BISHOP’S APPEAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it’s finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

-Philippians 1:6

Dear Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington,

In 2020, the Episcopal Diocese of Washington began a multi-year journey answering a call from the Holy Spirit inviting us to invest in the strength of our faith tradition and make the necessary adaptations in order to be a vibrant spiritual home for future generations. Since that time, we have focused our diocesan energies in three fundamental areas: revitalizing our parishes, inspiring every person to grow in faith and equipping leaders to lead well, and striving for equity and justice. Today I seek your gift to the annual Bishop’s Appeal fundraising campaign, so that we may continue this good work.

With your financial help, in the coming months we will:

    • Launch the final cohort of the Tending Our Soil Thriving Congregations Initiative, the diocese’s signature revitalization program.
    • Identify two geographic areas where new worshiping communities are likely to bear the most fruit.
    • Explore and employ revitalization strategies specifically designed for historically Black or majority Black congregations.
    • Continue providing high quality offerings to support spiritual growth, parish vitality, leadership skills, and the work of equity and justice through the School for Christian Faith and Leadership.
    • Establish a new vision for an active diocesan youth ministry.
    • Support and encourage diocesan-wide engagement on the work of reparations.
    • Amplify congregational initiatives to care for creation.
    • Continue fostering collaborative efforts in the work of equity and justice, particularly in the areas of food insecurity, long-term support of migrants and refugees, affordable housing, and gun violence prevention.

Becoming beloved community is a journey filled with faithful next steps. With your generous support, we will continue drawing on the gifts of all God’s people to serve Christ together and live Jesus’ Way of Love. Please make a donation to the Bishop’s Appeal fundraising campaign today. Thank you.

Faithfully in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde
Bishop of Washington