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…
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…
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…
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…
Bishop’s Staff Gathers in Retreat; Aligns Job Portfolios with Strategic Vision Initiatives
Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley and all the members of her staff gathered for their annual retreat at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center March 11-12, 2024. Aside from opportunities for fellowship, prayer, and rest, the team used this time together to take an in-depth look at their collective work. After time spent in prayer and “checking…
The Rev. John Robert Spainhour Called as Priest-in-Charge of Epiphany, Summerville
The Right Reverend Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has called the Reverend John Robert Spainhour to serve as priest-in-charge of The Church of the Epiphany in Summerville. While Father Rob most recently served in the Diocese of Vermont, his ministry in The Episcopal Church began in the Diocese of South Carolina and he is grateful to return to…
Michael Crandall Called as Rector of St. George’s, Summerville
With the enthusiastic support of its vestry, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has called Michael Crandall as rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Summerville. He brings a unique background and ministry to this call, and the people of St. George’s are excited to welcome him and his family to their congregation in June. Following 26 years…
Event Centered on Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue Provides Unique Perspective
The Diocese hosted Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Mr. Noor A’Wad of the organization Roots/Shorashim/Judur for an event called “Two Truths in One Heart, Two Peoples in One Land,” on their American speaking tour last Thursday, February 22, at Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston. The organization describes itself as “an Israeli-Palestinian grassroots initiative for understanding, nonviolence and…
The Rev. Kevin Sparrow Called as Rector of St. Anne’s, Conway
Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has called the Rev. Kevin Sparrow to serve as the second rector of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Conway. Though he was raised in Georgia, Father Sparrow will be moving to South Carolina from Montpelier, Vermont, where he has served since September 2021 as the priest-in-charge of Christ Episcopal Church. His start…
Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley Recovering from Surgery
On Tuesday, January 23, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley underwent back surgery to repair a herniated disk she suffered earlier in the month. The surgery went well. Following her doctor’s guidance, she will be on a reduced work schedule for the next six weeks. She remains in regular contact with members of diocesan staff, and adjustments are…