A Message from Capital Campaign Co-chair Ray Sabalis

Dear beloved people of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina:

In 2023, the leadership of our diocese initiated a strategic visioning process that included a discernment of diocesan priorities for the future and the methods for accomplishing identified goals.

In Zoom teleconferences and in-person conversations, individual members of the diocese and the leaders of diocesan institutions shared their dreams for, and their concerns about, our diocese. The information gathered from these sessions informed new mission and vision statements that were adopted at the 233rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina in November 2023:

  • Mission: Through the liberating Gospel of Jesus, we are seeking justice, spreading Christ’s love, and walking humbly with our God.
  • Vision: The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina: Beloved Community for All

Based on these broad statements, goals and initiatives were set by the Strategic Vision Team of the diocese in the Vision Statement document. This document provides direction as we anticipate how best to accomplish our shared, desired, and ambitious goals.

A major challenge facing the diocese when it considered how best to achieve these goals was the funding sources for goal-related activities. The diocesan operating budget will be able to fund some, but not all, of these activities. Thus, in 2025, our diocesan leaders determined the need to consider a capital campaign, and a feasibility study was conducted to identify potential sources for support in a capital campaign.

Many people across the parishes of this diocese have participated in listening sessions related to the strategic visioning, and the dedicated strategic vision team has assembled a plan that addresses multiple priorities, both large and small. The response to the feasibility study and the evidence of enthusiasm among the people of this diocese for the financial support of the plan have been gratifying and heartwarming.

It has been a joy and privilege to participate, with many colleagues, in each step of this visioning process for our beloved diocese.

Ray Sabalis, Diocesan Capital Campaign Co-chair