“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.” 

On January 21, Bishop Mariann ascended the steps of the Canterbury Pulpit at Washington National Cathedral to preach the gospel at the Service of Prayer for the Nation. Her sermon reverberated around the world, offering a faithful and courageous response in a time of uncertainty and fear.

Later that same week, the diocese gathered for A Service Toward Repentance—an opportunity to reckon with our own history and responsibilities and affirm that setting Christ before us calls us not only to witness, but to repair, to repent, and to walk together toward justice. The following day, the 130th Annual Convention passed a landmark resolution establishing a Reparations Committee and committing $5 million over ten years to “address and recommend reparative measures for historical and ongoing injustices inflicted on affected clergy, congregations and communities.” Preparatory conversations were hosted by the School for Christian Faith and Leadership hosted conversations on reparations. Earlier in the month, Bishop Mariann ordained one person to the priesthood and four to the transitional diaconate.

“While the scope of job loss and threatened job loss impacts communities across the country, our beloved DMV is at the center of it all.” 

As uncertainty rippled through the region due to often chaotic changes in the federal workforce, the diocese responded with a ministry of presence. Bishop Mariann gathered with federal workers and their loved ones to offer spiritual support and mutual strengthening, underscoring a core conviction of our life together: no one should have to endure this crisis alone.

Bishop Mariann and her staff met with the Unstuck Group to begin evaluating the fruitfulness of the Diocesan Strategic Plan, asking, “What comes next?” First up? Engaging the Rev. Gay Jennings to perform an assessment. The Committee on Congregational Stewardship and Diocesan Support hosted listening sessions that continued our ongoing discernment around congregational investment in our common diocesan mission and ministry.

“Adaptive leadership requires unlearning and a willingness to let go of past successes and past failures.” 

At a Tending Our Soil Learning Lab, the Rev. Peter Ackerman, rector of Christ Church, Chaptico, led parish teams through the practices of adaptive leadership, inviting them to remain grounded, connected, and open to experimentation. This posture—rooted in humility and trust—has become increasingly essential as congregations navigate change together.

Members of the Diocesan Reparations Committee were announced. Applications opened for congregational grants to support university ministry. The School for Christian Faith and Leadership hosted Vacation Bible School for Grown-ups. Bishop Mariann appointed the Rev. Aaron R. Dunn as Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for the diocese. Clergy Conference and a regional deans planning retreat brought clergy peers together. The spring Service of Confirmation at Washington National Cathedral included 230 confirmations, receptions, and reaffirmations—and four bishops! Bishop Mariann joined Tim Shriver, founder of UNITE, for a discussion about the Dignity Index.

“As you know, this summer is marked by rising human need—close to home, across the nation, and throughout the world. Some within our diocesan family are facing tremendous hardship. The overlapping circles of suffering we witness and experience can feel overwhelming.”

In July, Bishop Mariann named the overlapping circles of suffering visible across our communities and announced discretionary grants aimed at direct relief. These investments reflected a diocesan commitment to respond quickly, compassionately, and in partnership with those closest to the need. Gifts included $5,000 to each of the eight regions of the diocese for congregational ministries addressing local food insecurity, $5,000 to the Diocese of West Texas in response to the catastrophic flooding in the Guadalupe River Valley, $5,000 to Episcopal clergy in Haiti to address basic needs in the midst of chaos and violence, and $5,000 to the Diocese of Jerusalem to support our Christian siblings in a region of deep suffering.

The Well made its official “public” launch with its most popular gathering: Faith Conversations & Brunch. Diocesan staff updates (actualizaciones del person diocesano) were announced, our diocesan deacons gathered for a joyful day of fellowship, and four people were ordained to the priesthood at Washington National Cathedral.

“Our Latine identity is never one-dimensional. It is mosaic-like, always negotiating space between family, faith, language, and culture… Hispanic Heritage Month reminds me that to celebrate identity is to embrace complexity.”

A class on Latine/a/o Biblical Hermeneutics class prompted Mildred Reyes, Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries & Diocesan Initiatives—and postulant in the priesthood ordination process—into a heartfelt reflection on the nature of identity. Her story underscored the call to remain attentive—to listen well and to honor the many ways Christ is revealed among us.

A diocesan communications audit was launched. The Rev. Emily Labrecque shared what it means to be living in the Age of Authenticity. We announced the recipients of grants supporting parishes called to walk with university neighbors in new ways. Honoring the legacy of St. Philip the Evangelist, Anacostia and our commitment to reparations, and led by the Rev. Melanin Mullen, we launched Phase 2 of the East of the River Ministry initiative, a plan to revision the historic property as a community-centered ministry hub. More than fifty individuals from around the diocese came together at San Mateo to learn about the many ways to support migrants in this difficult and dangerous time.

It was a roomful of people who had plenty of reasons to be suspicious of one another’s intentions. It was also a roomful of people who sense the same spiritual hunger that I increasingly sense in myself and in others.”

When the Rev. Canon Anna Olson joined leaders from education, politics, organizing, and faith communities at the Dignity Leadership Summit, she stepped into one of the most politically and theologically diverse spaces she’d encountered in years. What she witnessed underscored a simple truth: moving beyond our culture’s addiction to contempt begins with choosing to honor the dignity of every person.

We held Reimagining Intergenerational Ministry, aimed at finding creative ways to meet current generations where they are. The second annual Be a Blessing: Youth Day of Service saw significant growth in participation. Clergy gathered for fellowship and reflection with Brother James Dowd. Parishes shared their work to feed and house people, protect the environment, and support immigrants and federal workers in response to the Equity & Justice Survey 2025. Diocesan staff and leaders from the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council gathered to vision our strategic priorities for 2026. The fall confirmation service at Washington National Cathedral included three bishops and 122 confirmations, receptions, and reaffirmations. The Anglican Communion announced Bishop Sarah Mullally would become the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury—the first woman to serve in the role.