A Reflection on Formation for Children By the Rev. Joslyn Schaefer, Grace in the Mountains, Waynesville Less than three years ago, there were no youth programs at Grace. When I was hired as rector, the church decided to make one of its top missional priorities to develop a vibrant ministry to children, youth, and young adults. Now, we approach Christian formation of our young people in three different Sunday School classes. In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for ages 3-6, Christ is the only teacher. The adult in the room is simply the catechist, the one who guides. We use the term “Catechesis” deliberately, to differentiate the child’s spiritual formation from their academic formation where terms like teacher and classroom are used. In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, we invite children to recognize and celebrate their innate connection with God through the image of the Good Shepherd. Cultivating and exploring this connection is the child’s “work.” Godly Play is for ages 7 - 11, a great time in a child’s life for discovering more about God and our relationship with our creator. Godly Play is based on a Montessori approach and allows the child to explore their faith through a story and play. Teachers guide the children through the stories, follow each with a time of wondering: What part did you like best? What is the most important part? Which part is about you? Rite 13 is for middle and high schoolers. The teachers of Rite 13 work tirelessly to schedule outings for the group in order to strengthen their bonds with shared activities and learn how they can apply Jesus’ teachings to the real world. This year, they started a compost bin for the church Giving Garden, assisted exuberantly with the Easter Egg Hunt, and led one of the lessons at the Lenten program with insight and laughter. Rite 13 serves as a bridge to help youth transfer into leaders in the church, the community, and beyond. This summer, in lieu of Sunday School and with the help of our Service Intern Madison Owen, we are test-driving Children’s Chapel, an interactive church experience for kids who are too old for the nursery but too young to fully absorb the lessons and Gospel as taught during the service. Children will spend the first half of the service learning the same teachings on a level closer to their mental capacities and will be encouraged to think more deeply about the Scripture through a song, game, or craft. Children’s Chapel is a safe space for the kids to ask questions, strengthen faith, and have fun.

Lake Logan Conference Center Lake Logan lies in a pristine valley near the Blue Ridge Parkway, where visitors soak up the serenity of God’s glorious gifts in a 300-acre sanctuary. Lake Logan Conference Center lends itself well to hosting spiritual retreats, conferences, and seminars, as well as being a beautiful and serene place to rest, relax, and recreate. All religious and nondenominational groups are welcome to this special place, where the power of nature's bounty nourishes, restores, and rejuvenates. The mission of Lake Logan Conference Center is to serve Christ by welcoming all generations to experience restoration and reconciliation with God, one another, and all creation. Visit the Lake Logan website. LAKE LOGAN PHOTO GALLERY

The Episcopal Foundation of WNC Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance Who We Are The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina is a grant giving organization that strengthens the programs and parishes of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. The Episcopal Foundation is a non-profit corporation independent of the Diocese of Western North Carolina, The Foundation is composed of ten directors from different deaneries. They are approved at the annual diocesan convention. The directors are not compensated for their service. The Bishop is the Chair. What We Do The Foundation provides money, through grants, to parishes and/or programs within the diocese. Since its founding in 1963, the Foundation has made hundreds of grants totaling millions of dollars. From playgrounds to kitchens, roofs to air conditioners, parking lots, programs and more; these are just some of the ways the Foundation gives back to our diocese. How We Do It Parishes and/or programs make their request by using the Unified Loan/Grant application linked at the button below. Applications are submitted to the CFO of the diocese and then forwarded to the Foundation president. The Foundation meets four times each year where it reviews the merits of each request and awards grants accordingly. Grant requests are presented in person at the Foundation meeting. For questions or more information on the process, email episcopalfoundationprez@gmail.com Loan/Grant Information Loan/Grant Application Our History 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 who was also a major benefactor for Deerfield Retirement Community. The Foundation operates under its own independent charter. The Foundation uses the income from its investments primarily to make grants up to $20,000 to small parishes and institutions within the diocese who otherwise cannot afford renovations, capital improvements, and major repairs. Your Gift A contribution to the Foundation is a gift that will keep on giving. Mr Timson’s original gift continues to generate new grants today. Today’s contributions will do the same. From a modest $250,000 in 1963, today, the Foundation administers a fund balance exceeding $4,000,000. You may make a gift by emailing the president at episcopalfoundationprez@gmail.com or contacting the CFO Cliff Hudgins . 2026 Board of Directors The Rt. Rev. Jose McLoughlin, Chair Dillon Manly, President | Asheville | Trinity, Asheville Judy Hopkins, Vice President | Piedmont | Redeemer, Shelby Matt Henry, Treasurer | Hendersonville | St. James, Hendersonville Jann Mellman, Secretary | Hendersonville | St. Philips, Brevard John Russell | Western | All Saints, Franklin Jane Erickson | Mountain | Holy Communion, West Jefferson Carl Tolbert | Foothills | St. James, Lenoir Steve Campbell | Piedmont | St. Mark's, Gastonia Sunny Denton | Foothills | St. Marys & St. Stephens

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.

Core Values, Identity, & Mission The mission for our Centennial Celebration gatherings is to honor and celebrate our stories, highlight our core values, and cast a vision for next 100 years. We are honored to do it alongside you, our parishioners, clergy, and staff. As we celebrate 100 years of being an established diocese, we also reflect on the many ways we have fallen short. From the church's treatment of our native brothers and sisters to the lack of representation for marginalized communities in church spaces, we confess we, as the people of God, have not always lived into our baptismal vows. As we look forward into the next 100 years and beyond, may we center our focus on being a living example of God's love in the world. This begins with each one of us. Below, please explore our core values and mission as a diocese or click here to find stories of how we have lived into these values, past, present, and future. Missionary Zeal Many of our early diocesan communities have roots as missionary outposts. Since the beginning, our diocese has identified with a strong passion for mission and with sharing the good news of God through word or action. To learn more about our passion for mission, please visit our history page . Love of Jesus Our shared love of Jesus is at the root of all that we do as a diocese and a community of faith. As Christians, we follow Jesus in the Way of Love by serving and caring for all of God’s people. To learn more about what we believe, please visit our What Is An Episcopalian and The Way of Love pages. Spirit of Adventure and Resourcefulness Like many who call Appalachia home, our stories are rooted in people who yearned for simplicity of life and for a connection with nature. This is reflected through the enduring spirit from which many of our churches were founded. To learn more, please visit our Mountain Missionary Spirit page. Justice Our diocese is committed to embodying and practicing the way of Jesus so that all people may participate in the life-giving and liberating love of God. Engaging our communities through local service and action reflects our commitment to live into our Baptismal Covenant. Learn more about some of the ways we engage our communities here . Service Service in the name of Jesus calls us to respond, by word and action, to the needs of all of God’s people. We are passionate about discerning the many ways we can serve alongside and in solidarity with others not only in Western North Carolina but also beyond in the wider world. To learn more about some of the ways we serve in our local communities and beyond, go to our Local Action and Global Partnerships pages. Hospitality Hospitality is an extension of service and love of Jesus. It means welcoming people right where they are in their lives and creating space for belonging and worth. Love of Creation We are blessed to call the beauty of Western North Carolina home and as Christians we are called to steward this gift. As a diocese, we strive to keep creation care as an integral part of our mission, paying attention to the needs of our environment with every action. Learn more on our Creation Care page. Ability to Look Back While Moving Forward We recognize that in order to consider what God is calling us to do going forward, we must be able to reflect on the past. As disciples of Jesus committed to Building Beloved Community, we believe we must tell the truth about our own history and discern who we can repair the wrongs we have committed. Doing so empowers us to walk the Way of Jesus more faithfully for the next 100 years.

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.

Western Deanery Confirmation Day On Sunday, September 12, Bishop José gathered with parishioners from four parishes in our Western Deanery--St. Andrews, Canton, St. John's, Sylva, St. David's, Cullowhee, and Grace, Waynesville--at Lake Logan to celebrate confirmations, receptions, and reaffirmations. Many thanks to all of the wonderful people who made this day possible! Photos by Cameron Adams Photography. Click here to visit Cameron's website and Instagram .

Iona WNC Program Iona WNC is a part of the Iona Collaborative , a consortium of dozens of Episcopal dioceses seeking to expand availability to a rigorous but accessible theological education. The Iona program offers a local, residential training program to meet the particular needs of vocational deacons and bi-vocational priests, for whom the disruption and costs of a seminary education might be prohibitive. Learn more about our program and meet some of it's members in the video! Iona WNC is operated under the direction of our bishop, The Rt. Rev. José McLoughlin, our two academic deans, and a diocesan steering committee, in cooperation with the Seminary of the Southwest, where the core faculty continually refine and expand the instructional materials. Participants in Iona WNC will have completed the discernment process in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and will be approved by the Commission on Ministry and the Bishop for acceptance. All admitted students must be committed to, and capable of, sustaining a three year program of rigorous theological education and ministerial formation. The program runs ten months per year, with two months off in the summer. The monthly residential weekends run from Friday evening through Sunday lunch. Residential weekends are held at one of our beautiful diocesan conference centers. Each weekend will include an introduction to the breadth of spiritual practices, discussion and integration of the assigned academic material, leadership development and education, and a deep immersion into the richness and diversity of Episcopal liturgical tradition and practice. In between residential weekends, students will view the Iona video modules, complete assigned readings and prepare for the fuller immersion into the material through faculty presentations, and discussions on the implications for the practice of ministry with guest experts and mentors from the diocese. In consultation with the Bishop, participants will be placed in an approved field education setting during the second and third years of the program. After three years, participants will have satisfied the canonical academic requirements for ordination in the Episcopal Church. Graduates receive a Certificate of Theological Education from the Seminary of the Southwest. For more information, please contact: The Rev. Pam Bright - pam.k.bright@gmail.com The Rev. Canon Rich Biega - richardbiega47@yahoo.com The Rev. Anita Ware - revanita@redeemershelby.com Iona WNC Graduation Ceremony Anita Ware graduates Iona WNC Iona WNC Matriculation Ceremony

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 Organist/Church Musician PARISH: St. Luke's, Asheville LEARN MORE Pianist/Organist PARISH: St. Mary & St. Stephen's, Morganton LEARN MORE Churchyard Administrator PARISH: Calvary, Fletcher LEARN MORE Children's Worship & Activities Minister PARISH: Grace, Asheville LEARN MORE Parish Administrator PARISH: All Saints, Franklin LEARN MORE Full-Time Jobs Priest in Charge PARISH: St. David's, Cullowhee LEARN MORE

Give to our Hurricane Helene Relief fund today. Support our ministries. Donate Now to Support Diocesan Ministries DONATE We are grateful for your generous donations as they help the ministries of our diocese flourish. To donate, Click the button above. Use the drop down menu to give a general donation through "General Donation" or to any of our specific ministries listed below. Diocesan Ministries and Funds 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. Please consider donating so this vital ministry and growing partnership can continue. Spanish-Speaking Ministries 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. Forming and Supporting 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. Likewise, our Curacy program will help us 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." Seminarian Fund Please join us in creating leaders for our church and diocese. The Seminarian Fund helps students with funding for tuition, books, and living expenses. This is not only beneficial to them in the immediate future, but also long-term, as it decreases post graduation debt. Church of the Advocate The Red Door is a place to be in community with others, find acceptance, and create lasting friendships. The Red Door provides not only worship services for those in the community, but has many active ministries, including their First Aid station, The Basics Supply Closet, Sole Mate Shoe Closet, and more. The Red Door clergy, staff and community are active participants in and host monthly meetings of The Homeless Coalition of Asheville to listen and share with other agencies, ministries and organizations so that they know the resources available to those in need and how they can best be accessed. Blue Ridge Service Corps Blue Ridge Service Corps is our diocesan service corps program. The mission of this program is to continue the perpetual spirit of Western North Carolina by building up brave leaders, engaging with our communities to strengthen our relationships with young adults, and expand young adult ministry. Our corps members serve at local nonprofits for a 9-month commitment. Give to Blue Ridge Service Corps here. Empower Youth and 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. Support our Conference Ceters Our Camp and Conference Centers Please consider donating to our Diocesan Camp and Conference Centers if you are able. Click on a center to visit their specific giving page. Camp Henry LEARN MORE Camp Henry LEARN MORE Lake Logan LEARN MORE Lake Logan LEARN MORE Valle Crucis LEARN MORE Valle Crucis LEARN MORE

Restoration and Improvement Loans Grant description Application link Supporting documents link Past Grant Recipients Title of supported project Short description about the project

Beau's Story My mother was an alcoholic and my father died of alcoholism when I was 16. All I remember were the fights between my parents and then my mother's embarrassing behavior when she was falling down drunk. At sports, PTA, and when my friends visited. I swore I would never be like either one of them. Then one day it happened. I found myself looking into the mirror at the same face I remembered seeing every morning. Swollen eyes, puffy face, black and blues everywhere and I couldn't remember where I'd left my car, or, who this person was in my bed. After fighting getting help, I thought I would ask a friend that went to AA if he thought I was an alcoholic. He put his arm around me and said, "I don't know. Only you know. But if you'd like to join me at a meeting, I'd love to take you." I couldn't believe how kind everyone was. I felt so broken and thought these people are willing to catch me in my brokenness and teach me how to live without drinking. I can't say I made it the first time, but now I have 2 years and my life has totally changed. I love my job, my family loves me and I have hope for the future. No amount of drinking ever made me feel this good. Beau P. Don't quit before the miracle!

Local Action Church of the Advocate Church of the Advocate is both a ministry and a worshiping community of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Church of the Advocate welcomes persons from all walks of life and its mission is to be present and attend to the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless in Asheville. The community meets in the Undercroft of Trinity Episcopal Church and each Sunday holds a Eucharist service and serves a meal. You can learn more here . Towel Ministry Towel Ministry is a distinguished ministry in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and a recognized Jubilee Site in The Episcopal Church. Initiated in the 80s, Towel Ministry provides housing improvements, repairs and maintenance for elderly, disabled, and marginalized people. Starting out as a summer teen camp, Towel Ministry is a way for people of all ages to put the gospel into a hands-on ministry. Typical work projects might include handicap access, roofing repair, painting, yard clean-up and other simple projects that can be managed by a small group. You can learn more here . Habitat for Humanity For over 25 years, parishes all across the Diocese of Western North Carolina have collaborated in ministry to sponsor and build houses with Habitat for Humanity. Together, they continue to provide safe and decent housing for families and build stable and secure communities. Jericho Road Soup Kitchen The Jericho Road Soup Kitchen is a ministry born out of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Rutherfordton, NC. This weekly Wednesday soup kitchen was the dream of two parishioners and now serves upwards of 100 families weekly in the New Hope Community. To learn more about this ministry, please visit www.stgabrielsepiscopal.com/jericho-road-soup-kitchen Hope Vibes Laundry Ministry Hope Vibes is a traveling laundry ministry serving the Charlotte area. Every third Thursday, St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Gastonia, NC becomes a hub of resources for the local community--from haircuts to homemade meals, laundry services to a traveling shower. To learn more about this unique ministry, visit their website at https://www.hopevibes.org/

Young Adult Community We invite young adults to join us as we live out our calling to the Jesus Movement of the Episcopal Church. The Jesus Movement calls us to literally act as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. We express this call through our commitment to global mission, social engagement, and local action in our young adult communities. If you would to chat about engagement, email Kelsey Davis . Connect with Local Communities: Blue Ridge Service Corps Blue Ridge Service Corps is the Episcopal Diocese of WNC's program of the Episcopal Service Corps. This program invites young adults to complete a year of service by walking their path and seeing where God is at work in their lives. The young adults will be nurtured through the work they do at local non-profits, living in intentional community, and deepening their spiritual awareness through connection with local Episcopal churches. For more information about this community please visit Blue Ridge Service Corps . 3rd Place, Boone 3rd Place is a collaboration between the Episcopal and Presbyterian (U.S.A) Churches that provides opportunities for people to experience a sense of connection, community, and belonging. We partner with a variety of faith communities, non-profits, student groups, and artists to create spaces where people can be known by their community, pursue justice, explore spirituality, and express themselves creatively. Learn more about 3rd place on their website. Be Part of the Jesus Movement: Creation Care LEARN MORE Creation Care LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Global Mission LEARN MORE Global Mission LEARN MORE Social Engagement LEARN MORE Social Engagement LEARN MORE Local Action LEARN MORE Local Action

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

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/

Executive Council Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Executive Council implements the work of the Diocese between Conventions. The Executive Council includes: Bishop José (chair); 18 elected members serving 3-year terms (1 clergy and 1 lay person from every Deanery, and 6 at-large lay members); the Dean of the Cathedral of All Souls (ex-officio); the Chancellor of the Diocese; and the Treasurer of the Diocese. Up to six meetings are held annually, plus an overnight retreat in January. Elected members having served a full term shall be ineligible for reelection for a period of two years. Likewise, Deans of Deaneries are ineligible. President of the Executive Council – The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin, Bishop Vice President of the Executive Council – Jann Mellman At-Large Members: Sandra Smith (2024–2026), Jann Mellmann (2024–2026), Doug Orville (2025-2027), Don Hunley (2025-2027), Dr. Daniel Raiford (2026-2028), Kathy Wright (2026-2028) The Rev. David McNair St. John's, Asheville - 2026–2028 Sandy Rountree St. James, Black Mountain - 2023–2025 ASHEVILLE DEANERY The Rev. Logan Lovelace St. Mary's St. Stephen's - 2024–2026 Mr. Steve Snyder St. Alban's, Hickory - 2026–2028 FOOTHILLS DEANERY MOUNTAIN DEANERY The Rev. Perry Hildreth Holy Communion - 2025–2027 Jean Harrison St. Luke's, Boone - 2025-2027 HENDERSONVILLE DEANERY The Rev. David Henson St. James, Hendersonville - 2024-2026 Ms. Amy Cook St. Paul's, Edneyville - 2025-2027 PIEDMONT DEANERY The Rev. Ron Taylor St. Peter by the Lake, Denver - 2026–2028 Ms. Sandra Miller Camp St. Gabriel's, Rutherfordton - 2026–2028 WESTERN DEANERY The Rev. Skully Knight Incarnation, Highlands - 2025–2027 Ms. Lee Berger All Saints, Franklin - 2024–2026

Convention Homepage Accommodations Accommodations at Lake Logan have been reserved for those in our diocese who are located roughly 2+ hours away. Those eligible for this lodging have already been identified and will be notified in the near future. We have curated the following recommendations for others looking for local accommodations. AirBnB or VRBO may have suitable options as well. Hilton Garden Inn - Asheville South 9 Rocky Ridge Rd Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 633-6024 Holiday Inn - Biltmore West 435 Smokey Park Hwy Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 665-2161 Best Western Smoky Mountains 130 Shiloh Tr. Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-4402 Waynesville Inn by Hilton 176 Country Club Dr. Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-3551

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 - Printable Document (return before visit) Visitation Form - Jotform (return before visit) Visiting 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

Diocesan Calendar View our calendar below or visit our Upcoming Events page for more detailed information about select events.