Diocesan Deputation Represents South Carolina at 81st General Convention

Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley and our full diocesan deputation are in Louisville, Kentucky, for the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Legislative sessions began today after an opening Eucharist, and will continue through Friday. It is a joy to be together with representatives of more than 100 other dioceses of The Episcopal Church, including this…
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St. George’s, Summerville, Welcomes Their Deacon-in-Charge

The congregation of St. George’s, Summerville, welcomed the Rev. Deacon Michael Crandall for his first Sunday on June 2, 2024. He is currently serving as deacon-in-charge until his ordination to the priesthood on October 26, when he will offically become rector of this beloved congregation. Deacon Crandall preached at both services on Sunday, at 8…

The Episcopal Church on Edisto Becoming St. Francis Episcopal Church

After becoming a parish at our diocesan convention in November 2022 and then welcoming their first rector last summer, The Episcopal Church on Edisto began exploring the possiblity of changing their church name. With the help of a Naming Task Force, the possibilities were narrowed down to three options. At their congregational meeting in January, members…
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The Rev. Joseph Smith Named Dean of the West Charleston Deanery

Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has appointed the Rev. Joseph Smith, rector of the Episcopal Church on Edisto (soon to be formally known as St. Francis), Edisto Island, as Dean of the West Charleston Deanery. Fr. Smith succeeds the Rev. Dow Sanderson, priest-in-charge of Good Shepherd, Summerville, who has fulfilled the role with grace and devotion since…

The Rev. Ross Tortora Ordained to the Priesthood

The Reverend Rosario Francis (Ross) Tortora was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston. Father Ross, who was initially ordained to the vocational diaconate, spent many months of discernment about this call to the priesthood. In April, he received final confirmation from Bishop Ruth…
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Clergy News: The Rev. Len Williams, 1940-2024

With sadness we share the news that the Rev. Len Williams died on Monday, May 13. Father Len most recently served as interim priest-in-charge of Epiphany, Summerville, and was chaplain emeritus of the Charleston Port and Seafarers’ Society. A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston on Saturday, May 25, at 11…

Stephenie Benes Named Diocesan Comptroller

The Right Reverend Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has appointed Stephenie Benes as Diocesan Comptroller, effective May 7, 2024. “Stephenie comes to our team with all the skills we need to take us to the next level in the financial management of our diocese,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. “Her work will support churches across the diocese as faithful stewards…
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Shawan Gillians Named a Postulant for Holy Orders

It was announced at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Charleston on Sunday, April 28, 2024, that on April 26, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley formally accepted B. Shawan Gillians as a postulant for Holy Orders. Shawan, a practicing attorney, received her juris doctor from the College of William and Mary in 2007 and an MBA from the…

Good Shepherd, Sumter, Hosts Pysanka Folk Artist During Easter Weekend

Good Shepherd, Sumter hosted a demonstration by Ukrainian-born, Pysanka folk artist Yevheniia Bazaliy as part of its Easter weekend celebrations. Bazaliy’s two-hour demonstration included an introduction to tools and materials—beeswax, dyes, eggshells and kistka (wax stylus)—and to the process of drawing the design on the egg, applying wax to enhance the design, and dipping the egg…
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Clergy News: The Rev. Roy Hills

The Rev. Roy Hills, who has served St. James-Santee, McClellanville as priest-in-charge since October 2020, recently announced to the congregation his plans to retire from this role in the coming months. Fr. Hills has been working with Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley and Canon Philip Linder on the details of his retirement and the transition process, but…