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Exploring Our Churches Asheville Area Up Back to Find a Church Centered in the Blue Ridge Mountains, home to the Diocesan offices and The Cathedral of All Souls, the Asheville Deanery covers two counties and holds twelve parishes. St. Matthias Episcopal Church, one of the oldest parishes in the diocese, was founded in 1865 for freed slaves. While Asheville is the most populous city in the Diocese, the deanery extends into the rural mountains. Major cities: Asheville Arden Black Mountain Mars Hill The Cathedral of All Souls 9 Swan Street Asheville, NC 28803 www.allsoulscathedral.org/ (828) 274-2681 The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 433 Bone Camp Road Marshall, NC 28753 www.holyspiritwnc.org/ (828) 689-2517 St. James Episcopal Church 424 W. State Street Black Mountain, NC 28711 https://stjameswnc.org/ 828-669-2754 St. Mary's Episcopal Church 337 Charlotte Street Asheville, NC 28801 http://www.stmarysasheville.org/ (828) 254-5836 Church of the Advocate 60 Church St Asheville, NC 28801 http://www.reddooravl.org/ (828) 253-9361 Episcopal Church of the Redeemer 1201 Riverside Dr Asheville, North Carolina 28804 https://churchoftheredeemer-episcopal.com/ Phone (828) 253-3588 St. John's Episcopal Church 290 Old Haw Creek Rd. Asheville NC 28805 https://stjohnsasheville.org/ (828) 298-3553 St. Matthias Episcopal Church 1 Dundee St Asheville, NC 28801 https://stmatthiasepiscopal.org (828) 285-0033 Grace Episcopal Church 871 Merrimon Avenue Asheville, NC 28804 https://www.graceavl.com/ (828) 254-1086 St. Giles Chapel at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community 1617 Hendersonville Road Asheville, North Carolina 28803 https://deerfieldwnc.org/ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 219 Chunns Cove Road Asheville, NC 28805 http://stlukesavl.org/ (828) 254-2133 Trinity Episcopal Church 60 Church Street Asheville, North Carolina 28801 http://www.trinityasheville.org/ (828) 253.9361

Find a Church With breathtaking natural beauty and devoted communities, the Diocese of Western North Carolina is one of the fastest growing Dioceses in the country. Comprised of six deaneries, representing 15,000 Episcopalians, the Diocese of Western North Carolina supports regional and global mission efforts. Click on one of the areas below to learn more and see a list of churches. You may also use this standard map or the traditional list below, with churches listed in alphabetical order by deanery. Click here to download a PDF map of the diocese of WNC. Asheville Deanery Western Deanery Mountain Deanery Foothills Deanery Piedmont Deanery Hendersonville Deanery Use the search box to find a church, or scroll through the list, which is organized in alphabetical order by deanery.

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.

Clergy Resources Back In this section, you will find resources that are unique to the life and work of ordained leaders. Bishop Visitation Forms and Information Visitation Schedule (2026) Visitation Form (return before visit) Confirmation Certificate (return after visit) Bishop's Customary Canonical Residency – transferring in & transferring out Rectors and Priests-in-Charge of churches should apply for canonical residency as soon as they arrive and begin working in the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Clergy who are moving to serve a new church in another diocese should submit the Request for Letters Dimissory to the Bishop’s office as soon as possible. Requirements for Canonical Residence Application for Canonical Residence Request for Letters of Dimissory Clergy Leave-taking and Resigning When a priest (rector, interim rector, assistant, or associate) or a deacon leaves a parish, whether to accept another cure or to retire, it is important to establish a healthy “goodbye” so that all parties can move faithfully into their next chapter of ministry. Please see the link below to guidelines that will equip clergy and the congregation in this process. Guidelines for Clergy Leave-taking Helpful “to-do” List before leaving Policy on Clergy Leave-taking Clergy Licensing To be licensed or to receive a renewal, please review the Requirements for Licensing below and complete the Annual Application and Report Form. Safe Church, Safe Communities (child and adult workshops), and Beloved Community training must be current within 5 years. If you’re uncertain when you last took the trainings, please contact Eden Lewis . We will not relicense clergy without current training. Requirements for Clergy Licensing Annual Application and Report Form (PDF) Annual Application and Report Form (online) Deacons Helpful information for Deacons in the Diocese. View the resources > Deans List Co ntact our office to receive a current list of the Deans in our diocese. Disciplinary Process Clergy have, by their ordination vows, accepted additional responsibilities and accountabilities for doctrine, discipline, worship, and obedience. This process of accountability, as set out in Title IV of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church ("Title IV"), seeks to promote justice, restitution, amendment of life, repentance, healing, forgiveness and reconciliation among all involved or affected by clergy misconduct. Should you have any questions or concerns, see the links below or contact the Canon to the Ordinary . Clergy Standards of Conduct Reporting Concerns Directory of Clergy The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese of Western North Carolina value and celebrate their camaraderie and collegiality as partners in ministry. To continue to foster and nurture relationships and collaboration, clergy directories are provided. These directories are password protected to safeguard personal information. Please contact Augusta Anderson if you are a member of clergy who needs the password. View the Clergy Directory > Events View Upcoming Events > Funeral Planning Guide This guide is intended for clergy as they make decisions for their own end of life plans. This guide will equip the Bishop to provide pastoral care to the clergy’s family following the priest or deacon’s death. Should you have any questions, please contact the Bishop’s office . Here’s the link to the Funeral Planning Form > Lay Licensing Strong lay leadership is a vital, central and intentional hallmark of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Lay people exercise a wide variety of ministries in the church and in the world. Some particular lay ministries require a license from the Bishop of Western North Carolina. View Lay Licensing Information > Marriage Forms Christian marriage is an extraordinary gift of God, in which a couple are called to live in the saving grace of Christ, enriched, guided and sustained by the Holy Spirit, in communion with the community of the Church (Canon I.18-19). The following forms are meant to be a pastoral support for those seeking Christian marriage. General Guidelines for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony Declaration of Intention to Marry Application for Permission to Remarry Guidelines for Clergy from outside the Diocese Sabbatical Policy The Diocese of Western North Carolina encourages priests to take sabbaticals for the renewal and refreshment of the priest and the benefit of the parish. Download the policy here Spiritual Directors You may also want to include working with a Spiritual Director to nurture your spiritual life and journey. Here is a list of individuals who are available in Western North Carolina. Supply Clergy Clergy canonically resident or licensed in the Diocese of Western North Carolina are welcome to serve as supply clergy. If you are new to the diocese, and wish to supply, please contact the Canon to the Ordinary to schedule an appointment and complete the License to Serve Application and Report Form . Supply Clergy List Supply Clergy Honoraria Guidelines Clergy Licensing

Transition Ministries The primary shepherd of all Transition Ministry activities is the Bishop. When there is no Rector or Priest-In-Charge, the Bishop exercises oversight in collaboration with the Vestry in the administration of the congregation. Additionally, the Bishop oversees, in a general way, all of the activities of Transition Ministry, and gives or withholds consent to the calling of new parish clergy. Day-to-day support and guidance for congregations in transition is provided by the Associate Transition Officer (ATO). The ATO is the primary contact for questions, support, and training regarding search processes, letters of agreement, interviews and visits with candidates, election/selection processes, and any other transition activities. The ATO also assists clergy discerning the call to suitable ministry positions. Work begins when an opening is announced and comes to completion when the new ministry has been sealed by Letter of Agreement and celebrated by congregation, clergy, and bishop. Clergy interested in a position within the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina are invited to have a conversation with The Rev. Kevin Todd, Associate Transition Officer. Helpful Notes to Interested Clergy: If you would like to be considered for one of our parishes in transition, please email a copy of your resumé, your current updated OTM profile and a cover letter expressing your interest to the Associate Transition Officer. All names of interested candidates are initially received and screened through the Associate Transition Officer. Unless otherwise instructed by the Canon’s Office, please do not directly contact congregations that are in transition. All applicants must contact the Associate Transition Officer. This Diocese is committed to doing all it can to recruit the best qualified priests. We seek creative clergy of wide vision and diverse backgrounds who are not only excellent matches with a particular parish who also desire to participate in the life and work of our diocese. Likewise, the Diocese affirms equal opportunity employment. We do not discriminate against clergy applicants on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Transition Ministry Resources: Clergy Leave-Taking Guidelines Helpful Checklist for Clergy Leave-Taking Policy on Clergy Leave-Taking Positions Available: Parishes discerning (in Interim) St. Thomas, Burnsville Trinity, Spruce Pine Ascension, Hickory St. Matthias, Asheville St. Luke's, Asheville Calvary, Fletcher St. David's, Cullowhee St. Paul's, Edneyville St. Mark's, Gastonia Christ Church, Sparta Parishes seeking a Full-Time Rector/Priest-in-Charge (PIC) St. David's, Cullowhee Parishes seeking a Part-Time Regular Seasonal Vicar None at this time. Parishes seeking a Part-Time Rector/Priest-in-Charge (PIC) Good Shepherd, Tryon Assistant Positions

Bishop Transition 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 current 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. 1/1 Bishop José's Farewell Please join us for a joyful and fun-filled celebration of Bishop's José's faithful service in the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Dress is casual and lunch is provided. Please RSVP. Do you have any photos with Bishop José?? Email them to katie@diocesewnc.org . Members of the diocese are invited to contribute to a gift of appreciation and farewell in the form of a purse to be given to Bishop José upon his departure. If you would like to contribute, give through the link below or send check to the diocesan office with "Bishop Purse" in the memo. Bishop José's Farewell Party Sat, Aug 01 Christ School More info RSVP Farewell Purse Donation As his parting gift to the Diocese, Bishop José has pledged funds to create up to two more Hermitages at the Valle Crucis Conference Center! Bishop José’s generosity highlights his enduring love for the holy ground of the mountains and the people of western North Carolina, and he invites you to add your gift to his to make this expansion a reality. To contribute or find out more, follow the button below. Bishop's Hermitage Challenge How To Participate Communications Upcoming Dates Search Team The Standing Committee is asking you to consider what gifts, skills, and time you can offer to our diocese as we discern who God is calling to be our next Bishop and do the work necessary to prepare for and welcome that person. The Search Committee will be tasked with the work of discerning and presenting a slate of candidates to the Standing Committee. The Transition Committee will work together to welcome and host the candidates in the diocese, as well as planning and coordinating the electing convention and ordination weekend events. Nominations are now open for both the Search Committee and the Transition Committee. Deadline for nominations is June 10. Committee Descriptions Nomination Form 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 form and 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. Orientation & Commissioning for Search & Transition Committees June 26 & 27 Valle Crucis Bishop José's Farewell Party August 1, 2026 RSVP Listening Sessions August & September, 2026 Bishop Profile Mid-November, 2026 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. 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)

Job Openings On this page you will find job openings at parishes around the Diocese of WNC. If you have a job opening to share, please contact our Missioner for Communications . Part-Time Jobs Priest-in-Charge PARISH: Good Shepherd, Tryon LEARN MORE Pianist/Organist PARISH: St. Mary & St. Stephen's, Morganton LEARN MORE Organist/Church Musician PARISH: St. Luke's, Asheville LEARN MORE Full-Time Jobs Assistant Parish Administrator PARISH: Good Shepherd, Cashiers LEARN MORE Priest in Charge PARISH: St. David's, Cullowhee LEARN MORE

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

Standing Committee Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Western North Carolina serves as a council of advice for the Bishop and is the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese in the absence of a Bishop. The Standing Committee gives consent for persons to become candidates for Holy Orders, consent for ordinations and consent for elections of bishops in other diocese. Likewise, the Standing Committee also provides consent to the sale or encumbrance of property of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Elected by Convention, the Standing Committee is comprised of four clergy and four lay members, each serving a four year term. Any member having served a full term shall be ineligible for reelection for a period of one year. The Rev. Susan Buchanan – St. James, Lenoir – Class of 2026 – President of Standing Committee Ms. Jane Schronce – St. Luke's, Lincolnton – Class of 2026 The Rev. Dr. Erin Kirby – St. John's Marion – Class of 2027 Ms. Kim Miller – Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville – Class of 2027 The Rev. Dn. Cynthia Nash - Trinity, Spruce Pine - Class of 2028 Mr. Alex Coimbré - Grace Church in the Mountains, Waynesville - Class of 2028 The Rev. Dr. Robert Wetherington - St. Mary's, Asheville - Class of 2029 Ms. Amanda Cook - Church of the Transfiguration, Bat Cave - Class of 2029 Standing Committee Members

Becoming a Diocese As the missionary endeavors faithfully established and nurtured a growing number of Episcopal congregations west of the Catawba River, in 1895, the Missionary District of Asheville was founded. The Diocese of Western North Carolina was formally organized into an independent entity in 1922. The first bishop of both the Missionary District and the Diocese of Western North Carolina was The Rev. Junius Horner. Since Horner’s consecration in 1898, there have been six other Episcopal Bishops of Western North Carolina: Robert E. Gribbin (1934–1947); Matthew George Henry (1948–1974); William Weinhauer (1975–1990); Robert H. Johnson (1990–2003); G. Porter Taylor (2004–2016); and Bishop José A. McLoughlin (2016–present), the seventh Episcopal Bishop of Western North Carolina. The Rt. Rev. Bishop José A. McLoughlin <<>> 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

Disaster Relief Disaster Relief Partners The following organizations and agencies are dedicated to assisting persons and groups affected by disaster. National Episcopal Relief and Development FEMA National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) State North Carolina Department of Public Safety – Emergency Management NC VOAD Local Congregations are encouraged to develop and maintain partnerships with their local volunteer agencies such as: Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) local American Red Cross chapters Additional Resources Ready to Serve is a volunteer database organized by Episcopal Relief and Development in order to quickly locate ready and willing volunteers in the event of a disaster. Use this checklist to help determine the focus of and preparation necessary for a disaster relief mission trip. Ready , launched by FEMA, is a website designed to help the public "Prepare, plan and stay informed" in the event of a natural disaster.

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.

Towel Ministry What is Towel Ministry? Towel Ministry provides youth, rising 8th grade through graduating seniors, the opportunity to be the "hands and feet" of God through a mission experience focused on home repair and building relationships with our WNC neighbors. We offer two 5-day sessions of Towel Ministry in June. The work primarily includes making housing improvements, repairs, and maintenance for elderly, disabled, and marginalized people. Typical work projects might consist of handicap access, painting, yard clean-up, and other simple projects that can be managed by a small group. Towel Ministry strives to be the embodiment of walking the talk of the Church and sharing God's love through relational ministry. The name "Towel Ministry" is representative of Jesus's servant heart, as shown by his act of washing and drying the disciples' feet. John 13:1-17 Summer 2026 This summer, we will be offering two sessions of Towel Ministry Mission Experience for youth (rising 8th graders to graduated 12th graders). We will be based at Calvary Episcopal Church in Fletcher, NC. Our worksites will be within a 45-minute drive of the church. General Information: Session One : June 15-20 Session Two : June 22-27 Cost : $400 per person, includes all meals, lodging, and evening activities. We request that groups bring at least one adult with construction experience, formal or informal, as well as follow all Safe Church chaperone requirements. General Schedule For registration information or general questions, please email Eden Lewis Employment & Volunteer Opportunities Work with us! We have positions available this summer for individuals interested in assisting with the Towel Ministry. We hire young adults to serve for the two-week sessions. Employment Opportunities (Job Descriptions coming soon) Counselors Materials Manager Volunteer with us! Volunteers are a huge part of Towel Ministry because they provide the opportunity for intergenerational relationships to be built and model what it looks like to serve others. Volunteer Opportunities: Health Professionals Kitchen Manager & Assistants Program Assistance Jobsite Support Click for Detailed Job Descriptions If you have questions, please email Charlotte Garcia Our Mission The Mission of Towel Ministry is about spreading the Gospel through action by being the hands and feet of God in the communities that we serve. There are three equally important missional components to the week: Action This relates to home improvement project at hand. The adults and the youth will either be actively working to complete a project or assisting with the management of the worksite. Relationship Building relationships with the homeowners is as equally as important as completing the project. Being open and available for conversation and connection with the homeowner is a missional pillar of Towel Ministry. Helping a new friend push back loneliness and isolation, even for a little while, may be the best Good News that person has heard in a long time; the home improvements are welcome, but in very they are a bonus to building new relationships. Spreading the Good News of the Gospel At Towel Ministry we spread the Good News of the Gospel through our actions and our words. This is shown through the work we do on the project and the relationship built between us and the homeowners. We are not there to just “fix” a house but to show that we love and care about the homeowner and the community we serve. The History of Towel Ministry Towel Ministry began as the brainchild of the late Deacon Cris Greer and the late Rev. Gene McDowell in the 80s. It evolved as a response to the need in our community for housing improvements, repairs, and maintenance. The first camp operated out of a volunteer fire department with a total of sixteen participants. Since that time, Towel Ministry has grown and spread. From its modest beginnings in the very western tip of the state, the ministry has spread across the Diocese of Western North Carolina and beyond.

Foothills Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, May 17th, the Foothills Deanery of the diocese gathered at the The Double "J" Farm in Lenoir, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

Discerning Your Congregation's Needs Every living organism goes through a life cycle that transitions from birth through growth, stability, decline, and finally, death. As a community of faith centered in the promise of resurrection, we hope any parish that may be in some form of decline encounter something that brings about new birth so the cycle can continue. However, parishes that wait to react until decline is well underway tend to get “stuck,” and moving to a place of resurrection can be more challenging. Every congregation can find itself at any stage of the life cycle. Some congregations are growing because they are new, or because the community around them is expanding, or because the parish is going through some type of Spiritual Renewal. Other congregations are seeing a decline in attendance, membership, and giving because the community around them is declining, or there is not a full-time clergy person, or for reasons unknown. One of the keys to becoming a healthy, thriving parish, even for those who are experiencing growth, is to intentionally find ways of experiencing new birth before the decline is a part of the culture. The Diocese of Western North Carolina believes every congregation has the potential to become vibrant and vital communities, even those who are experiencing an increase in attendance can become healthier, stronger communities with an intentional focus on God’s purpose for your parish in the world. Congregational Vitality Ministry offers two different tracks to help parishes thrive. The first track is for congregations that see themselves as mostly healthy and strong overall, but there may be areas, such as Christian Formation, Youth Ministry, or Stewardship that need some assistance. We invite you to survey this site and use whatever tools or standalone programs that best fit your needs. You can also join our Forums to discuss issues and connect with other parishes that are able to share their experience. For more information and the opportunities of this track, contact The Rev. Canon Augusta Anderson . The second track is for all congregations, healthy as well as those struggling, which want to grow spiritually and find a renewed energy around being Church. This track consists more of a process than implementing a few programs. For many congregations, the process may take over a year to complete. Currently, several individuals (coaches) are willing to guide a congregation through a journey that begins with the question, “What Is God’s purpose for us in this place and at this time?” The journey will continue through exploring the gifts of your people, looking at your ministries in terms of your new purpose and your people’s gifts, and finding new ways of turning ministries into mission. For more information and the opportunities of this track, contact The Rev. Canon Augusta Anderson .

Centennial Calendar We are very excited to announce a special project for our Centennial Year, our 2022 Diocesan calendar. Inspired by the amazing work being done across the diocese, each month features a different ministry—from food pantries to community gardens and is a celebration of the many ways in which our diocese are the hands and feet of God in the world. In collaboration with writer and Holy Cross, Valle Crucis member Katerina Whitley , monthly prayers and reflections are offered in relation to the featured ministry. These monthly meditations may help us reflect on the many ways we can be church, far outside the walls of a building. Click here to order your diocesan calendar

Immigration The Episcopal Church has a long-standing history of extending radical hospitality and care to refugees and immigrants. Indeed, our church “has served immigrants new to the U.S. since the late 1800s, when the Church opened port chaplaincies to minister to sojourners on both coasts. In the 1930’s, local parishes collected donations to provide steamship passage for those fleeing Nazi Europe.”[1] The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina and many of our parishes have actively participated in welcoming refugees into our congregations and our homes. Likewise, many of our parishes are actively involved in offering care and support to immigrants in their communities. [1] Episcopal Migration Ministries Below are resources on how you and your parish can participate in this important, Gospel centered, work. El Centro Hispano LEARN MORE El Centro Hispano LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Episcopal Migration Ministries LEARN MORE Episcopal Migration Ministries LEARN MORE Pisgah Legal Services LEARN MORE Pisgah Legal Services

What does it mean to be an Episcopalian? IT MEANS being a part of the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement. IT MEANS being a part of a community of 2.2 million other Episcopalians in 110 diocese in the Americas and abroad. IT MEANS being a part of the world-wide Anglican Communion since the Episcopal Church has it's roots in the Church of England. IT MEANS loving Jesus and following his teachings by welcoming the stranger and the outcast, offering love and forgiveness to all. IT MEANS gathering around the Lord's table as a symbol of our unity. IT MEANS promising to love our neighbors as ourselves, and uphold the dignity of every human being – no exceptions. IT MEANS celebrating a diversity of people and worship styles even as we all practice a similar form of worship set out in the Book of Common Prayer. IT MEANS striving to be a faith community that both respects our religious tradition while also embracing a profound sense of awe and wonder in the mystery of God. IT MEANS practicing "via media" – or the middle way – in all that we do because we believe that, regardless of our views on particular topics, everyone is beloved by God, and Jesus calls us to always demonstrate respect and care in our deliberations. IT MEANS believing the Holy Scriptures are the revealed word of God, who inspired the human authors of the Scripture, and which is interpreted by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. IT MEANS participating in a unique structure of community. In the Episcopal Church, the ministers are all the baptized people of God, not just the ordained clergy. The word “episcopal” is an old Greek word for bishop. Bishops, along with other elected leaders, oversee the Church in particular geographic areas, known as dioceses. Each bishop and those elected leaders in the diocese, operating through a local annual convention, determine the character of life and work in that diocese within a set of general decisions made by a triennial General Convention of The Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina welcomes you! Resources for Newcomers Find a Church in WNC

Meet Bishop José The Rt. Rev. Bishop José A. McLoughlin Photo by Jim Dohms José Antonio McLoughlin was consecrated as the seventh bishop, and first Hispanic, of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina on October 1, 2016. Prior to his election as bishop of the diocese of Western North Carolina, José served as the Canon to the Ordinary and Chief-of-Staff for the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma since 2008. Previously, José served congregations in the dioceses of Southeast Florida and Virginia. Ordained in 2005, José earned his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Florida. Prior to his call to the priesthood, José worked in the criminal justice field serving in the state of Florida as a police officer and in the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. in various capacities, most recently as the special assistant/senior advisor to the assistant attorney general. Since becoming the Bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina, Bishop José has declared, in many and various ways, that he hopes to be a different kind of bishop, and he particularly does not want to be remembered as a distantly-removed dignitary. While not disregarding the great traditions of the Church, Bishop José believes that changes are necessary in the ways the church ministers in our day, and many of those changes must originate from the ministry of the bishop. He believes in being an engaged bishop who is close to the people of the diocese and the clergy who serve them. He has committed to being fully involved in the church’s ministry with youth, minorities, and underserved populations. He is passionate about raising up a new kind of leadership for the church in our day. José and his wife Laurel have two children: Alexander and Alyson. Alex graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in sports media and a minor in Spanish. Alex and his wife, Rachel, live in Oklahoma City where Alex works for the Oklahoma City Baseball Club, the triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Alyson graduated from UNC Charlotte with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in religious studies and sociology. Alyson works and lives in Charlotte. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Bishop José is bilingual, and he enjoys listening to music, playing the drums, and studying 18th-century American history. A life-long aviation enthusiast, Bishop José is working on earning his private pilot’s license. View a welcome from Bishop José here. Visitation Forms and Information 2026 Visitation Schedule Visitation Form (online form — return before visit) Confirmation Certificate (online form — return after visit) Bishop's Customary

LGBTQ+ In 1976, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church declared that “homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church" (1976-A069). Since then, faithful Episcopalians have been working toward a greater understanding and radical inclusion of all of God’s children. Indeed, the Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to the leadership, ministry, equality and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning Episcopalians and their families. Below are resources for you to connect with welcoming congregations and advocate for LGBTQ persons in our communities. Project Embodied Welcome - Offers resources for churches who would like to be more inclusive. TransEpiscopal - An organization working for the full inclusion of transgender people in the church. Whosoever - An online magazine for queer Christians. Gladness of Heart - an Episcopalian match-making service that is inclusive and affirming of queer and trans people Pride Mass Gaychurch .org - A way to find queer-affirming churches. Q Christian Fellowship is a non-denomination network to advocate, educate and support churches on actively welcoming and including LGBTQ persons in their faith community. Queer Theology Believe Outloud Resources for Faith Leaders & Families