The National Episcopal Church Women and its local groups are ministries of the Episcopal Church

The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church. Every three years it meets as a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, composed of deputies and bishops from each diocese. The 82nd General Convention is scheduled to meet in Phoenix, Arizona from July 3 – 8, 2027. For information on recent General Conventions, please view our “Recent General Conventions” page. The National Episcopal Church Women will be attending the convention and holding national elections.

National Episcopal Church Women Board Meeting

Reporting Period: September–December 2025

Since the September 2025 Board Meeting, I have remained actively engaged in representing and advancing the mission and ministry of the National Episcopal Church Women through worship leadership, governance, communications, partnerships, and provincial and diocesan engagement.

Provincial, Diocesan, and National Engagement

In October, I had the honor of serving as keynote speaker at the Arkansas ECW Fall Gathering (October 10–11), offering reflections on the theme “Cultivate and Let Go.” I also attended the Province I ECW Annual Meeting via Zoom on October 18, along with the virtual event Balancing Act: Master the Art of ECW Budgeting, which was later posted to the NECW YouTube channel on October 19. On December 4, I was also in attendance for the stellar presentation of Saying ‘No” to Gender Violence: The Rape of Tamar” by the National ECW Chaplain Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart. This presentation was later posted on our YouTube channel also.

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A Toolkit To Work Together For Lasting Change

The National Episcopal Church Women (NECW) Board Social Justice Committee is joining hands with Episcopal Relief & Development to answer a shared call: to uplift women and girls everywhere and help them thrive in safety, dignity, and opportunity. Together, we invite our faith communities, families, and friends to engage in this transformative work through a powerful and flexible collaborative toolkit.

This initiative calls us to action — to empower women, strengthen economic stability, cultivate women leaders, and work boldly to reduce violence in all its forms. Grounded in faith and justice, the Social Justice Committee has also lifted up two urgent commitments within this effort: the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and advocacy for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. View the tool kit at the Episcopal Relief and Development website

Raising Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

Save the Date

NGO CSW70 Virtual Parallel Event

Wednesday March 11, 2026 @ 12:30 p.m. Eastern

The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) calls it members to take action in response to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), a tragedy impacting Indigenous communities across the United States and beyond. As women of faith, prayer, compassion, and advocacy, the ECW recognizes the urgent need to raise awareness, support healing, and collaborate with Indigenous leaders to seek justice and ensure the safety of Native women and their families.

Join us for a panel discussion lead by Indigenous women of the Episcopal Church, who will examine this ongoing crisis—one rooted in historical injustices, systemic violence, and complex jurisdictional challenges. Read More

The National Board has made available funding to support Diocesan level ECW groups.  These funds are for the purpose of new startups and reactivation of previous groups. To apply for these funds download and submit the application to: ECWstartupgrant@ECWnational.org

The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Board convened in San Antonio, Texas, from January 15–19, 2026.

On Sunday, the Board worshiped at Christ Episcopal Church, located in the historic Monte Vista District of San Antonio. The church’s beautiful stained-glass windows provided a peaceful and prayerful setting for worship. In keeping with longstanding tradition, the National ECW Board donates $1,000 to a charitable organization within the host diocese. This year, the Board is pleased to award a $1,000 grant to Threads of Blessing, an outreach ministry of Christ Episcopal Church that supports Ugandan women who create hand-stitched items sold in the United States.

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The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) stands on a foundation built by the faith, vision, and generosity of those who came before us. Over the years, individuals and families recognized the importance of sustaining the mission of ECW and established trust funds that continue to provide vital financial support for our work today.

These gifts were more than financial contributions; they were acts of deep trust and hope in the future of this organization and in the women who would carry its mission forward. Because of their foresight, National ECW is able to respond to emerging needs, support ministries, and remain faithful to our calling without fear of instability. Read more about the ECW’s history…

As part of our commitment to the spiritual, intellectual, and professional empowerment of women, the National ECW Board is proud to offer ten annual scholarships to support women pursuing graduate studies in ministry and healing professions.

Each scholarship provides $5,000 to ten recipients annually and is drawn from the NECW Memorial Fund. Applicants must be actively involved in an Episcopal parish and demonstrate involvement in the Episcopal Church Women at the parish, diocesan, or national level.

The scholarship applications will open February 1, 2026, and are due April 1, 2026. Applications after April 1 will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Scholarship 1: Women in Theology Graduate Scholarship

This scholarship supports five women pursuing a graduate degree in theology or religious studies to serve in ordained or lay ministry within the Episcopal Church or a related religious community. It’s purpose is to nurture and equip women leaders in the church, advancing the mission of justice, faith, and community rooted in Episcopal tradition.

Scholarship 2: Women in Healing Professions Graduate Scholarship

This scholarship supports five women pursuing a graduate degree in a healing profession, including but not limited to nursing, medicine, social work, counseling, public health, or occupational therapy. It’s purpose is to affirm the sacred call to healing and service, this scholarship empowers women dedicated to compassionate care and the well-being of their communities.

Triennial Scholarship Expansion Goal

At Triennial, the NECW aims to expand the scholarship program by:

• Increasing financial support for graduate scholarships
• Introducing a third scholarship for post-secondary education (college, vocational, or certification programs)

God has a great plan—not just for your ministry, but for your leadership journey. Trust Him, follow His direction, and let every decision reflect His heart. When we put Jesus first, everything else falls into place—not always easily, but always in His perfect order.

Lead well, dear sisters. Lead with Jesus.

Lisa Bortner – President
National Episcopal Church Women 2024 – 2027

Read this issue of the Communique’ – English

Versión en español del Comunicado’

We have stickers available for order. Choose between stylish full color or black and white.

The tri-fold flyer Grants flyer shows how to apply for a grant as well as ways to support the Episcopal Church Women community by giving to one of our many grants.

Order via our online literature request form.

The ECW wants to help our membership connect with talented speakers. Have you experienced an outstanding presenter or workshop leader? Please provide their information in the form below. We will develop a library of available speakers that can be used at the parish, diocesan, provincial and national levels. If you are a potential workshop presenter, feel free to suggest yourself. Make your suggestions here.

Support the Communique’

Digital Donations Accepted here

In a joint effort between our Communications and Creation Care Committees, we’re encouraging members to access the Communique’ online to reduce environmental impact. Members who wish to continue to receive a printed version will be able to request it via our website and choose either English or Spanish editions. Donations to cover shipping costs will be accepted. These efforts align with our growing commitment to sustainability and inclusion. Sign-up here.

Make checks payable to: Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS)

Addressed to: National Episcopal Church Women – Treasurer
Valzie Peterkin
4671 North Pine Valley Loop
Lecanto, FL 34461

We are asking all parish and diocesan Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and Women Ministries to register their group. We need your contact information to better serve you. As we gather this list of ministries, we will be able to assist those groups that register with a wider umbrella of support services. Register here

The National Board maintains two publications.

For monthly information about the Episcopal Church Women and all is local groups, this email newsletter provides a great resource. You can register to receive the News Blast at the bottom of this page.

Four times per year, the National Board publishes a print and digital magazine. The Communique’ is delivered to individuals as well as religious institutions around the world. The magazine publishes articles and news about many subjects that impact women’s lives.

See the publishing deadline dates