NEWS
Here’s where you’ll find good news stories about how we–as a diocese, as parishes, and as individuals–are drawing people to Jesus and embodying His love for the world by growing our skills as leaders, deepening our faith, and striving for justice.
Diocesan Reparations Committee Announced
Bishop Mariann is pleased to announce the members of the Reparations Committee of the Diocese of Washington. As described in the Resolution For The Creation Of A Reparations Committee, this Committee is charged with the assessment of past and present racialized injustices in the diocese, development of a comprehensive reparations plan, and implementation of reparative measures, including the expenditure of $5 million over 10 years.
Congregational Grants to Support University Ministry
Is your parish geographically close to a college or university campus? Do you wish to deepen your relationship with your university neighbors? Do you want to support them in their faith lives? If you answered yes to any of these questions and you are willing to try new approaches to creatively engage your neighbors, then you may want to consider applying for a diocesan congregational grant to support university ministry.
“It Is Written”: VBS for Grown-Ups
The School for Christian Faith and Leadership is trying something new this summer: Vacation Bible School for grown-ups! Throughout the summer, we will offer a variety of ways to engage with Scripture. There won’t be sticky cups of punch or brightly colored plastic banners (about all I remember from my one foray into VBS as a kid), but we may find ways to work in some animated Bible characters and offer small prizes for amazing feats of Biblical prowess.
The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton to Serve as Assistant Bishop
I am pleased to announce that the Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton has accepted the call to serve as part-time Assistant Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, beginning in September 2025. Bishop Sutton is no stranger to the Diocese of Washington. Born and raised in Washington, DC, Bishop Sutton served several EDOW congregations as priest and as Canon Pastor of Washington National Cathedral prior to his election as Bishop of the Diocese of Maryland, where he served from 2008-2024.
I Am Not In This Alone: Wardens Summit Recap
On April 5, at the invitation of Bishop Mariann and the School for Christian Faith and Leadership, wardens from more than half the congregations in EDOW attended the first-ever EDOW Wardens’ Summit. In the morning, wardens shared experiences. They talked about...
Emergency Relief Fund: Extending Christ’s Compassion in this Season of Need
Since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, few moments have brought such widespread uncertainty as the present. Sudden policy shifts, reductions in the federal workforce, and increased deportation efforts are leaving many of our community members vulnerable and facing difficulties. These are not distant stories—they are realities lived by members of our congregations and neighborhoods.
Working with a Persona: The Next Vital Step for St. James, Potomac
o how do we as parish leaders know who to reach out to when we are planted in a booming metropolis? Or, if we’re in a more rural area, how do we engage in the wider community in a way that might bring people through our doors? Developing a persona is one effective way to get to the root of these questions. With demographic information provided through MissionInsite about your neighbors and your own experience in the community surrounding your parish, you can begin to understand the types of neighbors you have and how you might serve their needs.
We Are Blessed by the Ones Who Come
Across all times and places, every living being seeks stability and greater security to live—whether for food, safety, or shelter. We see this in nature, as animals move from one land to another in search of survival. The same is true of the human race, which has always lived in constant displacement. Migration is not a crime; it is a natural right of every human being.
Being With Federal Workers—A Diocesan Response
On March 7, Bishop Mariann gathered online with federal workers and their loved ones to offer spiritual support and mutual strengthening during this time of chaos and uncertainty for people whose livelihood is one way or another tied to the US government. 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.
“Being With” Refugee Families Reveals the Belovedness We Share
Paul’s teaching is a reminder that as God draws us into community to share our gifts as well as our vulnerabilities, we discover a common bond of divine belovedness that transcends difference. This bond is ours through the promise of Emmanuel, God is with us. The God who has come in Jesus enters relationship with us as a companion fully present in our midst. When ministry involves being with and not simply service to, for, or about vulnerable neighbors, we can all recognize and celebrate our belovedness in God.
