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
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.
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.
Honoring Those Who Came Before Us
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…
Scholarship Opportunity
Women in Theology Graduate Studies Scholarship
Deadline: April 1, 2026
Award Amount: $5,000
Submit to: scholarship@ecwnational.org
OVERVIEW
This scholarship supports a woman pursuing graduate-level studies in theology, religious
studies, or ministry (lay or ordained). Learn More
Communique’ Fall 2025
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
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