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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

Our Leadership & Governance The Diocese of Western North Carolina is governed by the Constit ution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese . Authority of the Church in this diocese is vested in the bishop, the annual Convention of elected delegates and clergy, an elected executive council, an elected standing committee, and other canonically required committees. The business of the Diocese is conducted at an annual convention held in November. All canonically resident clergy are required to attend and each parish elects two delegates who attend. Both lay and ordained participate in deliberations and vote on a variety of resolutions, including the budget . Finally, the Diocese is divided into six geographical regions designated as deaneries. One clergy leader is elected as Dean of each deanery and meets monthly with the Bishop to discuss and address diocesan affairs and local concerns. Our Constitution and Canons TEC Constitution and Canons LEARN MORE Annual Convention LEARN MORE Annual Convention LEARN MORE Committee on Constitutions and Canons LEARN MORE Executive Council LEARN MORE Executive Council Finance Committee LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Standing Committee LEARN MORE Standing Committee LEARN MORE Deaneries LEARN MORE Deaneries The Episcopal Foundation of WNC LEARN MORE LEARN MORE The Disciplinary Board

Photo Gallery Centennial Weekend Hendersonville Deanery Dinner Piedmont Deanery Dinner Latino Community Gathering Resources for Resilience Retreat Camp Henry Day Camp 2020 Presiding Bishop Visit Asheville Deanery Dinner Mountain Deanery Dinner Indigenous Ministries Conference Middle School Conference 2021 Dismantling Racism Workshop Youth Conference 2020 Convention 2018 Western Deanery Dinner Foothills Deanery Dinner La Virgen de Guadalupe Western Deanery Confirmation Day La Capilla Clean-Up Day Convention 2019

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

Emergency resources for preparing, responding, and recovering for and from disasters. Resource Center 1/1 Preparation GO/STAY PREP CHECKLIST CHURCH PREP CHECKLIST DISASTER PREP 101 SLIDES PREPARACIÓN PARA DESASTRES 101 Mental Health Resources Feeling overwhelmed, distressed, anxious? You are not alone—help is a text or call away. The National Disaster Distress Helpline is a valuable resource for our VOAD network and accessible 24/7 for responders, support teams, volunteers—for you, however and wherever you may support in the disaster/humanitarian sector. Simply text or call 1-800-985-5990 Para ayuda en español, opríma el numero “2”. For more information, visit samhsa.gov/ddh Jada Bryson has offered free spiritual direction during this time. Contact her at Northernstar.direction@gmail.com

Creationtide 2021 Creationtide, or the Season of Creation, is an informal period in the church, from 1st September to 4th October, dedicated to God as Creator and Sustainer of all life. During this season, all members of the Diocese of WNC are invited to deepen their connections with creation and celebrate the earth we are privileged to call home. Find resources below to help you get started, or visit our Creation Care page to learn more about how we care for creation year round. Resources from the Diocese of WNC LISTEN: "Chatting Creation Care with the Rev. Anna Shine and Sarah Ogletree" podcast Creation Care Resource Guide from the Diocese of WNC WATCH: The Mary Boyer Garden at St. Luke's, Boone The Creation Care Alliance of WNC Resources from the wider church What is the Season of Creation? - from The Church of England Creationtide Resources, liturgies, and more from the Church of England Season of Creation Resources from the Anglican Communion Learn more about Creation Care Ministries in the Episcopal Church Organizations to know Creation Justice Ministries Project Drawdown The Work that Reconnects Us Network NC Interfaith Power and Light Rural Advancement Foundation GreenFaith Energy Savers Network

Forming Disciples Equipping people of all ages to know and love Jesus and live into their Baptismal Covenant is an essential ministry of the Church. The Episcopal Church understands that Christian formation and education is a holistic, life-long process. Through study, prayer, reflection, service, worship, fellowship, and exploration we come to know more about the living Christ and the hopes of God for our lives and the world. As one of the original partners, the Diocese of Western North Carolina is guided by the principles of the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation . If you have questions about Christian Formation contact Eden Lewis, Director of Lifelong Christian Formation. Below you will find important information and resources for Christian formation for people of all ages. 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. Children Engaging children and families to grow in their relationship with God and Jesus is a sacred ministry of the Christian community. Learn more Youth 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." Learn more College Connect with a college ministry on one of our four campuses. We welcome ALL! Learn more Young Adults We invite young adults to join us as we live out our calling to the Jesus Movement of The Episcopal Church. Learn more Adults Here you will find additional information and resources for the spiritual and faith formation of adults. Learn more Iona WNC Iona WNC is a part of the larger Iona Collaborative, a consortium of dozens of Episcopal dioceses seeking to expand availability to a rigorous but accessible theological education. Learn more

Join the Bishop's Cup golf tournament to support the Lake Logan Conference Center and Camp Henry summer camp. The Bishop's Cup Golf Tournament Supporting Lake Logan Episcopal Conference Center and Camp Henry Friday, April 26 Reems Creek Golf Club, Asheville Check-in - 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start - 9:30 a.m. Four-Person Team/ Captain's choice $125 per person / $500 per team Includes green fee, cart fee, box lunch & snacks Player registration opens on Monday, March 11 REGISTER Prizes include stays at Lake Logan, golf swag, Camp Henry and Lake Logan merchandise, tickets to the Cold Mountain Music Festival, and more! Help spread the word! Download Flyer Press Release Don't golf but still want to support? Sen d a kid to camp Q uestions ? Contact the Rev. Will Bryant will.bryant@allsoulscathedral.org Thank you to our sponsors! Sponsorships Become a Sponsor Saints - $5,000: Sponsors two teams Two tee box signs Eight tickets to Cold Mountain Music Festival 20% discount on Lake Logan Rental* One free Session for a child at Camp Henry Special promotion at opening ceremony of the Cup Angels - $3,000: Sponsors two teams Two tee box signs Four tickets to Cold Mountain Music Festival 15% off Lake Logan Rental* Shepherds - $1,500: Sponsors one team One tee box sign Two tickets to Cold Mountain Music Festival 10% off Lake Logan Rental* Heavenly Host - $750: Sponsors one team One tee box sign One ticket to Cold Mountain Music Festival 5% off Lake Logan Rental* *Lake Logan Rentals subject to blackout dates. Become a Sponsor

Find a Church - Interactive Map 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. Asheville Deanery Western Deanery Mountain Deanery Foothills Deanery Piedmont Deanery Hendersonville Deanery

Camp Henry Day Camp at Grace Church in the Mountains