Author: wwedderburn

Two boys play with small toys in the sensory room at the Church of the Nativity in Huntsville, Alabama. Photo: Church of the Nativity [Episcopal News Service] The Church of the Nativity in Huntsville, Alabama, now offers children with sensory sensitivities a special place where they can take a break, relax and regroup. And for…

[Religion News Service] The Pew Research Center Religious Landscape Study’s 2023-24 edition, released on Feb. 26, points at changes in American religious observance, including those identifying as Christian, stabilizing after years of steady decline and growth of the religiously unaffiliated leveling off. Generally, a decline in American religiousness observed since at least 2007 has slowed over the past…

Washington Bishop Mariann Budde inspects some of the more than 20,000 pieces of mail she has received since her post-inauguration sermon Jan. 21 at Washington National Cathedral. Photo: Laura Natta/Diocese of Washington [Episcopal News Service] Washington Bishop Mariann Budde has drawn intense national and international attention in the past month for her Jan. 21 sermon…

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe shared his vision for The Episcopal Church’s future during a keynote conversation at the 40th annual Episcopal Parish Network conference in Kansas City, Missouri, Feb. 26, 2025. Photo: Caitlin Callahan [Episcopal News Service] “We’re embarking on a season of change … and it’s never easy,” Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe said during…

[Melbourne Anglican] At-risk young people are being equipped with valuable life skills to help them transition into independent living thanks to a community initiative at Footscray Anglican parish. The workshops focus on car maintenance and safety and are run in partnership with Concern Australia, a youth charity that works with disadvantaged young people across Melbourne. Footscray…

[Office of the Archbishop of York] Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell has expressed concern over the decision by the United Kingdom’s government to cut Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income, following the prime minister’s announcement of increased defense spending. While acknowledging the need for investment in national security, Cottrell…

[Religion News Service] Religious groups challenging President Donald Trump won a pair of legal victories this week, blocking the administration’s efforts to dismantle the refugee program and reinstating sensitive-location protections from immigration enforcement in some houses of worship. On Feb. 25, a federal judge in Washington state sided with the plaintiffs — which included Church World…

The newly renovated chancel of St. Thomas, Columbus, Georgia, was dedicated on Feb. 23. Renovations also removed steps to the altar rail, moved the choir from a back loft to behind the altar, and created the multi-faceted wooden reredos screen. Photo: Diocese of Atlanta [Diocese of Atlanta] To sing in the choir or take Communion…

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe speaks Feb. 17 to the Executive Council committee that is studying the position of General Convention executive officer. Photo: David Paulsen/Episcopal News Service [Episcopal News Service] The realignment plan for churchwide operations that Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe unveiled last week was primarily focused on reorienting and, in some cases, phasing out…

Episcopalians gather in front of exhibition booths at the Episcopal Parish Network’s 40th annual conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Feb. 25, 2025. Photo: Shireen Korkzan [Episcopal News Service — Kansas City, Missouri] The Episcopal Parish Network’s 40th annual conference is underway as Episcopal clergy and lay leaders come together to learn from each other and…