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A History of the Episcopal Diocese in Western North Carolina Our Story The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina formally began in 1922, when the Missionary District of Asheville, a part of the Diocese of North Carolina, became a separate and independent Diocese of its own. But we believe our story is deeper and richer than one historical event. Indeed, the foundation of The Episcopal Church in the Blue Ridge Mountains is built upon a fundamental appreciation of the sacred nature of our geography, the perseverance of the early settlers, the humility of our missionaries, and the pioneering spirit of those who worked to exemplify the radical hospitality of God’s love to all people. We welcome you to discover more of our story and the stories of those who came before us. Indeed, these particular men and women, and many others not mentioned here, all contributed to the abiding character of our diocesan family and continue to inspire us to bear witness to the Gospel imperatives of compassion, justice, reconciliation and joy. Next Page >>> 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

Financial Resources The Diocese of Western North Carolina is dedicated to helping provide financial resources as we look forward to the future of ministry. To find more information about diocesan Grants and Loans, please visit our Grants and Loans page or contact our Chief Financial Officer at cfocarol@diocesewnc.org Diocesan Financial Resources First Webinar on the CARES Act and Family First Act with CFO Carol Tannenbaum Powerpoint Presentation for First Webinar on CARES & Family First Acts Online Payment Resources Give+ - Use your mobile devise to make secure donations to any church VANCO - Everything you need to take electronic donations and stay connected Network for Good - Reach your fundraising goals with all-in-one donor management software Paypal - An easy online payment service to help keep all payments in one place Tithe.ly - Increase giving and engagement with tools built for churches and ministries Stripe - Build powerful and flexible tools for internet commerce Additional Options Regarding ACS - Read more about online giving options epending on a parish's use of ACS software Support Local Agencies Pisgah Legal Services - Pisgah Legal Services seeks to pursue justice by providing legal assistance and advocacy to help low-income people in Western North Carolina meet their basic needs and improve their lives. Red Door Ministry - This worship center offers basic resources, a safe haven and an accepting community to the homeless and under housed. Second Harvest Food Barn - Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina strives through education, advocacy, and partnerships to eliminate hunger by the solicitation and distribution of food. Samaritan Kitchen of Wilkes - Food pantry feeding the hungry in Wilkes Country, NC.

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. Andrew Hege – St. Mary of the Hills – President of Standing Committee Ms. Jacque Dunbar – St. Luke’s, Boone – Class of 2025 The Rev. Susan Buchanan – St. James, Lenoir – Class of 2026 Ms. Jane Schronce – St. Luke's, Lincolnton – Class of 2026 The Rev. 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 Standing Committee Members

Global Partnerships Mission is the hallmark of our vocation as followers of Jesus. Jesus invited his friends to share with all people everywhere, by word and action, the Good News of God’s love for the whole world. In The Episcopal Church, we understand this movement out into our neighborhoods across the street and communities on the other side of the world must be grounded in relationships of mutual respect, care and trust. Mission is no longer simply an act of benevolent charity; it truly is engaging in relationship building. Haiti LEARN MORE Haiti LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Cuba LEARN MORE Cuba Global Mission Grants Global Mission Grants further support efforts to exemplify Jesus’ promise to bring an abundant life to all, particularly those who due to prejudice, injustice, and poverty, live in scarcity. To learn more about these grants, please click here .

Find a Church - Map Next Our diocese consists of 63 parishes, 5 summer chapels, 2 conference centers, 1 retirement community and 1 parochial school across the 28 western-most counties of the state. Find a church that works for you here!

Convention Homepage Accommodations HOTELS: With Convention taking place in a single day this year, we are not reserving any hotel blocks. For those of you who wish to stay overnight, any hotels in the Asheville area will work well. We are recommending the following hotels for your convenience. Hampton Inn & Suites 18 Rockwood Road Fletcher, NC 28732 855-605-0317 Hampton Inn Biltmore Village 117 Hendersonville Road Asheville, NC 28803 866-994-9765 Holiday Inn & Suites 9 Brian Blvd Arden, NC 28704 828-684-6000 Courtyard by Marriott 360 Rockwood Road Arden, NC 28704 844-631-0595 Clarion Inn Asheville Airport 550 Airport Road Fletcher, NC 28732 828-483-4260 Clarion Inn Biltmore Village 234 Hendersonville Road Asheville, NC 28803 828-673-8573 Wingate by Wyndham 31 Airport Park Road Fletcher, NC 28732 866-994-9765 Comfort Inn Asheville Airport 15 Rockwood Road Fletcher, NC 28732 828-827-0705

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 .

Virtual Worship in WNC Because of the threat of COVID-19, many of the churches in our Diocese have turned to virtual worship during this time. You can find many resources and livestreams from our parishes here. How is your parish working to keep people connected during this time? Let us know , and we'll share it here.

Back Safeguarding & Securing Our Churches Below you will find resources for you and your parish to help ensure a safe church for all. If you have any further questions or need help with Safe Church, Safe Communities Training, please contact the Director for Lifelong Christian Formation, Eden Lewis. The web address for online training is https://www.praesidiumacademy.com/ Jesus Christ calls us to loving relationships that are healthy and helpful to each other. The obligation to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being is binding for all the baptized. Educating and empowering the people of our diocese is central to creating and maintaining safe churches and activities for everyone. The Diocese of Western North Carolina requires many ministry positions and volunteers to complete Safe Church Training. All Safe Church, Safe Communities Training is done through online modules by Praesidium Academy . Every church is encouraged to assign an administrator to keep track of parishioners' training. If you need help setting up an administrator, please get in touch with Eden Lewis. Who is required to take Safeguarding Training? All clergy—whether stipendiary, non-stipendiary, or otherwise—who are engaged in any ministry or service to the church. All vestry members or members of similar decision-making groups who have the authority to approve the creation of ministries, programs, or activities for children or youth. All persons who teach, supervise, or assist with supervising children or youth in ministries, programs, or activities more than occasionally. All persons who provide transportation to children or youth more than occasionally. All paid or volunteer church personnel whose work regularly takes them throughout the facility or grounds, and/or who interact regularly with church members or the community. Safe Church, Safe Community Training Guidelines Clergy, Staff, and Vestry Volunteers FAQS for Learners FAQS for Administrators Resources for Securing Our Churches Safe Church Policies There are several policies guiding the church in right relationships with children of all ages. Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Background Checks Clergy, Staff, Vestry members, or those who supervise or transport children and youth are required to undergo a background check every five years. Learn more about background checks here . Additional Resources Model policy for parishes Sample application for employees or volunteers Guidelines for Social Media

Empowering Youth and Young Adults Our young people are a significant part of our vision in the diocese to “walk in the way of Jesus, change the world." Our youth, young adult, and college campus programs are structured to supplement the youth and young adult ministry programs of local parishes. Youth LEARN MORE Youth LEARN MORE LEARN MORE College Campuses LEARN MORE College Campuses LEARN MORE Young Adults LEARN MORE Young Adults

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 (2025) 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. Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training (both the child and adult workshops) must be current within 5 years. If you’re uncertain when you last took the training, please contact Augusta Anderson . We will not relicense clergy without current training. Click he re for information on misconduct prevention training. Clergy who have previously received training are eligible to take online training. Contact Augusta Anderson for an online training guide and password. 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. (link to form provided above) Supply Clergy List Supply Clergy Honoraria Guidelines

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

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/

Building Beloved Community & Racial Reconciliation "As your Bishop, I remain deeply committed to this work not just by the words I share but in action. Since becoming your bishop, I have encouraged and guided a concerted effort to expand our dedication to Building Beloved Community and dismantling racism and be at the heart of all we do, including all diocesan-wide programming, budget, discernment for holy orders process, leadership development, and recruitment of clergy. Building Beloved Community also invites us to refine our diocesan Latino mission to equip and empower congregations to explore bi-cultural ministries as well as conversations and advocacy on immigration. Building Beloved Community invites us to listen and learn about our Eastern Band of the Cherokee brothers and sisters on the Qualla Boundary and how the Episcopal Church can partner with other Christian communities to serve alongside and support indigenous ministries. Additionally, Building Beloved Community includes strengthening our commitment to racial equity and justice for African Americans in our communities, including our support for locally owned black business that have been hit harder by the impact of this pandemic and minority communities that are disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 health crisis. As a diocese, we are committed to living by the words of John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” It is with love that we will create a Beloved Community." The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin, Bishop, Diocese of Western North Carolina For decades, the Episcopal Church has extolled a consistent message of education on the systemic sin of racism and taken action to eliminate racism wherever it exists—our institutions, communities, churches, and in ourselves. Indeed, as The Episcopal Church's commission states, "Reconciliation is the spiritual practice of seeking a loving, liberating, and life-giving relationship with God and one another, and striving to heal and transform injustice and brokenness in ourselves, our communities, and society." The Episcopal Church provides a variety of resources in the vital work of racial reconciliation. One such resource is Becoming Beloved Community, a set of int errelated commitments around which Episcopalians may organize our many efforts to respond to racial injustice and grow a community of reconcilers , justice-makers, and healers. Visit our "Unlearning Library" for Building Beloved Community Resources Download Becoming Beloved Community summary. Download the full Becoming Beloved Community curriculum. Read the 2018–2020 Racial Audit of Episcopal Leadership from The Episcopal Church Racial Justice and Equity LEARN MORE Racial Justice and Equity LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Latino Ministries LEARN MORE Latino Ministries LEARN MORE Honoring Indigenous Land and People LEARN MORE Honoring Indigenous Land and People 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. The pilgrimage is part of the larger ongoing work of Becoming Beloved Community in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. To learn more about this work, please visit The Official Website by CLICKING HERE. Watch the Introduction to Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage Beginning in February 2021, the Diocese launched a 4-week video series featuring the stories of voices of color from around the diocese. In August 2021, the series was brought back as a monthly feature, known as Barrier Breakers: Amplifying Voices of Color in the Diocese of Western North Carolina . Watch some of our Barrier Breakers below, or subscribe to our mailing list to get the newest video sent to your inbox each month. Barrier Breakers: Amplifying Voices of C... Play Video Play Video 03:50 BARRIER BREAKERS - Allen Fullwood Allen Fullwood is a member of St. Mary's St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Morganton, NC and has a long history with the diocese, even before he was a part of it. This is his story. To learn more about St. Mary's St. Stephen's, visit their website at https://sites.google.com/view/stmarysandststephensmorganton/stmarysandststephens To watch a full playlist of Barrier Breakers videos, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyEN10joSuwK6meAnJXltcyQLLpj15hxP MEDIA IN THIS VIDEO: St Stephen's Episcopal Church Youth Choir photo was provided to the diocese by the History Museum of Burke County. Play Video Play Video 05:48 BARRIER BREAKERS - Gordon Hamilton Gordon Hamilton is a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Tryon, NC and has deep family roots in Western North Carolina. Since beginning a journey of uncovering his family history, he has found many connections to the history of Good Shepherd. This is his story. Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherdtryon.org/ Click here to watch a full playlist of Barrier Breakers videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyEN10joSuwK6meAnJXltcyQLLpj15hxP Play Video Play Video 05:18 BARRIER BREAKERS - The Rev. Oscar Rozo The Rev. Oscar Rozo is the Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries in the Diocese of WNC. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Oscar is seeking ways to bridge the gaps between the Anglo and Latino worlds and create multicultural community. This is his story. Play Video Play Video 04:04 BARRIER BREAKERS: The Rev. Toni Belhu The Rev. Toni Belhu serves both St. Gabriel's and St. Francis Episcopal Churches in Rutherfordton, NC. As a woman of color with a special interest in language and Latinx communities, Toni was the perfect candidate to serve in Rutherfordton, a large center of Latinx communities and home to one of the diocese's oldest historically black churches. This is her story. Play Video Play Video 04:48 BARRIER BREAKERS: Judy Warner Judy Warren is a Communicant at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Burnsville, NC. For the past few years, Judy has been learning about her own story as a person of indigenous ancestry and how she can continue to learn and share the history of native peoples in the Americas. This is her story. To learn more about St. Thomas, visit https://www.stthomasonline.org/ Play Video Play Video 03:07 BARRIER BREAKERS: The Rev. Deacon Bobby Lynch and Helen Lynch Bobby and Helen Lynch have been members of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Rutherfordton for over 50 years. In 1975, Bobby Lynch was ordained as one of the first deacons of color in WNC. Since his ordination, he and Helen have served the St. Gabriel's community and beyond in a number. of ways and have made quite the impact on the Rutherfordton community. This is their story. Learn more about St. Gabriel's, Rutherfordton on their website at https://www.stgabrielsepiscopal.com/ Play Video Play Video 05:25 BARRIER BREAKERS: Deacon Glenda's Story Glenda McDowell is the first female deacon of color to be ordained in the diocese. Since her ordination in 2012, she has served the Cathedral of All Souls and has been an advocate for voices of color in the Episcopal Church. This is her story. Play Video Play Video 02:58 BARRIER BREAKERS: Pam's Story Pam Hemphill is a member of St. Mary's St.Stephen's and has long been a major part of the work being done in the diocese too repair the breach. This is her story.

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

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

Vestry Certificate of Election Convention Homepage “Canon 1 of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church requires that lay delegates be confirmed adult (16 yrs. or older) communicants in good standing, enrolled at your church. The Certificate of Election verifies the election of lay delegates from each parish. This certificate is to be completed by the clerk of your vestry.” Vestry Certificate of Election is due October 24, 2025. Complete the Vestry Certificate of Election

St. Hilda's Press Grant The St. Hilda's Press Grant is intended to support congregations in printing projects, such as church history or other publishing projects related to the parish. Apply for this Grant

Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grant The Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grants support the development of outreach programs for and with children in need. Special consideration will be given to applications that envision children serving children. Applications for these grants are due no later than April 30. Questions regarding Children's Outreach Grants can be directed to Diocesan CFO, Carol Tannenbaum . Apply for this Grant Grant Reporting form Past Grant Recipients 2023 Patricia Minkler Howell Grant Awards by The Rev. Kevin Todd Chair, PMH Grant Committee On behalf of the newly formed Patricia Minkler Howell Grant Committee, I am pleased to... Diocese of WNC New Grant Offers Boost for Children’s Outreach By Rachel Carr, Diocesan Missioner for Communications George Howell loves helping young people. From serving as a youth pastor to raising... Diocese of WNC

Deaneries of the Diocese Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance From the Piedmont to the Mountains, our diocese covers a diverse group of landscapes and communities. The Diocese is divided into six geographical regions designated as a deanery. One clergy leader is elected as Dean of each deanery and the Deans meet monthly with the Bishop to discuss and address diocesan affairs and local concerns. Learn more about our deaneries below: ASHEVILLE DEANERY The Rev. Robert Wetherington St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Asheville, NC rector@stmarysasheville.org Learn more about this deanery FOOTHILLS DEANERY The Rev. Jonathan Stepp St. Alban's, Hickory, NC frjonathan@stalbansparish.org Learn more about this deanery HENDERSONVILLE DEANERY The Rev. J. Clarkson Calvary Episcopal Church, Fletcher jclarkson@calvaryfletcher.org Learn more about this deanery MOUNTAIN DEANERY The Rev. Andrew Hege St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock, NC rector@stmaryofthehills.org Learn more about this deanery PIEDMONT DEANERY The Rev. Tara Bartal St. Peter by-the-Lake, Denver mthr.tara@spbtl.com Learn more about this deanery WESTERN DEANERY The Rev. Rob Wood Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Cashiers, NC rwood.gs@gmail.com Learn more about this deanery