additional mandated processing fees. These fees are not covered in the base price; therefore, the total cost will increase by the cost of the fees. For example, the National Student Clearinghouse charges $8.76 per name searched as part of the education verification, and the state of North Carolina charges an additional $12.75 for the Motor Vehicle Record processed through the state. The Initial Staff package includes the following information: National Sex Offender Registry Search National Criminal Database Search Education Verification (one record only; additional records cost extra) Federal by District Criminal Search MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) Volunteer Package: Base price of $12.50 The base price does not include any state processing fees, which may be required to process the reports. Therefore, the total cost will increase by the cost of the fees. *Credit checks and DMV records can be added for an additional cost. The Volunteer package includes the following information: National Sex Offender Registry Search National Criminal Database Search For instructions on the steps to conduct a background check click here. Note for Clergy Protect My Ministry can be used for clergy seeking licensing only. For clergy new to the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, or for any clergy who will have cure at a parish in our diocese, background checks will be done using Oxford Documents, and the cost for the background check will be incurred by the clergy or the parish they are serving. The initial cost for an Oxford Document background screening is $155 and can cost more depending on how many jurisdictions the clergy has lived. Please contact Jess Ives regarding Oxford Documents background checks. Contact Info Protect My Ministry: 1-800-319-5581 or cs@activescreeningfaith.com Diocese: Eden Lewis , Director of Formation & Discipleship Safe Church Policies There are several policies guiding the church in right relationships with children of all ages. Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Additional Resources Model policy for parishes Sample application for employees or volunteers Guidelines for Social Media

Nominations and Resolutions Convention Homepage Nominations Every year there are several opportunities for people to serve in leadership roles in the Diocese. You are invited to prayerfully discern for yourself or other individuals who may be called to offer their gifts and talents in service to the Church. The deadline for nominations is October 9, 2026 . Any late nominations will need to submit a PDF copy of the nomination form linked below, as well as a Motion to Suspend the Rule. At the appointed time, the Nominator needs to make a motion from the virtual floor of convention that the rules be suspended so that the nomination be considered and accepted. Offices to be Elected Memo Resolutions Every year members of the Diocese are welcome to submit resolutions for the business of the Diocese. It is essential for delegates to review resolutions prior to convention. The deadline for submitting requiring the expenditure of funds is Thursday, September 24 and for a resolution not requiring the expenditure of funds the deadline is Friday, October 9. Resolutions Memo SUBMIT RESOLUTION SUBMIT NOMINATION

Diocesan Partnership with Cuba For many years, multiple parishes in the Diocese of Western North Carolina have supported and built relationships with the Diocese of Cuba and its churches. Watch the video or read some of the reflections below to learn more! Want to donate to this ministry? Please select "Partners in Mission" and add "Cuba" as a memo. Thank you for your support of this ministry! Donate Now! If your church is interested in developing relationships with congregations in Cuba, there are several clergy and lay leaders who could assist you in identifying next steps. Contact the Canon to the Ordinary to learn more. Below are reflections and helpful words of wisdom from local parish leaders on their experiences in Cuba: A word from Jack Watson – St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville A word from Brent Norris – St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Asheville A word from David Henson – Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville Clergy members of the Diocese of Cuba. Members of Trinity, Asheville helping paint the church of San Franciso de Asis, Cardenes The Right Rev. Griselda Delgado Del Carpio, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba speaks at our Centennial Convention.

Learn what to expect when visiting an Episcopal Church, from what to wear to the liturgical and worship practices present at our services. Visiting an Episcopal Church Visiting a church for the first time can be a daunting experience. We hope this page anticipates any questions you may have. Wherever you may end up visiting, please introduce yourself to other worshippers, the clergy or ushers so they can welcome you properly. Find an Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina. Hover or click on an image to read more about visiting an Episcopal Church! Worship in the Episcopal Church Sunday is traditionally when Episcopalians gather for worship. The principal weekly worship service is the Holy Eucharist, also known as: the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, or Mass. In most Episcopal churches, worship is accompanied by the singing of hymns, and in some churches, much of the service is sung. Worship Styles Episcopalians worship in many different styles, ranging from very formal, ancient, and multi-sensory rites with singing, music, fancy clothes (called vestments), and incense, to informal services with contemporary music. Yet all worship in the Episcopal Church is based in the Book of Common Prayer, which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go. The Book of Common Prayer Unique in our church is the Book of Common Prayer, the collection of worship services that all worshipers in the Episcopal Church follow. It’s called “common prayer” because we all pray it together. The prayer book explains Christianity, describes the main beliefs of the Church, and in general serves as the main guidelines of the Episcopal life. Liturgy and Ritual Worship in the Episcopal Church is said to be “liturgical,” meaning that the congregation follows service forms and prays from texts that don’t change greatly from week to week during the year. This sameness gives worship a rhythm that becomes comforting and familiar to the worshipers. If you are new to the Episcopal Church, you will quickly discover that we do a lot of sitting, standing, and kneeling in our worship services. For some first-time visitors, all this can be exhilarating… or confusing. However, liturgical worship can be compared with a dance: once you learn the steps, you come to appreciate the rhythm, and it becomes satisfying to dance, again and again, as the music changes. Am I Welcome? ALL are welcome in the Episcopal Church. Jesus welcomed all, and we aim to live in accordance by being an accepting, welcoming community. We welcome all regardless of race, sexual orientation, or faith. We are so excited for you to join us. The Liturgy of the Word We begin by lifting our hearts to God through song and prayer, and then listen to several readings from the Bible. A sermon, interpreting the readings appointed for the day, follows. The congregation then recites the Nicene Creed, written in the Fourth Century, which outlines the Church’s basic belief about God. The congregation prays together—for the Church, the World, and those in need. In certain seasons of the Church year, the congregation formally confesses their sins before God and one another. This is a corporate statement of what we have done and what we have left undone, followed by a pronouncement of absolution. The congregation then greets one another with a sign of “peace.” The Liturgy of the Table Next, the priest stands at the table, which has been set with a cup of wine and a plate of bread or wafers. Now begins the Eucharistic Prayer, in which the presider tells the story of our faith, from the beginning of Creation, through the choosing of Israel to be God’s people, through our continual turning away from God, and God’s calling us to return. Finally, the presider tells the story of the coming of Jesus Christ, and about the night before his death, on which he instituted the Eucharistic meal (communion) as a continual remembrance of him. The presider blesses the bread and wine, and the congregation recites the Lord’s Prayer. The congregation then shares the consecrated bread and the wine. Sometimes the people all come forward to receive the bread and wine; sometimes they pass the elements around in other ways. Through participation in Holy Eucharist we find ourselves strengthened in our union with the Christ and one another. All who seek a deeper relationship with God and wish to receive the presence of Jesus Christ in their lives are welcome to take part in the Holy Eucharist. Find a Church The Holy Eucharist In spite of the diversity of worship styles in the Episcopal Church, Holy Eucharist always has the same components and the same shape, including:

A Reflection on Haiti By Alister Brady, member of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, Highlands Since 2001, the Church of the Incarnation has partnered with Haitians on projects in one of the poorest parts of the country, the Central Plateau. Through our visits, connections have formed between the hundreds of Americans who have traveled with us and Haitian friends, resulting in learning how people there live and motivating us to help. We have built an Episcopal school and a church, provided teachers' salaries for several schools, have sent a number of students to college and graduate programs, have provided goats to families, have supported projects to raise fish to eat and for sale and garden projects that have fed people while teaching new farming techniques.

What We Believe LEARN MORE What We Believe LEARN MORE Visiting an Episcopal Church: What to Expect LEARN MORE Resources for Newcomers Welcome! Whatever reason brought you here — perhaps simple curiosity or a hunger to know more about Jesus or The Episcopal Church — we are delighted! We hope the following resources, like sign posts on the highway, might guide you in your journey. For additional resources, please visit https://www.episcopalchurch.org/

Piedmont Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, May 10th, the Piedmont Deanery of the diocese gathered at the Laboratory Mill in Lincolnton, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

The Presiding Bishop event at Trinity Episcopal Church

Centennial Weekend On the weekend of Nov. 11–13, 2022, the Diocese of Western North Carolina celebrated it's 100th anniversary. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preached a special Revival service Sunday, Nov. 13.

College Ministries Welcome! Our college ministries are inclusive and loving communities open to anyone — no matter your race or ethnicity, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Please join us as we strive to spread Christ’s love with each other and to those around us. Campus Ministry at WCU Western Carolina University - Cullowhee, NC Campus Ministry at WCU is our newest campus ministry, but quickly growing and forming a presence on the WCU campus. The group meets weekly on Wednesday nights at St. David's in the Valley Episcopal Church right off the main campus of Western Carolina University. Facebook Page | Instagram | Email the director Presbyterian Episcopal Campus Ministry Appalachian State University - Boone, NC The members of the Presbyterian Episcopalian Campus ministry (PECM) welcome all. Please join us as we strive to spread Christ’s love with each other and those around us. We meet on Tuesdays from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at 3rd Place. Our weekly programs always include dinner and a rotation program such as Ted Talks, service projects, and worship. Website | Facebook Page | Instagram | Email the director Christian Athlete Circles is an athlete ministry designed to accompany student-athletes as they explore and deepen their faith, make meaning of society, ritualize their joys and griefs, celebrate their belovedness, engage in activism, and create Beloved Community. CAC provides training and coaching, guidelines, curriculum, resources, and spiritual mentorship to anyone looking to start a Circle on their campus. Currently, CAC hosts Circles on various college campuses and a virtual circle for all former and current student-athletes. Website | Instagram | Email the director Christian Athlete Circles Congregation to College The purpose of Congregation to College is to keep our young people connected to a faith community as they enter a new phase of life. We would love to keep in contact with our young people during this new journey and help them find a loving and supportive faith community.

Learn about the bishop's three focus areas for the coming year, and learn how you can support these ministries by becoming a Partner in Mission. Partners in Mission Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, As your bishop, I’m asking for your help in sustaining the future of our diocese. As we look to where we want to be in the coming years, I ask that you consider walking with me as a Partner in Mission. I’ve spent the last two years traveling across our diocese. I have visited your communities, I have listened to you, I have worshiped with you, and I have prayed with you for a better tomorrow. We all have different ministries that are close to our hearts, and everything you do in Christ’s name is important to our communities. But I have heard from you, and you have helped me discern, that there are some specific ministries that need our attention and focus. I invite you to participate with me in three mission areas for the coming year. First, we need to continue to empower Youth & Young Adults . Our young people are a significant part of our vision in the diocese to “walk in the way, widen the walls, and wake up the world." Our youth, young adult and college campus programs are structured to supplement the youth and young adult ministry programs of local parishes. Our young people are thriving where they find vibrant faith communities of their peers, but we know that too often something happens that disconnects them from the Church. We need to offer leadership opportunities for our youth and young adults at every level of church and diocesan life so they can contribute their voices to our mission and ministries and be empowered to make a difference in their communities. We need to be a steadfast presence in their lives and we need to invite them to partake fully in our shared faith. Diocesan youth events, ministries at local colleges and universities and, young adult discernment and mission activities, these are all ways that we are already connecting with our youth and young adults. I am excited to see what they can do as we continue to put our faith and resources behind them. My second area of focus is something that has personal meaning for me. As a bilingual speaker, I know that too often language is a barrier to people coming together in common worship. Since the days of Bishop Johnson, continuing through Bishop Taylor’s time at the diocese, we have made our Spanish-speaking ministries a focus in the diocese. Today, we have a vibrant Spanish-speaking ministry with mission sites across the diocese, numerous parishes serving their Spanish-speaking neighbors, and two full-time Latino missioners. But we still have a long way to go to make our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters truly a part of our community. Christ knew too well the burden of being a stranger in a new land, one who is often not welcomed and even feared. Our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters still experience undue hardships and intolerance that are the opposite of Christ’s love, and we need to show them that our hearts—and our resources—are with them. My vision is that our diocese can become a standard for welcoming Spanish-speakers to the table – not just to worship in separate languages at separate places, but to become our friends, our partners, our leaders, our inspiration. In Western North Carolina, we are blessed by an increasing multi-cultural society and God is inviting us to participate in building beloved community among “every language, people and nation.” Every effort, including enhancing and expanding our Spanish-speaking ministries, re-envisioning an ecumenical partnership in Cherokee, honoring our historically black churches, and engaging in dismantling racism, are examples of Jesus’ mission to widen the walls so every child of God can participate at the Lord’s table. It is only by listening to all people in our communities that we can speak as one voice to glorify our Lord. Finally, the third mission priority is the way we form and support the men and women this diocese raises up for ordination as deacons and priests. We do this first by offering additional formational opportunities for those individuals who are called to serve as priests in non-traditional settings, including bi-vocational priests in small congregations. The IONA School for Ministry is an Episcopal program that can be implemented and led at the local level. Through rigorous academic reflection and study, practicums and independent learning, postulants attend monthly gatherings with local diocesan faculty and mentors. IONA will also allow us to bring together those studying for the Diaconate and those studying for the Priesthood and form a more collaborative learning community. In addition, the IONA school for ministry will allow us to develop curriculum to train the lay leaders of our diocese. Likewise, through our Curacy program, I want us to be intentional about how we encourage, place and support our newly ordained priests so that they can better enhance the life of the diocese, and so that they are better positioned to be successful and motivated to lead us into the future. By putting resources into this program, we can retain good clergy and provide the necessary post-graduation training and vocational development. I hope hearing about these three areas of focus invigorates you as much as it does for me to talk about them. I’m truly excited about the future of the Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina and the many ways we are working together to build vital communities of faith and make a difference in our world. I’m pleased to ask you to join me as a Partner in Mission. By focusing new resources on these mission areas, I am confident that we will have a growing, vibrant community of faith for many years to come. Please consider your contribution to become a Partner in Mission with me. Finally, we are offering a Bishop José bobblehead with every gift of $100 or more. My staff and I have had a lot of fun coming up with this playful memento of our partnership. I hope it can be a heartwarming reminder of how God delights in who we are and our faithful partnership in the mission of Jesus Christ. I give thanks for you in my life and in the life of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Blessings, Bishop José Every donation of $100 or more receives a Bishop José Bobblehead doll! Please add $8 for shipping, or indicate that you will pick up your Bobblehead in the comments section. DONATE NOW • Download this letter • Watch the video