ABOUT THE DIOCESE

About the Episcopal Diocese of Washington

The Diocese of Washington comprises 38,000 people in 86 congregations, and the heart of our life and ministry is found in those congregations, as well as in our Episcopal schools, service ministries, and most importantly, in the lives of our members. We’re learning together what it means to follow Jesus and to be God’s church.

While our name is the Episcopal Diocese of Washington,  our congregations, schools and other ministries are located in four Maryland counties–Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles and St. Mary’s–as  well as the District of Columbia.

Our mission, as a diocese, is to engage a changing world with an enduring faith in Jesus Christ so that more people may know God’s love.

Our priorities are growing Christian community, connecting spirituality to everyday life and striving for justice.

38,000

PEOPLE

86

CONGREGATIONS

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde
Bishop of Washington

STAFF DIRECTORY

The Diocean staff assist the Bishop in her ministry with a specific focus on congregational vitality and ministry with youth and families…

FIND A CHURCH

Looking for a church home? Visiting the area?

Or maybe you jut want to explore a different worship experience.
Whatever the reason for your search, we’re here to help you find
a parish where your faith can flourish.

 

WHAT DO EPISCOPALIANS BELIEVE?

We Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As constituent members of the Anglican Communion in the United States, we are descendants of and partners with the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church, and are part of the third largest group of Christians in the world.

HISTORY OF EDOW

In 1895, the Diocese of Maryland was subdivided to create the Diocese of Washington, but the Episcopal Church’s history in this area of approximately 1,864 square miles – Washington, D.C., and the Maryland Counties of Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles and St. Mary’s – began well before the diocese was born.

St. George's Church, Valley Lee, Maryland was founded in 1638
Bishop Henry Yates Satterlee (vested) and the 1907 chapter of Washington National Cathedral
Exterior of St. Andrew's at groundbreaking for new parish hall - September 1954