THE ALABAMA EPISCOPALIAN
A Publication of The Episcopal Church in Alabama | 2nd Quarter, 2025 | Vol. 110, No.6
Page 24 | With Love for Our Neighbors:
A Letter from Bishop Curry
Dear Friends,
One of my favorite things about being your Bishop is the chance I have every week to visit one of our 87 parishes and Camp McDowell. Each parish offers its best hospitality. Sometimes I see some have spruced up their landscaping or painted the parish hall, or put up the new sign, all for the sake of communicating welcome and vitality.
Surprisingly, or not so surprisingly, during every visit, someone asks me, “Bishop, where have you been lately? How are we doing?” They’re not asking about their own church. They want to know how their brothers and sisters are faring out there. As I travel on the highways and byways that lead me to you each Sunday, you are not only hungry to equip your saints and grow your part of the body, but you’re also hungry to support each other’s ministry. You know if one place is struggling in some way, we all struggle. We’re a living network of love for one another and Jesus. Your faith is inspiring, and I am proud of you.
Jesus tells us in John 10, “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” That’s about the best mission statement we could ever need. Our friend and priest, Sam Wells, in his book, The Future is Bigger Than the Past, says that “ministry is building up the church to embody that abundant life” (p. 3). Archbishop William Temple once famously said, “The church is the only organization that exists primarily for the benefit of those who are not its members.” These two perspectives are guiding principles in my own understanding of congregational health and growth.
In my experience, parishes that focus on sharing the Gospel beyond their congregation walls are more vibrant than those that are primarily concerned with their own survival. When a parish seeks to be a blessing to the community around them, there is renewed energy and a renewed sense of mission. We discover that God has given us everything we need to share the Gospel of love with the world.
This ambitious second issue of 2025 aims to offer a glimpse of the incredible variety and breadth of the ministries across our Diocese. Local, national, international—including racial healing, congregational vitality, refresh and renew grant stories, Camp McDowell, Cursillo, music, fun, worship, and prayer.
How is the Holy Almighty God building the kingdom of God around us and through us? How is our collective ministry and everyday life blessing the world outside our walls? How are we, as disciples, living out the abundant life Jesus brings? “How are we doing, Bishop?” I think this issue will help answer these wonderful questions.
I thank God for your ministry and this great Diocese. God has taken our energy and made it more. May God in Christ continue to bless and guide us as we seek to build God’s kingdom. As St. Paul told the church in Thessalonica, “May the Lord direct our hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” (2 Thess. 3:5) Amen.
I hope I see you at church somewhere very soon.
Blessings, +Glenda
January 30 – February 1, 2025
BISHOP SEARCH LISTENING SESSION
A Prayer for the Election of a Bishop Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a Bishop for the Diocese of Alabama that we may receive a faithful pastor who will preach the Gospel, care for your people, equip us for ministry, and lead us forth in fulfillment of the Great Commission; through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen
Questions we’re considering today:
1 What makes you proud of your church, the diocese, or our mission?
2 What does success look like in the next decade?
3. What strengths are most important for our next bishop and why?
4. What are your hopes and expectations for our next bishop?
5. What does it mean to be an Episcopalian in Alabama?
6 What are our most important missions?
More Information:
Website: albishopsearch.org
Email: albishopsearch@gmail com
Bishop Curry calls for election of 13th Bishop at Diocesan Convention.
Feb & March 2025
Search & Transition Committees appointed by Standing Committee
May 9-10. 2025
Joint Retreat for Standing, Search & Transition Committees.
June & July
Listening Sessions are conducted around the diocese
August 20, 2025
Diocesan Profile completed August 28 - September 22, 2025
Applications & nominations accepted. October 2025
Search Committee interviews candidates November 21-23, 2025
Discernment Retreat with potential candidates. By November 24. 2025
Finalists (3–5) submitted to Standing Committee By December 10, 2025
Psychological evaluations due by candidates December 17, 2025
Slate of candidates announced by Standing Committee.
December 17-21, 2025
Petition nominations accepted by Standing Committee
December 22, 2025
Petition candidates announced (pending final review and evaluations)
January 3, 2026
Candidate Walkabout at St. Luke’s, Birmingham for clergy and convention delegates
January 24, 2026
Electing Convention at Cathedral Church of the Advent. June 27, 2026
Ordination of Bishop-elect by Presiding Bishop (pending consents & approval)
DioALA Members Participate in the 2025 Episcopal Asian American Pacific Islander Leadership Retreat
By:
Three participants from Alabama from left to right: Zach Price, the Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers, and Jeff Akamatsu.
The Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers
Three Asian Americans from the Diocese of Alabama traveled to Kansas City in early April for the 2025 Episcopal Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Leadership Retreat. This year, I had the privilege of serving as the clergy co-chair of the event.
Though Asian Americans are the fastest growing demographic group in the U.S., we make up just one percent of The Episcopal Church. Our voices, however, are significant. Participants included bishops, seminary faculty, parish clergy, seminarians, and influential lay leaders from across the church – everywhere from Guam to New York to Alabama. Over a dozen ethnicities were represented, and included “hapas”, a term sometimes used for people who are half Asian.
The theme of the retreat was Telling our Stories, Revealing Dreams, Living in Hope. Participants offered personal stories of experiencing marginalization and racism, and of discovering the unique gifts of living and ministering from the AAPI perspective. “Leadership feels a little different when it comes from the margin,” one presenter said. “Because of our family histories, and because of our personal experiences, we tend to ask different questions and bring different wisdom.”
We also discussed the role of AAPI people in contemporary conversations about racial reconciliation in the continent of America and in The Episcopal Church. AAPI persons often find ourselves in an “in-between” space in relation to the dominant story of Black and White dialogue and conflict. Our closing worship was held on April 4, the day of
commemoration of Holy Martin Luther King Jr. A resident of Birmingham, Zach Price, read the Epistle, taken from MLK’s Letter from Birmingham Jail. Many participants said that this retreat was the first time they had ever received communion from another Asian American.
In addition to serious conversations, there were an abundance of Asian-themed snacks, Asian-themed T-shirts, plenty of delicious Asian meals, and a karaoke night. These community-building touches help AAPI Episcopalians—who are often the only Asian Americans in their local parish—feel a sense of safety and belonging.
The goal of these ongoing, annual retreats is to continue raising and lifting up AAPI leadership in The Episcopal Church. We are hopeful that many more from the Diocese of Alabama will attend the retreat next year, in Seattle.
If you are an AAPI identifying Episcopalian with a desire to be more connected to this community across our diocese and the wider church, feel invited to contact me, the Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers, at ktnakamura@gmail.com.
Participants at the 2025 Episcopal Asian American Pacific Islander Leadership Retreat pose for a group photo.
Accessibility in Action: Camp McDowell and the Hank Poore Foundation Partner to Empower All Campers
By: Mary Yancey, McDowell Grants Administrator
Back row (left to right): Kathy Poore, Ashley Ferry, CPo Arthur, the Rev. Derrick Hill, Mary Yancey, Jeneva Salter, Jordan Smith, Bishop Brian Prior, Ethan Johnston, and Chris Hyche. Front row: Hank Poore with his service dog, Ion.
Bethany Village at Camp McDowell, completed in 2015, goes beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to ensure visitors of all ages and abilities can fully participate in our programs. This thoughtfully designed space includes lodges, cabins, a spacious dining hall, a lake, a zero-entry pool, and a variety of indoor and outdoor multi-purpose areas, as well as a 40-acre farm. Every summer, Bethany Village becomes home to our two camps for people with disabilities: Bethany’s Kids and Special Session. More recently, we’ve had the honor of hosting Hope Heals and Joni and Friends, welcoming over 2,500 campers each year.
Last summer, I learned that Hank Poore had started a foundation that could be a wonderful resource for Camp McDowell. I first met Hank eight years ago when he and my son, Jack, attended Bethany’s Kids together as teenagers. They quickly became close friends and have stayed in touch over the years. Knowing Hank’s dedication to accessibility, I reached out to Ashley Ferry, Executive Director of the Hank Poore Foundation, and submitted a grant request for an Action Track Chair. We were thrilled when the request was approved.
An Action Track Chair is a game-changer for accessibility. This all-terrain, motorized wheelchair is built for adventure, featuring a tank-like track system instead of wheels, allowing it to navigate rough terrain such as sand, mud, and rocky trails. One of the biggest challenges at Camp McDowell is the unpaved, steep road leading to Sloan Lake, which is nearly impossible to traverse in a standard wheelchair. Now, with the Action Track Chair, getting there is not only possible, it’s fun!
As more people and organizations recognize Camp McDowell’s commitment to accessibility, we remain dedicated to expanding these efforts. While we are proud of what we’ve accomplished, we know there’s still more we can do. Our goal is to ensure that every camper—regardless of ability, can enjoy the full range of experiences available. This is an ongoing journey, and we embrace it wholeheartedly.
Both Summer Camps at Bethany Village hold deep meaning for everyone involved. Jesus spent much of His ministry with people who were blind, deaf, epileptic, or living with limited mobility— and we strive to honor that example. We are committed to shaping Camp McDowell’s physical environment in a way that reflects our spiritual mission: to create a place where every individual, regardless of ability, feels valued, included, and empowered.
On April 3, 2025, members of the Hank Poore Foundation— Ashley Ferry, Hank Poore, and Kathy Poore—joined Bishop Brian Prior, Executive Director, the Rev. Derrick Hill; Camp McDowell staff, McDowell Farm School students and teachers, and guests of the McDowell Conference Center to dedicate the Action Track Chair to Camp. After a delicious lunch, Hank took the maiden voyage down the hill to Sloan Lake, and the chair provided an unbelievably smooth ride.
We cannot wait for our friends to come to our summer camps and have the opportunity for an independent trip to the lake! On behalf of Camp McDowell and the Campers we serve, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Hank Poore Foundation.
Jack and Hank in 2017.
Representatives of the Hank Poore Foundation present a donation check to Camp McDowell.
The Action Track Chair.
One Book at a Time: How “Monday School” at All Saints Is Walking the Road of Racial Healing
By: Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, Director of Communications
In a quiet corner of All Saints Church in Homewood, something sacred is unfolding every Monday evening. A group of people spanning three generations gathers to read, reflect, and talk honestly about race, faith, and justice, quietly growing into a beacon of hope. They call it “Monday School.”
When the Sacred Ground series concluded in 2024, Memily Colvin was not ready for the conversation to end. Deeply moved by the experience, she was inspired to keep the momentum going. Then came a recommendation from Bishop Curry, as part of the “One Diocese, One Book” initiative: The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning: Meditations for Racial Healing by Dr. Catherine Meeks. Memily rallied a small group to start a book discussion on Tuesday nights. To her surprise, 10 to 12 people showed up, some from other denominations. Something had taken root.
A group photo of some members of Monday School (L-R: Abby Poole, Tom Richeson, Grace Turner, Carrie Dennis, Magie Logan, Taylor Gerard, Memily Colvin, David Walters, Karen Ammons, Michelle Suttle)
“When the Commission for Racial Healing and Pilgrimage launched our first ‘One Diocese, One Book’ initiative studying Dr. Catherine Meeks’ book, we hoped it would inspire continued engagement in our parishes,” said the Missioner for Racial Healing and Pilgrimage, Breanna Carter. “Monday School is the kind of faithful response we prayed for.”
That initial success led to more. The group reconvened in the summer, this time during Sunday School hour. Attendance dipped due to scheduling conflicts, especially with members from outside churches. Then, during Advent, they tried again on Monday nights. The first meeting fell during Thanksgiving week, drawing only three participants. But the following week, there were 14 people. A new rhythm was born. Thus, “Monday School” began.
“It rhymes with Sunday School,” laughed Karen Ammons, who also sings in the choir and cannot attend traditional classes on Sundays. “Monday School gave us a new way to gather. It just made sense for people who wanted to be there but could not make it on Sundays.”
Over time, Monday School has grown into a faithful and diverse group of readers and thinkers who are no strangers to difficult truths. Each meeting cracks open hard conversations and unearths uncomfortable questions. The books they choose are not light reading. They include Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman, “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and The Church Cracked Open by Stephanie Spellers. Each one delves deeply into America’s racial legacy and the Church’s role in addressing it.
“I told everybody, if we do not read Jesus and the Disinherited book, we are not doing this right,” Memily insisted. She was drawn to Thurman’s theological depth and the historical connection to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For her, reading Thurman provided a foundation for understanding why faith communities must engage in racial justice. She said, “We are not here to fix everything overnight. But we are here, together. Reading, learning, wrestling. That’s how healing begins.”
Karen reflected on how the readings pushed her thinking: “I told one of my friends of color what we were reading, which was Jesus and the Disinherited, at the time; she said, ‘We [people of color] have always been the disinherited.’ That stuck with me. I had never thought of it like that before.”
But Monday School is not just about books. It is about the conversations they spark and what happens next. Members talk about difficult issues, reflect on their lives, and most importantly, they take action.
“Sometimes we come in and talk about things we have done during the week,” said Abby Poole. “Hard conversations we have had, moments we are proud of. It is a place where different opinions are welcome, and no one gets mad. We just stop and really listen.”
That spirit of listening has made a lasting impact. For Taylor Gerard, Monday School was her path back to church. “When Abby brought me, it was just such an amazing experience. I realized this was a safe space to talk about race, faith, and the world. It made me want to come to church again.”
Even in its simplicity, Monday School has become a powerful community. Memily noted, “I am amazed at how many people here want to have racial conversations.”
The group spans multiple generations. Younger and older members bring different life experiences and questions to the table. “We each offer our own perspective,” Karen said. “It makes the conversations richer.” Tom Richeson also emphasized this: “At the end of the day, it is about listening more than talking. We learn best when we open our hearts, not just our minds.”
Selecting the next book is part strategy, part serendipity. While Memily often curates the list, they also receive suggestions from Bishop Curry and the national Church. But, as she admits, “We do not really have a set criterion. We are figuring it out as we go.”
Yet, the outcomes speak for themselves. Members have built relationships across racial and generational lines. They have become more active in their communities. Carrie Dennis shares articles regularly to prompt discussion. “It is like my form of shopping,” she joked. Grace Turner took a multigenerational group to a museum as part of her youth ministry work. Karen now wants to gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. Tom reminded the group, “People are people, and Jesus makes that clear. That is what keeps me grounded in all these conversations.”
“It is deeply encouraging to see that participants are not only reading and having meaningful conversations,” Breanna reflected, “but also living out their faith in transformative ways—both within the parish and across the diocese.”
Asked what keeps Monday School going, Memily responded, “It is a safe space, and there is no rigid curriculum. We are all just trying to learn together.”
In Abby’s words, the heart of it is this: “I hope we keep doing this no matter the number of people that show up. Maybe others will look up to us and be inspired. We can be an example, an inspiration, and help solidify the Diocese’s commitment to racial healing. We need to make the most of all the resources made available to us. Whoever comes, regardless of their race or background, is welcome here.”
Their advice for anyone thinking of starting a similar group? “Start with open-minded people,” the group said. “People who are willing to learn, to listen, and to check in with each other. That is where the real transformation begins.”
“From serving with Sawyer Person2Person to organizing a parish pilgrimage that spans generations,” Breanna shared, “Monday School is a beautiful witness to what it means to put faith in action and pursue racial healing in our diocese and beyond the walls of the Church.”
Although the group is uncertain about how and where this will lead, they remain faithful and aim to continue growing and influencing their parish and community with support from clergy and the diocese, one book at a time.
ECW Gratefully Acknowledges Bishop Curry for Her Call to Ministry and Service
By: Dr. Lori Smith, Diocesan ECW President
“It all begins with relationships and an invitation.” These were common answers given when asked what has helped make the ECW of the Diocese of Alabama one of the most vibrant across the country. The same can be said of our relationship with Bishop Curry. I recall when I first became the president of the Diocesan ECW in January of 2024, and meeting with Bishop Curry, one of the first questions she asked was how she could best help and support the Diocesan ECW. That support has continued throughout my serving as president, and the Alabama Diocesan ECW couldn’t be more grateful.
Every fall in October, the Diocesan ECW partners with one of the seven convocations (which rotates yearly) to host a Fall Conference. During the conference, there is a eucharistic service officiated by Bishop Curry. She has always been so faithful to serve, making ECW feel supported and letting the church’s women know that they are a priority and play an important role in the church’s life. At last year’s Fall Conference, and to honor that it was the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women priests in The Episcopal Church, we screened the documentary “The Philadelphia Eleven”. We had the opportunity to hear from the Rev. Nancy Wittig, one of the original eleven women featured in the film. During her talk, she mentioned the important role that women played in helping them to get the ordination of women passed during the 1974 General Convention and that it wouldn’t have been possible without their support. During the eucharistic celebration, Bishop Curry also highlighted the important role that women have played throughout the church’s life since the days of the early church, and how this tradition continues to the present day.
During General Convention, which is held every three years, a concurrent convention takes place at the same location for ECW called “Triennial.” At each Triennial, a distinguished woman is chosen and honored at a luncheon, and this past year, Fran Bramblette was selected for that award. Fran is a member of Holy Cross Church in Trussville and has been an active member of their ECW in addition to serving as a Convocation
Coordinator for the Birmingham ECW and as the Diocesan ECW President from 2022-2023. Fran was chosen for the award because of her unwavering love and support for ECW throughout the Diocese and for helping reinvigorate the Diocesan ECW after emerging from COVID, as many of the parish ECWs were struggling to regain momentum and a sense of community. With Fran’s steadfast love and guidance, she helped navigate the Diocesan ECW through this stormy, challenging period and emerged even stronger. And Bishop Curry was there every step of the way to support Fran, as evidenced by the bishop taking the time from General Convention to join the Alabama ECW at the Distinguished Woman Luncheon as a way to show her support and honor Fran.
This past January, the National ECW Board traveled to Birmingham for their quarterly board meeting, and the Diocese of Alabama ECW was so honored to get to host them for dinner one night along with joining them while they toured the 16th Street Baptist Church and the sculptures at Kelly Ingram Park commemorating the struggle during the Civil Rights movement. The board was welcomed with Welcome Bags filled with items lovingly donated by ECWs throughout the diocese. This outpouring of southern hospitality and gratitude helped to demonstrate to the board how much they were welcomed and appreciated. And made even more special was that Bishop Curry could attend the dinner, where she spoke to the group afterwards about the important role women have played in the church, past and present. She also shared her call to ministry and to serve in the way God had best prepared her, resonating deeply with the National ECW
Board members and their own call to service. The evening was filled with love, laughter, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, making for an especially memorable evening, largely thanks to Bishop Curry.
Our theme for the Alabama Diocesan ECW over the past four years has been gratitude for how we love and serve God’s people and walk in faith. And it is with this grateful heart that ECW wants to thank Bishop Curry. Not only as the first female bishop of the Diocese of Alabama, her love and support of women throughout the diocese continues and will remain a lasting legacy of her call to ministry and service.
Curry sharing a meal and meaningful conversation with the National ECW Board during their time in Alabama.
Bishop
En route to dinner with Bishop Curry during General Convention and the ECW Triennial.
In The Name of Love… U2 and The Gospel
By: Kathryn Adams, Christ Church Tuscaloosa
It looked like just any other outdoor concert on a late spring evening. The band was tuning guitars, attendees grabbed food and beverages from the surrounding vendors, and folding chairs and blankets were scattered on the lawn. There was tangible energy and the constant hum of conversation.
But as Danny Whitsett of All Saints Episcopal Church and his fellow musicians from Birmingham began the first chords of Grace, something was different.
While the more than 300 community members in attendance did show up in part to hear renditions of popular U2 songs, they were also there to participate in a service of worship and to experience the unique way music can connect people to each other and God.
Christ Church, Tuscaloosa, has hosted three prior services centered around the music of popular artists, including John Prine, The Grateful Dead, and The Beatles. So, the decision to continue with a fourth service featuring U2 was easily made. The band’s lyrics resonate with themes of spirituality, social justice, self-reflection, redemption, and human connection.
In 2003, the Rev. Sarah Dylan Breuer of West Roxbury, Mass, was first credited with developing the “U2charist” service, as it is commonly known. In addition to highlighting the featured band, these services support mission and outreach programs. Attendees for this event brought donations of children’s swimsuits and pool towels to support Summer Camp at Sawyerville, in Hale County, that provides free summer programs, mentoring, and scholarships that enrich the lives of those living in poverty.
For the Rev. Paul Pradat, who brought the idea of services like this to Christ Church when he accepted the position of rector in 2021, these events can be a catalyst for connection within the broader church and beyond. Each event is free and welcomes attendees from across the community, including those who may be reluctant to attend traditional church services.
“I think it’s important to consider that not everyone experiences spirituality in the same way and not everyone is connected to the idea of a traditional sort of worship experience in a church building,” Pradat said. “We need to be honest that some folks have had negative experiences with church or may not feel comfortable there, and that gives us an opportunity to create something different where they can connect with God and the greater community.”
With the success of the four events, Pradat intends to plan a service featuring a notable artist twice a year. “I am always thinking about the next service and the next artist,” he said. “Now, I have folks coming up to me and suggesting who we should feature. I think that’s very exciting. Music has the power to bring people together, and we need more experiences in the current social climate that are inclusive and positive.”
Christ Church Associate Rector, the Rev. Emily Rowell Brown, said this service is great for helping people make new connections. “My favorite thing is that these services appeal to a wide range of people,” she said. “It is a gathering of the larger community, and we can all experience this inspiring and uplifting time together.”
Pradat recruited friend and fellow Episcopalian Danny Whitsett, who in turn gathered the group of talented musicians who provided the music for the evening, including Ben Ridlehoover, Tommy Prewitt, Brian McCool, Quincy Hall, and sound engineer Kenny McDowell.
Well-known and beloved songs by U2 covered during the service included: Where the Streets Have No Name, 40, Running to Stand Still, With or Without You, One, Pride (In the Name of Love), In God’s Country, and I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
The Venue, which opened in the spring of 2023, serves as the ideal location for each service. The location includes a stage area, open-air seating that can accommodate several hundred attendees, and food and beverage vendors.
Katherine Gould, a longtime member of Christ Church, said that services like U2 Charist are a wonderful way to introduce people to The Episcopal Church, which is sometimes viewed as only formal or traditional. Leigh Cummings, who helped greet attendees and show them how to fold a palm cross, said she loves the chance to share liturgy with others in an inclusive atmosphere.
The Rev. Greg Evans serving communion to a parishioner.
Brockton Bullock.
Sara Hart and Whit Whitfield.
Suzanne Dowling and Sam Dowling.
A City Set on a Hill: How Parishes and Ministries are Shining Bright Through the Refresh and Renew Grants
By: Elizabeth Blake, Bishop’s Executive Assistant
In 2023, Bishop Glenda Curry shared her vision for introducing a diocesan grant program, specifically focused on enhancing the overall church community for parishes with fewer than 250 Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) through the Refresh and Renew Grants. The idea behind the grants is that little changes can make a big difference. A fresh coat of paint, new landscaping, and well-lit signs welcome visitors and create a sense of pride. These grants were warmly received, and the program continued in 2024. A total of 55 parishes applied for and received grants, ranging from $1,200 to a maximum of $5,000. I had a great time working on this project alongside other diocesan staff, collecting status reports, and seeing the projects grow from start to finish. As we prepare to launch the 2025 Refresh and Renew Grants 3.0, I would like to highlight and celebrate a few of the transformative projects completed over the past year, as well as the meaningful impact they have had on our parishes and their surrounding communities.
Is there anything more beautiful than a stained-glass church window lit up at night? The folks at Grace Church in Anniston are so happy to have the lighting around the rose window working again, illuminating the night sky and welcoming members and visitors alike. Completed in time for their All Souls’ service last November, the parish youth group lined the church driveway with lighted luminaries for dearly departed loved ones. Grace also refurbished an existing sign and installed a new one at a nearby busy intersection. These signs will provide information and promote ministries, including the monthly Beans and Rice Ministry, where two pounds of beans, three pounds of rice, and other food staples are given to families in the surrounding community to combat food insecurity and share the loving and giving nature of Christ.
Grace Church’s stained-glass window
Grace Church prepping Beans and Rice with help from their VBS children
The Episcopal Place is an independent senior and disabled adult living facility in Birmingham, AL, with a total of 100 apartments.
Under Bishop Furman Stough, the eighth diocesan bishop, the Episcopal Housing Foundation, Inc. was formed and provides a safe environment for lowincome people. One joyful area of life that the residents were lacking, however, was easy access to the beauty of nature. Aspen Burgess, Development Director, applied for a Refresh and Renew Grant to create a Pollinator Garden. This project provided new landscaping in front of the building, along the driveway, and in the courtyard. “We added a fully accessible sidewalk, so all residents now have the ability to enjoy the full courtyard in their scooters, walkers, and wheelchairs. Around 15 different native plant species were planted, while the landscape was developed in a way to assist with flooding and irrigation, she shared.
St. Luke’s Church in Scottsboro envisioned repurposing existing spaces to accommodate the growing number of individuals in need of food assistance in the community and to create a Christian Formation space for the congregation’s middle-school-aged children. They first converted a parlor into a much larger pantry space with new flooring, lighting, shelving, refrigerators, and freezers. This new pantry space is in a better location for the storage and distribution of the parish’s food pantry outreach program, which has grown to serve 135 people each month, as well as an additional ten individuals in need each week. St. Luke’s then transformed the old pantry space into a Sunday School area by cleaning, painting, and adding a new area rug. They added a custom-made wooden liturgical calendar, a table, colorful stacking chairs, beanbags, side tables, and a television. The room has become a welcoming space for learning, laughing, growing together, and sharing God’s Word at St. Luke’s, where love leads the way.
Likewise, a new playground for the children of St. Andrew’s Church in Montevallo was the rector, the Rev. Rebecca DeBow’s dream. The generosity of individual donations, together with the parish’s Refresh and Renew Grant and the hard work of its members, helped make this dream a reality. The children have a fun, safe area to burn off excess energy, and the playground was recently blessed (via water guns) by Bishop Curry at an afternoon confirmation service. In turn, the community of Montevallo is richly blessed by St. Andrew’s Wardrobe, a monthly clothing ministry that is free and open to anyone in need. Staffed by volunteers, this ministry provides wardrobe staples to those who lack the resources to purchase new items. Thank you, St. Andrew’s, for shining a light that is seen far and wide.
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden”. It is a joy to witness how many parishes and ministries across our diocese are shining brightly through the Refresh and Renew Grants, bringing light, welcome, and renewal to their communities in creative and faithful ways.
We look forward to what is ahead with hope and excitement as we prepare to launch the 3.0 version of the grant this year. Application criteria and details will be shared soon on our website and in the weekly newsletter. Stay tuned.
Bishop Curry and the Rev. Susan Southwick blessing the pollinator garden
The native plant garden provides food for pollinators and beauty for residents.
The Rev. Polly Rob with some parish youth during Christian Formation
Guest Preacher: THE RT. REV. MICHAEL BRUCE CURRY
27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church
By: Breanna Carter, Missioner of Racial Healing and Pilgrimage
On Saturday, August 9, 2025, the faithful will once again gather at the Lowndes County Courthouse Square for the annual Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the martyrdom of Jonathan Myrick Daniels, an Episcopal seminarian who gave his life for the cause of racial justice.
We are honored to welcome the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Michael Bruce Curry, as a distinguished guest for this momentous occasion. His presence will add to the significance of the pilgrimage as we remember Daniels and all who sacrificed their lives in the fight for civil rights.
During the service, we will also honor the 14 other martyrs who lost their lives in Alabama during the civil rights movement:
• Elmore Bolling – December 4, 1947, martyred in Lowndesboro, AL
• Willie Edwards, Jr. – January 23, 1957, martyred in Montgomery, AL
• William Lewis Moore – April 23, 1963, martyred in Attalla, AL
• Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley – September 15, 1963, martyred in Birmingham, AL
• Virgil Lamar Ware – September 15, 1963, martyred in Birmingham, AL
• Johnny Robinson – September 15, 1963, martyred in Birmingham, AL
• Jimmie Lee Jackson – February 26, 1965, martyred in Marion, AL
• Viola Gregg Liuzzo – March 25, 1965, martyred near Lowndesboro, AL
• The Rev. James Reeb – March 11, 1965, martyred in Selma, AL
• Willie Brewster – September 18, 1965, martyred in Anniston, AL
• Samuel Leamon Younge, Jr. – January 3, 1966, martyred in Tuskegee, AL
• And those known only to God.
The Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage has become a powerful and enduring tradition, reminding us that the pursuit of justice and equality is an ongoing effort.
As we commemorate this 60th anniversary, we recommit ourselves to the work of reconciliation and the vision for which Jonathan Daniels and so many others gave their lives.
For any questions, contact Breanna Carter at bcarter@dioala.org.
Let us know you’re coming by scanning the QR code.
2nd Annual LGBTQ+ Retreat at Camp McDowell
By: The Rev. Sarah Dicarlo-Watts, St John’s
Church, Decatur
From March 28–30, a vibrant and diverse group of approximately 45 individuals, Episcopalians and non-Episcopalians alike, gathered at Camp McDowell for our 2nd Annual LGBTQ+ Retreat.
The theme for the weekend was “Building Resilience,” and together, we explored what it means to be resilient emotionally, spiritually, and communally. Through scripture and storytelling, art and laughter, movement and prayer, we cultivated practices that reminded us we are not alone, and that resilience is not merely about surviving hardship but growing through it.
Throughout the weekend, participants engaged in a wide variety of workshops and activities that embodied our theme. We shared honest, vulnerable conversations about our fears and hopes for the world during small group discussions. We built trust and connection around tables, over meals, and through intentional storytelling.
We practiced resilience through art—molding clay, drawing cartoons, writing personal icons, and collaborating on a stunning group art project: our very own reimagined icon of Divine Mercy. Intentional play was also part of our efforts to build and practice resilience, as participants joined in scavenger hunts, played on the playgrounds, and performed their hearts out at Saturday night’s talent show.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a retreat at Camp McDowell without time to soak in the beauty of our beloved camp. Attendees, many of whom had never been to camp, explored the farm, hiked through the woods, and went canoeing.
We concluded our retreat by celebrating the Eucharist on Sunday morning. Instead of traditional hymns, we heard powerful poems from Mary Oliver,Pádraig Ó Tuama, Pauli Murray, and other members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Prayers of the People were uniquely crafted by a small group of retreat participants, making the service deeply personal and reflective of our shared journey.
More than anything, this retreat was a gift—a time to rest in a safe and affirming space, make new friends, reclaim our belovedness, and encounter the grace and love of Jesus in one another. It was a weekend of sacred stillness and fierce joy, a holy pause amid the noise of the world.
Mark your calendars now for our 3rd Annual LGBTQ+ Retreat, coming March 27–29, 2026.
Located in the southern-central highlands of Honduras, surrounded by mountains and humming with daily life, the capital city of Tegucigalpa welcomed a small but mighty team from the Diocese of Alabama this spring. From May 4 to 10, 2025, 11 missioners traveled there in response to a heartfelt request from the Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras, to serve at Iglesia Episcopal San Isidro, a congregation that had not yet received any medical mission.
Bishop Allen had one hope: that the people in and around San Isidro would receive medical care and vital medications. With generous funding from the Diocese of Alabama and the invaluable coordination of the Rev. Karla Reyes, Chancellor of the Diocese of Honduras, our team arrived ready to love and serve on our mission to offer medical clinics, assist with repairs to the Christian Education Building, and share the good news of God’s love through word and deed. What unfolded over the week was far more than a checklist of tasks; it was a shared ministry of presence, compassion, and connection.
The team was made up of a diverse group of volunteers—two priests, two doctors, two nurses, three construction-savvy leaders, and dedicated support staff. The Rev. Paul Pradat of Christ Church,
With Love for Our Neighbors: The 2025 Diocesan Mission Trip to Honduras
By: The Rev. Dr. Catherine Collier
Tuscaloosa, and myself led the group, joined by Dr. Jon Dailey and his wife Kathryn, a nurse, both from St. John’s, Montgomery. The Daileys are seasoned missioners, having participated in over 30 medical trips to Honduras, most often in the city of Tela. The remaining seven team members were from Christ Church, Tuscaloosa: Tammy Tooson, a nurse and massage therapist for The University of Alabama athletics; attorney Dena Prince; Dr. Katherine McVinnie; banker Ryan Stallings; Alabama Power lineman Chris Barry; Brandi Corley; and business owner Lewis Fitts.
The Rev. Nimia Mancia, rector of San Isidro, welcomed us with open arms and an open heart. Every morning began with her bilingual reflections, accompanied by songs and guitar music that lifted our spirits and reminded us why we had come. “I loved the opportunity to get to work with Nimia,” Kathryn Dailey reflected. “She, like the other Honduran priests that I know, works so hard for the church and her love of God and the community is evident in everything that she does.”
Four medical clinics were set up entirely within the parish nave. What is usually a place of worship became a place of healing. With the help of the high school students from St. Mary’s Episcopal School, we formed stations for intake, diagnosis, and
(L-R) The Rev. Dr. Catherine Collier, Ryan Stallings, a local interpreter and the Rev. Pradat during a visit to a public school.
pharmacy services. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, we served people facing everything from flu symptoms and skin infections to hypertension and diabetes. In just four days, we treated 410 patients. On one clinic day, we purchased and packed 100 pounds each of beans, rice, and masa to distribute to those who came for care, which was another way to love our neighbors in body and spirit. At the end of the week, we donated the remaining medicine to a nearby clinic and to a July mission in Tela.
Alongside the medical work, we took on a construction project to repair the Christian Education Building, which had been damaged in a storm. With supplies purchased from a local hardware store, team members and local parishioners replaced the roof, installed lighting, and applied new stucco to the exterior, completing part of the transformation in just three days.
The mission also extended to the youngest in the community. Over two days, we taught Bible lessons to children ages 5 to 16, complete with songs, crafts, and a whole lot of joy. We also visited the public school behind the church, where we taught handwashing and toothbrushing to nearly 300 students from kindergarten through high school. Each child received a toothbrush and a treat alongside a lesson they will remember: sing “Happy Birthday” twice while washing hands, and “Baby Shark” three times for brushing teeth.
Evenings were for reflection, laughter, and community. We gathered for team dinners and shared sacred moments from that
day. On Thursday evening, we celebrated a Eucharist together, giving thanks for all we had witnessed and received. Before flying home, we visited the Valle de Angeles for a few souvenirs and a chance to soak in the local culture. The return trip was smooth, but our hearts were full, with gratitude, with stories, and with the beginnings of lasting relationships.
“This trip to Honduras has proven to be an unforgettable experience, offering valuable life lessons and significant personal growth. I had a remarkable expansion of my social, adaptive, and professional skills throughout the journey,” said Tammy Tooson. “In reflecting on this incredible experience,” she continued, “I recognized the blessings shared between the Tegucigalpa community and myself, highlighting the spirit of cooperation and goodwill that defined the trip.”
This mission was more than a project; it was a glimpse of the Kingdom of God breaking through, one person, one clinic, one roof, one song at a time. We are deeply thankful for the support that made this trip possible and hopeful for what seeds may grow from it in the years ahead.
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Tammy Tooson, right, works alongside her interpreter, left, who hopes to attend medical school, during a clinic day.
Elementary students at the public school receive toothbrushes and treats following a hygiene lesson.
By: Shireen Korkzan, Episcopal News Service
The House of Bishops gathered March 19-24 at Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama, for its annual spring retreat, which centered on discussions of witnessing to the Gospel amid today’s contentious political climate and The Episcopal Church’s future in a secular society.
The spring meeting is one of two biannual in-person House of Bishops gatherings. Traditionally, the spring meetings are more retreatlike and tend to occur at church camps. The second meeting occurs in the fall during non-General Convention years, and usually includes participation from the bishops’ spouses.
“It’s always an opportunity for bishops to gather, be in prayer together, to reconnect and to consider how we best participate in God’s mission,” Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe said during a virtual media briefing. “We were sure to find our grounding in prayer and also to consider the world around us, what’s happening, and how we can most effectively both speak to the world around us and to our own diocese in our own context.”
This was the first in-person House of Bishops gathering Rowe led as presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church and president of the house.
Each day, the bishops – 116 in person and three virtually – engaged in discussions on various topics ranging from using church property for mission to declining membership. The latest parochial report data shows that The Episcopal Church has decreased from about 2.3 million members to fewer than 1.6 million over the past two decades.
“We really looked hard at the statistics – the current reality – what’s happening and where in the church and how we might think about how to address those issues, both together as a House of Bishops, but also in our dioceses,” Rowe said. “We don’t have the same number of resources, but we all have enough gifts to share, and so those conversations are just getting started.”
A group photo of bishops in front of the Dough at Camp McDowell. (Photo Credit: Bishop Frank Logue, Diocese of Georgia)
Like last year, the bishops also reviewed and discussed Title IV disciplinary canons and churchwide calls for greater oversight and transparency in disciplinary cases involving bishops. In February 2024, The Episcopal Church, under then-Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s direction, updated its website with a series of informational resources, including chronologies of active cases involving bishops under Title IV.
The bishops heard other presentations from leaders on issues concerning the wider church, including theological reflections from fellow bishops. Notably, Atlanta Bishop Robert Wright earned a standing ovation for his reflection on Christian nationalism, which has been growing throughout the United States in recent years. He called Christian nationalism “demonic.”
“Christian nationalism is not an imperfect or evolving rendering of Jesus’ life and teachings, neither should it be characterized as simply a difference of theological or political interpretation or emphasis. Christian nationalism is a deceitful rendering of Jesus’ teaching for the purpose of manipulation and the increase of mammon. This is not a fringe movement as the data shows,” Wright said in his reflection, per his notes provided to Episcopal News Service. “This is a deeply embedded, well-funded, strategic, compellingly argued appeal.”
During the 81st General Convention in 2024, the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies adopted Resolution A081, “Combat Rising Religious Nationalism,” which requires General Convention to acknowledge and urge The Episcopal Church and its missionrelated entities to partner with the Anglican Communion to combat rising religious nationalism. The resolution encourages individuals, congregations, dioceses and other Episcopal affiliates to educate themselves on how religious nationalism harms marginalized groups.
“While the term Christian nationalism is relatively new, it’s a set of beliefs, practices and policy goals which are fundamentally at odds with the gospel but presented as harmonious with the gospel and as having been with us from the church’s beginning. From Constantine’s formalization of Jesus’ little movement until now, in many lands and languages and in varied forms, Christian nationalism has opposed the aims and purposes of God while harming human beings,” Wright said, in his notes provided to ENS. “Christian nationalism is theologically illegitimate and must be called by its proper names: idolatry, blasphemy and heresy.”
Rebecca Blachly, The Episcopal Church’s chief of public policy and witness, presented the latest updates on immigration actions in the United States since President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders in January 2025, including restrictions on the asylum process. She shared what could happen to immigration policies in the coming months and highlighted how the church is responding to the legislative changes through litigation, advocacy, education and prayer. More information is available on the Episcopal Public Policy Network and Episcopal Migration Ministries websites.
Blachly also invited the bishops to consider the different ways they can individually respond as church leaders, including making public statements and engaging with local and state government officials. The bishops gathered both in small table conversations and as a large group to discuss each presentation.
Alabama Bishop Glenda Curry said during the media briefing that the bishops also informally shared how they’ve been able to successfully
make the Gospel’s message “more relevant or obvious to the world” in their dioceses.
“Sharing programs and different ways that they’re trying to address their own context sometimes applies to everybody,” Curry said. “We’re looking for those places where the sharing of the Gospel is growing – the attraction to the church is positive. We’re looking for ways that we can build on each other’s experience.”
Scott Bader-Saye, dean and president of the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, presented a theological reflection on faith in institutions. Bader-Saye, who is also a professor of Christian ethics and moral theology, described institutions like churches as nests that serve as containers holding the practices of people trying to accomplish a goal. Those “nests,” he said, can be adjusted and enlarged over time to accommodate new challenges and paradigms.
During the spring 2025 House of Bishops gathering at Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama, Indianapolis Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, left, and Northern Indiana Bishop Douglas Sparks, right, speak virtually with the Rev. Jennifer Adams, rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Holland, Michigan. Adams is facilitating the Indiana dioceses’ reunification discernment process.
During the media briefing, Indianapolis Bishop Jennifer BaskervilleBurrows, vice chair of the House of Bishops, described Bader-Saye’s reflection as “sitting in a seminary classroom.”
“There was so much depth to his presentation,” she said. “The way I might encapsulate it is that institutions are living, breathing things.”
Each morning and at various times throughout the day, the bishops took time to worship together, meditate and reflect quietly. Some bishops expressed themselves through art, including pottery.
Baskerville-Burrows said those times of shared spiritual expression throughout the gathering helped bring the bishops “closer to Jesus” in ways that feel “fresh and new.”
“There’s this expertise and richness within the House [of Bishops] that allows us to share our gifts, and we were able to do some of that, both in the terms of our theological thinking and thinking about the moment that we’re in as a world, in a church,” Baskerville-Burrows said. “I think that’s the thing that will help us meet the challenges of the day. …These relationships are so important across all our diversities, and there was definitely a deepening of them during the course of this week.”
Glenda Curry said that collaborating at House of Bishops gatherings is a reminder that in today’s polarizing social climate, it’s crucial for the bishops to know that they’re not alone in the challenges they’re facing in their dioceses.
“It’s important to remember you’re not out there by yourself, and to not feel and act as though you’re isolated,” Curry said. “You’re connected to a power much greater than yourself.”
The House of Bishops is expected to next gather in person in September in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic, for its fall meeting.
What’s Really Real?
By: David Collette, President of the Alabama Cursillo Secretariat
Nothing is as full of hope and excitement as a new start. We see it during Advent, when the Church year begins, and again at Easter, when the Resurrection of the Crucified Christ occurs. We experience it when we start a new job or a new relationship. But the Christmas decorations come down, and the Easter finery is put away. Relationships and jobs come and go. The possibilities of a new start are often replaced with the daily demands of our lives. Ahhh, the real world.
I think we all use the phrase ‘the real world’ to give ourselves permission to remain in the status quo. Whether it is going to the gym, changing jobs, or becoming more involved in your church, ‘the real world’ has a way of monopolizing our time and preventing us from moving forward. I am certainly a victim of this phenomenon and have blamed my share of inaction on the requirements of the real world.
In 2009, my wife Debbie and I attended a Cursillo weekend at Camp McDowell. We had been encouraged to attend several times, but ‘the real world’ always presented an obstacle. We finally signed up for a weekend, and it was an incredible time that brought us closer to God and sparked a desire to be even more active in the church. This weekend introduced us to the Cursillo community and a means by which to keep the real world from monopolizing our time and energy by intentionally focusing on three key aspects of our spiritual lives: piety (worship and prayer life), study (reading God’s word and works which illuminate Christian principles), and apostolic action (efforts to show God’s love in the world and bring others closer to Christ).
The Rt. Rev. Henry Parsley was a part of that weekend, and he left us with words that I will never forget: “Tomorrow, you will be back in the real world…or at least what you have been led to believe is the real world. But what you have experienced here at Cursillo is the world that God wants for all of us: people loving Him and each other. Go back out there and take the love you have felt and shared here at Cursillo with you. Make what you have experienced here ‘the real real world.’”
Cursillo is not a miraculous experience that will suddenly help you shed 20 pounds, strengthen your financial outlook, or make your kids listen to you. But it will show you what it is like to be loved and accepted for who you are…a child of God. And it will equip you with the tools to go back to ‘the real world’ and share that love with all God’s children. Cursillo will not make the responsibilities of the real world disappear, but it just might give you a new perspective on what the world should and can be.
Cursillo begins with a weekend retreat at Camp McDowell. Upcoming Cursillo weekend opportunities in 2025 include October 9-12, with an application deadline of September 4. If you are interested in participating in this program, contact a member of your parish Cursillo community or our Applications Coordinator, Tara Nicholas, at taranicholas21@gmail.com. If the 2025 weekends do not work for your schedule, there will be three Cursillo weekends in 2026: April, June, and October.
You can find out more about Alabama Cursillo by visiting our website: alabamacursillo.org.
Signs of Welcome at Trinity Church, Wetumpka
By: The Rev. Ally Perry, Trinity Church, Wetumpka
When Scooter’s Drive-Thru Coffee opened on the vacant lot next to the Church of the Holy Trinity in Wetumpka, we saw it not just as a new neighbor but as an opportunity for connection.
With Holy Week approaching, we wanted to offer a small welcome gesture to the steady stream of coffee drinkers passing by. So, we placed a series of signs facing the drive-thru line with simple messages of hospitality, a touch of humor, and gentle invitations to reflect on the season.
We have noticed an increase in visitors on our church grounds lately, although we haven’t received a direct response from the coffee crowd. Still, the presence of those signs has sparked curiosity and opened a quiet window into who we are. After Easter, we’ll change the signs again, continuing to greet our neighbors and share the story of our faith in small but intentional ways.
Clergy and Diocesan Staff News
With profound gratitude for their faithful service, we announce some clergy transitions and retirements within our Diocese and beyond. Please join us in thanking these saints for their ministries and praying for God’s blessings upon them in their next chapters.
New Calls
• The Rev. Paul Elliot is now interim rector of St. Alban’s Church, Hoover.
• The Rev. Susan P. Sloan is now interim rector of St Matthew’s Church, Madison.
• The Rev. David Peeple is now associate rector for Holy Trinity, Auburn.
• The Rev. Dillon Green is now rector at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, Chelsea.
• The Rev. David Hodnett is now rector of St. Michael & All Angels Church, Anniston.
• The Rev. John B. Carlisto is now rector of St. Peter’s Church, Talladega.
Transitions
• The Rev. Jeremy L. Carlson, formerly Assistant to the Rector at St. Mary’s on the Highlands, has joined the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.
• The Rev. Jeff Evans, formerly Rector of St. Stephen’s in Huntsville, has joined St John’s Episcopal Church, Ithaca, NY.
Retirements
• The Rev. Marge Doyle retires as rector of St. Alban’s Church, Hoover, effective December 31st, 2024. Contact: celticmuse52@gmail. com
• The Rev. Monica Carlson retires as rector of the Church of the Epiphany, Leeds, effective February 1st, 2025. Contact: monicacrlsn@ gmail.com
Celebration of Ordinations
Please join us in congratulating these saints on their ordination to the sacred order of the priesthood.
New Diocesan Staff
and Administration
The Rev. Christopher Lynn Paul (Priest, Trinity Church, Clanton)
The Rev. William J. Fagan (Curate, Cathedral Church of the Advent)
Ms. Connie Bryson Director of Finance
521 NORTH 20TH STREET, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203–2682 www.dioala.org
The Episcopal Church of Alabama Carpenter House, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203–2682
Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Glenda S. Curry
Assisting Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior
The Alabama Episcopalian Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, Editor
Miles Parsons, Art Director Vol. 110, No.6; 2nd Quarter, 2025; USPS 070-910 ISSN 1041-3316
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POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections to Liza Lee Horton, The Alabama Episcopalian, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL, 35203-2682.
The Alabama Episcopalian is published quarterly. Please send stories and photographs (full color, at the highest resolution possible) to Nana Afia Tenkoramaa, Editor at nana@dioala.org.
The submission deadlines for each issue are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. Parishes and individuals, please send all address changes or additions to Liza Lee Horton, lhorton@dioala.org, or Carpenter House, 521 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203–2682