Lenten Message from Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley
A transcript of the message is below: Greetings, beloved Episcopalians of the Diocese of South Carolina. As we prepare to begin the season of Lent, I wanted to offer some reflections to you about our call in the season in which we find ourselves in our country. As I’ve traveled the diocese, particularly since the…
Bishop Announces Transition on Diocesan Staff
Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley shared a message with the diocese yesterday announcing plans by Canon Andrea McKellar to step back from her role on diocesan staff as Canon for Strategy and Vitality later this summer. Canon McKellar will continue to be involved in the life and future of the diocese as a consultant for special projects,…
Youth Experience Happening #7 at St. Christopher
Happening #7 was a great success last weekend at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center. Happening is a high school retreat led by high school students, following a model of an awakening-style retreat, during which youth from around this diocese get to experience how their peers live day-to-day within their own faith journey. Through a series of talks,…
Leadership Bodies Gather for Annual Retreat
Members of the leadership bodies of the diocese (Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, Trustees, and regional deans) gathered in retreat last week at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center along with Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley and diocesan staff. The event was originally scheduled in January, but was postponed due to the wintry weather. The gathering was an…
The Rev. Absalom Jones Remembered at Voorhees University Service
Voorhees University observed the Feast Day of Absalom Jones with a service of Holy Eucharist on Tuesday, February 11. The Right Reverend Ruth Woodliff-Stanley served as celebrant, and the Right Reverend Shannon MacVean-Brown, bishop of the Diocese of Vermont, was the preacher. During her homily, Bishop MacVean-Brown shared that she has ancestors in South Carolina, many of…
Clergy News: St. Stephen’s, Charleston
St. Stephen’s, Charleston has called the Rev. Julia Madden as associate rector for pastoral care and parish life. She is currently a tansitional deacon in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and will be ordained to the priesthood on February 12 at St. Luke’s in Lincolnton, North Carolina. Rev. Madden will officially begin her ministry with St. Stephen’s on…
Clergy News: St. James-Santee, McClellanville
Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has called the Rev. John West as priest-in-charge of St. James-Santee, McClellanville. Father West was ordained to the priesthood in 2000 and has served as a priest in the Dioceses of Georgia and Virginia before making his way to the Diocese of South Carolina. “I am delighted and very happy to be…
Mutual Ministry Reviews Encouraged for Congregational Leadership
As we begin a new year, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley encourages congregational leadership to engage in mutual ministry reviews. To this end, the bishop and her staff have been implementing this process as well. With the help of the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, Bishop Ruth has been the first to undergo this important review. Rev. Jennings…
Jordan Trendelman Called as Next Rector of Holy Communion, Charleston
The vestry of the Church of the Holy Communion in Charleston, along with Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, have called Jordan Trendelman to serve as their next rector. In announcing this to their congregation, Sherry Royster, who serves as senior warden, noted that after months of searching, interviewing, and prayerful discernment, the decision to call Jordan was…
234th Diocesan Convention Explores the Wonders of the Deep
The 234th Diocesan Convention adjourned on Saturday just before noon after three days of business sessions, inspiring messages, and fellowship with people from across the diocese and special guests. The theme of this year’s convention was “Wonders in the Deep” and all of the event was held at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island,…
Three Charleston Congregations Offer Service of Lament and Repentance
On Sunday, November 10, three of our historic African American Episcopal Churches located in downtown Charleston joined together for a powerful service of Lament & Repentance for the Episcopal Church’s complicity in the slave trade. The service was held at Saint Mark’s, Charleston, jointly with the congregations and leadership of the historic Calvary and St….
A Word from the Bishop on the 2024 Presidential Election
November 6, 2024 Dear beloved members of the diocese, Our country has elected a new president. And today, we rise. Our work continues and the Gospel endures. In these times, no matter our internal disposition, let us be the Gospel we proclaim. May we commit ourselves to continuing the work of race justice, to defending…