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Western Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, June 14th, the Western Deanery of the diocese gathered at the The Lodge at Cat Creek in Franklin, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

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

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 .

Communications as Evangelism Workshops The Communications as Evangelism workshop series was offered in the summer of 2023 as a resource for parish administrators, clergy, ministry managers, and anyone involved in church communications or communications for non-profits. 02 Being Present: Websites and the Episcopal Asset Map Download Slides PPT (includes notes) Download Slides PDF 01 Being Prepared: Essential Tools for Church Communications Download Slides PPT (includes notes) Download Slides PDF 03 Being Seen: Newsletters and Social Media Download Slides PPT (includes notes) Download Slides PDF Download Slides (PPTX with notes) Download Slides (PDF) Being Seen: Media Outreach 04

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/ Getting Started on the Way of Love LEARN MORE Getting Started on the Way of Love LEARN MORE What We Believe LEARN MORE What We Believe LEARN MORE Visiting an Episcopal Church: What to Expect LEARN MORE

Racial Reconciliation, Justice, and Equity Click here for a list of resources for dismantling racism and combatting white supremacy. The Diocese of Western North Carolina has a long-standing commitment to dismantling and eradicating racism in our church, communities, and worldwide. We are blessed by the ongoing and compelling work of our diocesan Commission to Dismantle Racism, which exists to name, confess, resist, and confront the sin of racism through prayer, education, advocacy, and action. Learn about the history of the Commission here. While much progress has been made, there is still work to be done to achieve the biblical imperative of unity in Christ. We invite you and your church to join us in this important Gospel imperative. Workshops Facilitators from the Building Beloved Community Commission lead workshops for congregations and other diocesan organizations. Through interactive exercises, videos, and small group discussions, participants explore how institutional and systemic racism impede our ability to create an inclusive community. This workshop helps to raise awareness that dismantling racism is a spiritual discipline grounded in our Baptismal Covenant. For information about offering please visit the Events Page or contact Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert.

Whova Tutorials Convention Homepage We will be using an event and conferencing app called Whova to facilitate voting, share documents, and help stay connected for Convention. Find guides and video tutorials from Whova at these links: • Whova How-to Guide for Attendees • Whova User Guide If you have any trouble with the app, please reach out to our Missioner for Communications, Katie Knowles , or call the diocesan office. We will be happy to help you. Download Whova

Constitutions and Canons Meetings Convention Homepage Please mark your calendars for the following dates if you plan to attend the Zoom meetings to discuss the Constitutions and Canons. Anyone in the diocese is welcome to attend. Find the Zoom link below for these upcoming meetings. Saturday, August 28, 9:00-10:30 am Tuesday, August 31, 6:00-7:30 pm Thursday, September 2, 6:00-7:30 pm Please note: The Zoom link is the same for all three meetings. Topic: Constitution and Canons Time: Aug 28, 2021 09:00 AM Aug 31, 2021 06:00 PM Sep 2, 2021 06:00 PM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Daily: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwvc-Cgqz4oHtHL_UC0GY8NdDjaCEomlb_F/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgrD8jEtGQsh2CRpw-AI-gXfzwmCVBgrd1sCDQIHB0W1vYMsZIM5FaH9Xc Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88249855245?pwd=c1krYzJBdG94R1pRYTVPQlZLSEZFdz09 Meeting ID: 882 4985 5245 Passcode: 204171 One tap mobile +13017158592,,88249855245# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,88249855245# US (Chicago)

Meet Bishop José The Rt. Rev. Bishop José A. McLoughlin 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. Photo by Jim Dohms 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 2025 Visitation Schedule 2026 Visitation Schedule Visitation Form (online form — return before visit) Confirmation Certificate (online form — return after visit) Bishop's Customary

Clergy and leadership can check this list to see what is needed and happening in the diocese. Weekly Checklist for Church Leadership (Clergy, Wardens, Staff) November 8, 2025 Diocesan Annual Convention Christ School, Arden, NC Summer Memo can be found here . General Information, including the agenda, can be found here . New Delegate Orientation meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 29, at 6 p.m. New delegates will need to register for this orientation event. ASAP CPG Map Access Forms for new online bill pay. Contact Linda with questions ASAP Church Audits due ASAP 2026 Mutual Ministry Pledge Commitment Due Mutual Ministry Pledge Form October 15 - November 17 Open Enrollment Follow the attached link for full info from CFO Carol Tannenbaum on Open Enrollment. Contact Linda Knowlton with questions. INFORMATION Friday, November 14 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Online) & Saturday, November 15 9:30-3:00 (In Person) Becoming Beloved Community/Dismantling Racism Workshop Parish of the Holy Communion: Holy Trinity Church/Mission House, West Jefferson Breakfast snacks will be provided including coffee and tea. Please bring your own lunch, and let us know of any food allergies. REGISTER November 21-23, 2025 High School Fall Conference Lake Logan REGISTER February 22-24, 2026 Lenten Clergy Retreat Registration Info coming soon. March 7, 2026 Vestry Leadership Day Info coming soon.

Chancellor of the Diocese The Chancellor is the attorney for the diocese. He or she has seat and voice on the Executive Council, is a member of the Trustees, and advises the Bishop, the Standing Committee, the Executive Council and the Trustees concerning all questions of law.

History of The Commission to Dismantle Racism The Commission to Dismantle Racism owes its start to General Convention of 1991, which urged the Church to combat all racism and to conduct audits of institutional racism. That same year, the Diocese of Western North Carolina, at its Annual Convention, passed a resolution to implement these actions. The resolution directed the Outreach Commission to establish a “Racism Task Force.” That task force was established, headed by the Rev. Dn. Crisler Greer, then Deacon-in-Charge of St. Stephen’s, Morganton. After a few meetings, the task force became inactive. Following the Diocesan Convention of 1993, Ms. Pamela Hemphill, a vestry member of St. Stephen’s wrote to Bishop Robert Johnson protesting that no African Americans had been elected or appointed to any diocesan office or committee. Bishop Johnson responded, acknowledging the failure, and asked Larry Thompson, Chair of Outreach Ministries, to reactivate the task force. Ms. Fay Walker, a layperson from Brevard, stepped up to lead the Task Force on Racism and Cultural Issues and recruited a solid and diverse corps of dedicated members who worked diligently to make anti-racism a major focus of concern for this diocese. The task force invited Mr. Enrique Brown, from the Episcopal Church headquarters to help with their planning. He emphasized that it would require long term commitment, as much “inner work” as “outer work,” and remaining centered in the faith. A portrait of Rev. Absalom Jones. Beginning with the Diocesan Convention of 1994, the Task Force introduced several resolutions designed to move the diocese forward on the journey to dismantling racism. The first resolution was one urging congregations to observe the commemoration of the feast day of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in the Episcopal Church. In 1995, they introduced a resolution to monitor progress in eliminating institutional racism from the Episcopal Church in this diocese and to report findings to all subsequent diocesan conventions. In 1997, the resolution directed that each elected and appointed diocesan commission and committee attend and participate in a four hour workshop, “Overcoming Racism,” sponsored by the Task Force. That requirement, enforced by the diocesan bishops, remains to this day. At almost every diocesan convention since its inception, the task force nominated persons of color (and their allies) for positions on major diocesan committees and commissions. Almost every Task Force nominee was elected or appointed. An image from a "Repairing the Breach" service. In 2002, the Task Force on Racism and Cultural Issues changed its name to The Commission to Dismantle Racism, for several reasons. First, the term “task force” implied a short-term commitment, rather than a “long haul.” Second, it helped to emphasize the institutional/systemic nature and dimensions of racism, and third, better defined the purpose of the Commission – that being the “dismantling” of racism in all its forms. In that same year, the Commission requested and received a generous grant from the diocese to send 14 of its members for two weeks of comprehensive faith-based anti-racism training offered by the Mennonite Central Committee. Several of the members who attended that training are still steering the work of the Commission and conducting dismantling racism workshops in the diocese and beyond. In 2008, the Commission became involved in the “Days of Repentance” initiative mandated by the 2006 General Convention of the Episcopal Church. In April, 2011, this diocese held its “Repairing the Breach” service after over 18 months preparation, led by the Rev. SF James Abbott, a member of the Commission. Over 500 communicants participated, including virtually all clergy. The Presiding Bishop at that time, Katharine Jefferts Schori, was the celebrant. Bishop Porter Taylor made apologies for the “sins of the past” and the church’s complicity in its racist past. There were many prayers for forgiveness and healing. Today, the Commission, in addition to continuing to conduct workshops, is called to facilitate discussions about racism, racial understanding, and reconciliation. Some members of the Commission are involved in the steering of the diocese Beloved Community journey.

The Jesus Movement What is the Jesus Movement? We're following Jesus into a loving, liberating, and life-giving relationship with God, with each other, and with earth. How do we participate? First, we follow Jesus. We are simply the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement , seeking every day to love God with our whole heart, mind and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). Just like Jesus. What's the work of the movement? The Jesus Movement takes you places. For the Episcopal Church, it calls us to focus on three specific priorities. EVANGELISM Listen for Jesus' movement in our lives and in the world. Give thanks. Proclaim and celebrate it! Invite the Spirit to do the rest. Inspire Episcopalians to embrace evangelism. Gather Episcopal evangelists. Equip all to be evangelists. Send all as evangelists. RECONCILIATION Embody the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus with each other. Tell the truth about church and race Rewrite the narrative Form Episcopalians as reconcilers Repair and Restore institutions & society CREATION CARE Encounter and honor the face of God in creation Develop creation care resources Grow local eco-ministries Purse eco-justice at church-wide and local level Convene conversations around climate and faith For more information about the Episcopal Church Jesus Movement click here .

Foundation Grant The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina is a non-profit corporation founded in 1963 by Bishop Henry with an initial gift from Mr. Charles Timson. The Foundation operates under its own independent charter, and the members of the Board of Directors are elected at the annual convention of the Diocese. The Foundation uses the income from its investments to make grants up to $20,000 exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes. Parishes and institutions applying for these funds must present their initial request to a joint meeting the board of The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina and the diocesan Finance Committee. Apply for this grant Grant budget form On April 17, the Foundation Board voted effective immediately: To reduce the maximum grant from $20,000 to $15,000, and To restrict the number of application presentations per meeting to no more than 3 including any joint grant/loan combos. This is a permanent change in order to help as many parishes as possible while withdrawing no more than 4% of funds for grants annually. We will no longer roll over any amount unspent in a previous year. It is not unusual to receive a grant award for less than the amount requested due to the increase in applications in the post-Covid era. You may also consider applying for an interest-free loan from the Diocese.

Disaster Response & Relief Hub We are grateful for the support and partnership of Episcopal Relief and Development. On this page, you can find ways to help and get help as we recover from natural disaster in our region. 1/1 DONATE NOW STORIES & MEDIA RESOURCES & PREP VOLUNTEER INFO Our Mission Leverage the gifts of our congregations, donors, and partners to support the recovery of impoverished and marginalized people affected by natural disasters in our region through building relationships and stewarding resources that center dignity and quality work at a sustainable pace for long-term recovery efforts. Our Values Dignity & Respect, Professional Quality Standards Relationships Sustainable Pace Stewardship Bearing Witness: A Story & Photo Series from Helene For our Helene Remembrance Eucharist, held on September 27, 2025, we collected stories and photos from around our diocese. These stories and photos were curated into 14 stations, echoing the 14 Stations of the Cross, and were displayed at the Eucharist. These stories and photos highlight the experiences and impact of Helene on our churches at large and on individual households throughout Western North Carolina. We believe story-telling is a sacred art in which we find healing and beauty, often in the midst of suffering, and as a means to pass on wisdom to those that come after us. To view these stories, or to share your own, follow the button below. Bearing Witness Series Diocese of Western North Carolina Give directly to our relief fund to directly support our diocesan recovery efforts. DONATE Episcopal Relief & Development: ERD is a critical partner to us in our recovery. Funds collected will be used for long-term relief efforts as well as emergency grants, which are for churches in affected areas that are in a position to respond to needs in their local community. DONATE Donate Financially Disaster Response Team The Rev. Kelsey Davis Read More Bishop’s Deputy for Disaster Response and Recovery Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert Read More Assistant Coordinator for Donations and Volunteers Dan Gilbert Read More Assistant Coordinator for Logistics and Technology The Rev. Oscar Rozo Read More Latino/Hispanic Community Support Tony Coggiola Read More Field Consultant & Advisor Volunteer Bailey Sommer Read More Fellow for Disaster Response & Recovery Mark Corson Read More Staff Assistant to Bishop's Deputy Volunteer Jennifer Gutierrez Read More Family Liaison Coordinator The Disaster Response Team shares an email address. Contact them Here

Congregational Vitality Grant The Diocese of Western North Carolina offers annual Congregational Vitality grants to support churches in their redevelopment work. Congregational Vitality Grants are open to any initiative that supports and sustains the vitality and mission of the local parish, including technology. Please note, preference is given to congregations who did not receive a CV grant in the previous year. If you have any questions, please contact our Chief Financial Officer or Canon to the Ordinary . Apply for this Grant Past Grant Recipients

Congregational Vitality Resources Helpful Books There are many books available on the subject of Congregational Development or individual aspects of it. Some of the best are below. Please click on a book to find more information. Helpful Website The Alban Institute New research-based information and new ways to learn and minister more effectively within and outside faith communities.

Mountain Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, May 24th, the Mountain Deanery of the diocese gathered at the The Mill at Rock Creek in Boone, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

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 lots of 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. Find a Church 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 comfortin g 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. What should I wear? There’s no dress code. Some people dress up in their Sunday best and others show up in jeans and a sweater. Whatever feels comfortable and appropriate for you is fine. 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. 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: 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