The National Episcopal Church Women and its local groups are ministries of the Episcopal Church
Since 1871, the National Episcopal Church Women, ECW, have championed women’s rights and the Christian foundation of God and family. They are a ministry of the Episcopal Church and celebrate that Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Their women’s ministry and children’s programs feed, educate, and provide community grants around the world. They are a volunteer organization that creates a legacy for Episcopal Church Women to lead future generations with stewardship in Christ.
Serving women and girls since 1871
Raising Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
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 leaders 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.
Donate to Help the MMIW Fund
Support the ECW’s work with MMIW by donating and receiving a t-shirt. These donations are designated for our work with murdered and missing indigenous women. The national ECW board will be in New York for the UN Women conference wearing these shirts.
Triennial News
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.
Triennial Musician Wanted
The National Board of the Episcopal Church Women is inviting nominations for the Musician at the Triennial Gathering in July of 2027. We are looking for a person who will be committed to providing uplifting and culturally relevant music for the duration of the Triennial Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona in July 2027. Read the full job description
President’s Report
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.
Communique’ Winter ’25 – Spring 2026
From Christmas Light to Lenten Hope: A Journey with Intention
As we turn the page from the joy of Christmas to the revealing light of Epiphany and the reflective path of Lent, I find myself deeply grateful for the rhythms of our liturgical year. They invite us to pause, to notice, and to grow—season by season—into the women God calls us to be.
In Epiphany, that truth is illuminated and made known, reaching far beyond the manger to the very edges of the world. It is a season that reminds us that revelation is ongoing. Ash Wednesday arrives, and with it, the invitation to walk the Lenten path. It is a season of courage—because it asks us to look inward—and a season of hope—because it promises resurrection.
With gratitude and Hope,
Lisa Bortner – President
National Episcopal Church Women 2024 – 2027
Read this issue of the Communique’ – English
Diocesan ECW Start-Up Reactivated Grant Application
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
January 2026 National ECW Board Meeting Summary
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.
Lots Happening on FaceBook
New Literature Available
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.
Suggest a Workshop Presenter
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.
Sign-up for the Communique’ Magazine
Support the Communique’
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
Register Your ECW or Women’s Ministry
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
Publishing Deadlines
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.
The News Blast is how Episcopal Church Women stay informed
It has local news articles from around the country that highlight ECW and their church’s ministry work, human interest stories that affect women’s lives within the church, as well as announcements about the Communique’, workshops, NECW board news, Triennial, and Episcopal Church news that impacts the ECW and women within the church.
If you would like to submit a story link, news, or article—contact the editor at editor@ecwnational.org