This is my last column for ABUNDANT Times. I have always been proud of our diocesan publication. It is always Christ-centered and inspirational. I am grateful to Vicki Ix and Alison Gamache for all the hours they put in to make AT the wonderful communication tool that it is.
I have loved being your bishop. There is so much to be grateful for in these 13-plus years. The Holy Spirit has worked powerfully among us, leading us forward in a rich diversity of missions. But what holds all that activity together is prayer. For this last column I will look at the prayers that have been especially meaningful to me as your bishop.
A prayer I started using during the Covid pandemic was a real companion to me in a time of fear and isolation. This prayer is attributed to St. Francis:
“Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others peacefully, joyfully. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.”
Staying with St. Francis, this well-known appeal continues to guide our mission:
‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
From the Bishop
The
Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher IX Bishop of Western Massachusetts
I often reflected that this prayer gives us eyes to see the challenges speaking to us in this time and place. Is there someone in despair in my life? Is there someone sad? And what am I called to do?
I have been walking with a prayer by Thomas Merton, Trappist monk, and prolific spiritual writer. It has felt right in
"I have loved being your bishop. There is so much to be grateful for in these 13-plus years."
this chaotic time in our country when our very democracy is under threat and the safety of our neighbors is at stake:
“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.”
About my time serving as your bishop, some have said: “More often than Doug says, ‘Let us pray’ he says, ‘Go for it’.” They are referring to the many times people have come to me with a new idea for doing the mission of Jesus and I say, “Go for it.” I think that is a prayer unto itself. It is my belief in the endless
creativity of God. It is taking seriously the words of Jesus when he tells us to be a New Creation. “Go for it” is an action prayer. And even if our new thing fails, the Spirit will keep leading us forward.
Another prayer is the many times we say, “You are not alone,” to someone who is going through a tough time. Pastoral care is at the heart of church ministry, and those words are comforting because they are true and holy.
Two more insights into prayer and then you can keep reading this great edition of ABUNDANT Times. St. Paul tells us that “God, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.” There is no prayer that is too big for our God. God is infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
And again from St. Paul we hear: “Surrounded by the great cloud of witnesses, we run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Note it is the race set before us - it is not always the race we would choose. And again, we do not do it alone. We have each other and we have the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us. My mother has been in the cloud since 1977. My father joined her there a couple of years ago and so have many teachers and beloved friends. They have all been with me in prayer and heart as I have served alongside you these many years as your bishop engaging Jesus’ Mission of Mercy, Compassion, and Hope. ♦
+Doug
13-plus Years, 13-plus Photos
The Ninth Bishop of Western Massachusetts
• 2013: The Bishop's Staff
• 2014: Walking Worcester
• 2015: Stations in the Streets
• 2016: Youth event with the Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, Diocese of Massachusetts
• 2017: Marking the start of baseball season with Rabbi Mark Shapiro
• 2018: WMA Revival in Worcester with the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
• 2019: Youth Witness at Smith & Wesson, Springfield with Diocese of Massachusetts
• 2020: Ending Gun Violence workshop at Bending Toward Justice
• 2021: Hybrid Winter Clergy Day
• 2022: Guns to Ploughshares with the Rt. Rev. Jim Curry
• 2023: Ordaining deacons at our Cathedral
• 2024: Reflecting on Merton at Fourth and Walnut, Louisville, KY
• 2025: Receiving the Barbara C. Harris Award for Social Justice, Episcopal City Mission with the Rev. Betsy Fisher
• 2026: Building Bridges lunch for veterans at All Saints, Worcester
From the Bishop-elect
The Reverend Miguelina Howell Bishop-elect of Western Massachusetts
With Gratitude and Hope: Entering This New Season Together
As we move closer to the joyful moment when I will join you more fully in ministry as your bishop, my heart is filled with gratitude. I give thanks to God, whose call continues to guide and surprise us. I am grateful to the people of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts for the trust you have placed in me through the election process. I am also deeply thankful for the gracious leadership of Bishop Doug Fisher. His legacy in the areas of justice and creation care is one I hope to honor and continue with God’s help.
Transitions in the life of the Church can sometimes feel uncertain, yet Bishop Fisher has led this season with remarkable kindness. From our earliest conversations he has offered wisdom and encouragement, always holding the wellbeing of the diocese at heart. His care for the clergy and people of Western Massachusetts is evident, and
I have experienced that same pastoral generosity as he has accompanied me through these months of preparation, gently reminding me of the importance of caring for my family during this time of transition.
To the people of this diocese, thank you for your trust and for the warm welcome you have already extended. The election of a bishop is not simply about one person. It is about a community choosing to walk together in faith and mission. I receive your trust with humility and with a deep commitment to serve alongside you.
The Church is always being called forward into God’s mission. That mission is not something we create. It is something we join. God is already at work healing, reconciling, and renewing the world around us. Our task is to listen for the Spirit, to discern together, and to
participate faithfully in what God is doing in our midst.
In the months ahead, I look forward to visiting congregations, listening to your stories, and learning about the many ways God is already at work in your communities. Each parish carries unique gifts for the life of the Church, and I am eager to celebrate and learn from them.
My husband Daniel and our sons Dominic, Darius, and Dorian are excited to join this journey with you. Thank you for the welcome you have already extended to them. ♦
With hope and anticipation, Bishop-elect Miguelina Howell
"The election of a bishop is not simply about one person. It is about a community choosing to walk together in faith and mission."
Preparing for the Ordination and Consecration of the Tenth Bishop of Western Massachusetts
About the Ordination and Consecration
WMA Event Schedule Based on the Customary of The Episcopal Church
Thursday, April 23 (Day 1):
• The Presiding Bishop has dinner with the Bishop -elect and spouse, and the retiring Bishop and spouse.
Friday, April 24 (Day 2):
• 10:15am – 10:45am Press Conference Christ Church Cathedral
• 11:00am – 12:00pm The Presiding Bishop meets w/ diocesan clergy St. Mark’s, East Longmeadow
• 12:15pm – 1:00pm Clergy lunch
• 4:30pm – 5:30pm Rehearsal for participants in the service Christ Church Cathedral
• 5:30pm – 6:30pm Small Reception for Rehearsal participants
• 7:00pm Dinner with Bishop -elect Howell for Women Bishops, Clergy of Color
Saturday, April 25 (Day 3) :
• 7:30am – 8:15am Breakfast for Bishops, signing and sealing of the certificate of ordination Kendrick Room , CCC
• 8:15am – 9:45am Bishops meet, vest Diocesan Offices
• 10:00am Ordination and Consecration liturgy Christ Church Cathedral
• 12:00pm Reception and Presentation of Gifts Museum Quadrangle
• 7:00pm “ Halftime Show” for Bishop Howell’s guests, family St. Andrew’s, Longmeadow
Sunday, April 26 (Day 4):
• 11:00am Seating of the Bishop Christ Church Cathedral
• 10:00am The Presiding Bishop visits a congregation St. Paul’s, Holyoke
About the Bishop-elect
On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts elected the Rev. Miguelina Howell the tenth bishop diocesan. The election took place at UMASS Amherst as part of the annual diocesan convention immediately following the Convention Eucharist. Howell was elected on the first ballot out of a field of three nominees.
Bishop-elect Howell served as the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford for twelve years prior to her election. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Miguelina holds a license in clinical psychology. After becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, she earned a theological degree from the Centro de Estudios Teológicos in Santo Domingo and was ordained as a priest in 2003.
In the past, she served in various capacities at the diocesan, provincial, and wider church levels. Her roles
have included serving as a member of the Presiding Bishop’s Staff under two Presiding Bishops, Chaplain to the House of Bishops, member of the Board of Directors of the Seminary of the Southwest, member of the Episcopal Church Executive Council, member of the Council of Advice for the President of the House of Deputies, member of the Constituting Group for the Episcopal Coalition for Racial Equity and Justice, member of the Council of Advice for the TEC Office of Latino Ministries, and member of the Task Force for Reimagining the Episcopal Church.
Bishop-elect Howell was the first female rector of the Church of the Epiphany (Diocese of Newark) and the first Latina to serve as a cathedral dean in both the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. In the Dominican Republic, she served as priest-in-charge of two rural congregations, Executive Director and Administrator of the Diocesan Camp
and Conference Center, and Coordinator of Young Adult Ministries and the Diocesan Communications Committee. In her young adult years, Dean Howell served as Executive Assistant to the Bishop of the Dominican Republic.
The Bishop-elect is passionate about social and racial justice, as well as the intersection of spirituality and the arts. She finds joy in crafting liturgies that bring people closer to God, themselves, and others.
She is married to Daniel M. Howell, and together they are the proud parents of three sons: Dominic, Darius, and Dorian.
On Saturday, April 25th, 2026, Bishopelect Miguelina Howell will be ordained and consecrated the tenth bishop of Western Massachusetts at Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield. ♦
Remembering Dean Tom Callard
The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher IX Bishop of Western Massachusetts
The Bishop’s Eulogy, delivered on January 19, 2026, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Escondido, CA.
It is an honor to follow these wonderful eulogies by Tom’s family. He loves you all so very much. And what deep love Sagrario and he have for one another. We know that love is stronger than death.
Tom was an awesome parish priest and cathedral dean. I will always remember going with him out on the streets of Springfield with a sign saying, “how can we pray for you?” Very few people who saw that sign passed by. Many would come up to us and say their prayer request. And we would raise our hands in a gesture of prayer and spontaneously request God’s love and guidance. Tom led prayer in our Cathedral with such joy and deep faith. And he took those prayers out of the church building and into the streets. Like Stations of the Cross
in the streets on Good Friday. And all the great work he did as Chaplain to the Police Department.
Tom was a great ecumenical leader. Serving on Springfield’s Interfaith Council. Numerous times he invited religious leaders from other faith traditions to preach at the Cathedral. He had Rabbi Marc Shapiro as our “Rabbi in Residence.” Together we met with the local Imam.
Tom loved the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement, and he knew God’s grace could not be contained in one tradition.
And Tom was deeply engaged in pastoral care for his flock. When I was ordained a priest so many years ago, I asked a wise, elderly priest what advice he had for me. He said “Doug, just love the people.” Tom did that.
Tom was amused whenever I quoted Bruce Springsteen in a sermon. I will honor Tom now with the lyrics to a song Bruce wrote for his good friend Terry. I think the lyrics describe our Tom:
“Now the world is filled with many wonders under the passing sun, And sometimes something comes along and you know it is for sure the only one.
The Mona Lisa, the David, the Sistine Chapel, Jesus, Mary, and Joe.
And when they built you brother, they broke the mold.
When they built you brother, they turned dust into gold.
Now your death is upon us and we will return your body to the earth.
But love is a power greater than death, just like the songs and stories told, And when she built you brother, she broke the mold.”
May Tom Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory. ♦
Official portrait of the 8th Dean Photo: Episcopal WMA
2016 Interfaith service.
L-R: Jane Kaufman, Congregation B'nai Israel, Northamton; the Rev. Tom Callard; the Rev. Joseph Pace; Imam Wissam Abdul Baki, Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts; and Bishop Doug Fisher.
Photo: Episcopal WMA
Dean Callard leading 2018 Gun Violence Vigil.
Photo: Episcopal WMA
Bending Toward Justice evolves: Cathedral shines for MLK Day
The Rev. Vicki Ix Managing Editor, ABUNDANT Times
Since 2019 the Social Justice Commission (SJC) has sponsored Bending Toward Justice, an annual diocesan day of prayer to focus our energies on the work of justice in this place. Scheduled during the week of MLK Day, the event has had a focus on the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The commission has brought wonderful speakers to our diocese—inperson and virtually. Facilitated breakout groups allowed for networking, welcoming partners from Episcopal City Mission and the Poor People’s Campaign. The Social Justice Commission embraced core issues that continue to guide our work: ending gun violence, immigration reform, racial reconciliation, creation care, and economic injustice. While the pattern of gathering for prayer, inspiration, and commissioning has been a constant, the 2026 celebration was a departure from previous gatherings. For the first time, Bending Toward Justice was held at our cathedral on MLK Day.
Dean José Reyes, a member of the SJC, joyfully accepted the opportunity to host and plan a festive Eucharist with the propers of the memorial for Dr. King. In place of the traditional keynote, the bishop invited the Rev. Dr. Walter Brownridge to preach. Canon Brownridge has written on law and theology, practical theology, and Church & Society. His articles have appeared in several publications, including the Anglican Theological Review (ATR). He was co-editor and contributor to a special volume of the ATR dedicated to the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He is also a contributor to the book Preaching Black Lives Matter. His powerful sermon is available on the cathedral’s YouTube Channel.
Another new aspect of the 2026 event was the integration of an offering of action, service, or advocacy. An online form was made available giving individual Episcopalians the opportunity to commit to supporting various ministries that address food insecurity and homelessness. Calling
their representatives and senators or subscribing to the Action Alerts from the Episcopal Public Policy Network were among the options. Participants attending in-person were given offering slips with the worship leaflet. At the Offertory, a plate containing these anonymous slips of paper was brought to the table along with the bread and the wine.
While music has always been integral to Bending Toward Justice, the combined choirs of the cathedral, St. Peter’s, and St. Mark’s brought a new level of energy and joy to the celebration. Under the direction of Dr. Colin Britt, Music Director at our cathedral, these voices turned our hearts to prayer. The addition of trumpet, courtesy of Mr. Gary Hart, added festivity. Following the service, the cathedral hosted the assembly for brunch in the Kendrick Room. Gathered, encouraged, nourished, and sent—our tradition of marking the New Year with a focus on God’s justice continues. ♦
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Photos: Episcopal WMA
The Rev. Canon Dr. Walter Brownridge preaches.
The Rev. Rachel Field addresses the assembly with members of the Social Justice Commission.
Episcopal Path Companion Daniel Hamel and a member of the Green Team from Trinity, Claremont, NH.
Photo: submitted
Sighs Too Deep for Words
The Rev. Rachel Field
An Episcopal Path for Creation Justice Province I EcoRegion
Imagine snow leopards, manta rays, fennec foxes, lemurs, purple green sweat bees, elk, and ostriches, all holding their breath, waiting to see what humanity will choose. Our scriptures remind us that we, human creatures, are caught up intimately with our more than human relatives. We were created on the same day as cows, our faithfulness to God causes the land to overflow with blessing, God tells a confused and angry Job to ask the beasts, and all of creation waits with eager longing for the coming of God’s reign on earth. At this time of climate crisis and as humanity flails on the edges of authoritarianism and deeper entrenchment with domination, the creatures watch. Breathing in hushed voices as we collectively tip toward crucifixion.
At its core, the root cause of the climate crisis and the root cause of the rise of imperialism and fascism are the same: the spiritual distortion of white supremacy ideology that places one group of beings as the pinnacle and the others in a descending hierarchy. Thankfully for us, for all of us, Jesus shows us a different way forward. Jesus draws us into the heart of God with all of our beloved, broken, aching, and joyful relatives in creation.
Now entering our third year, An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice continues to facilitate the building of relationships between Episcopal communities, God, and the more-thanhuman world. The Path continues to companion parishes to develop plans for holistic creation justice in their own community. This slow work, moving at the speed of relationship and grounded in contemplative prayer, is an attempt to follow Jesus into the heart of God where all of creation is alive with the joy of liberation.
This work has taken form in diverse and beautiful ways across Province One:
• small prayer communities in dialogue with the Connecticut river from Old Lyme, CT to Amherst, MA
• communities in Brattleboro, VT; Salem, MA; and Burlington, MA installing solar panels and working toward zero emissions
• revitalized or new green teams in Kennebunk, ME and Londonderry, NH
• renewed imaginings for parish properties in East Longmeadow, MA and Northampton, MA
• community engagement through clean-ups and earth day events in Claremont, NH and Wareham, MA
These are just some stories from the more than 30 parishes who have begun their unique paths to creation justice since the pilot in 2023.
Every decision we make is a climate justice decision. We are either contributing to the flourishing of life on earth or agreeing to diminish the earth. As followers of Jesus, the Lord of Life, we have an opportunity to lead a new way forward. One that transforms our communities and brings God’s liberating word into the world. This life is rooted in sabbath rest, in care for each other, in radical love of ourselves and our neighbors. It is fierce. The patron saint for this work is St. Francis, not the calm aloof statue of gardens, but the rugged reformer of the church who gave away all his possessions, lived with lepers, and embraced wolves.
As the world turns again around our incredible sun, my hope is that we will continue to build a Jesus movement that enlivens. A Jesus movement that centers those society considers least, and that reimagines humanity the way that God has intended us to be from the beginning: beings of love wrapped up in an interdependent web of relationships
with each other, with God, and with our more-than-human relatives.
In 2026 the Path is continuing this faithful work of calling us back to our Baptismal covenant to cherish the wonderful works of God. We can lean into the work of restoring our relationships with God and creation. If your parish is looking for support to revitalize, build up, or begin a ministry of creation justice, then you are invited into the Path community. If you are a clergy person and looking for support in deepening your leadership in creation justice or to begin to understand this essential ministry, then you are invited to join the inaugural cohort of clergy leadership development called Growing Green Leadership.
This program is offered by the Path and supported by Trinity Wall Street. There are many ways to be involved, and there are companions, both human and more than human, who are present to offer themselves so that we all have company on the way toward the lifegiving liberation that God desires for all creatures. ♦
The Rev. Rachel Field
Indigenous Justice: How the truth of the past helps us seek right relationship today
The Rev. Vicki Ix
Convener, Province 1 Indigenous Peoples’ Justice Network
Sacred Ground rocked my world. Created by The Episcopal Church in 2019, the 10-session deep dive into the history of racism in America opened my eyes to over four hundred years of oppression. With an emphasis on chattel slavery and the sin of white supremacy, Sacred Ground holds space for holy conversation as participants process the readings and videos that are part of the experience. The premise is that knowing the truth of history changes us and changes the future.
The point of this article is not Sacred Ground, but it has been such an important part of my spiritual journey as an ally. Even before Africans were sold on our coastlines into slavery, colonial explorers oppressed and enslaved the indigenous people of the Americas— what our Native neighbors call “Turtle Island.” It was the session on this history within the Sacred Ground curriculum that stirred my soul and made be hungry to learn as much as I could about the Doctrine of Discovery, the dispossession of the land, the role of the Church in the destruction of Native culture, and the generational trauma wrought by the residential boarding schools for Indian children. I have been supported along the way by the journey of The Episcopal Church in this regard. I have been gratified to see a resolution at the General Convention become a Task Force charged with unearthing our complicity in the systems that sought to “Kill the Indian, save the man.”
All this learning and truth-telling is so important as we strive to become beloved community. It leads to concrete action like the forming of the Episcopal Truth, Justice, and Healing Commission (2025). For me, it led me to Ohketeau Cultural Center in Ashfield, MA.
As a newly ordained priest, I discovered that there was a new Native-run nonprofit in town founded to support the indigenous community, to preserve Native culture, and to provide workshops and seminars that engage and educate the non-Native community. The Living Presence of Our History series, offered in-person and online through the pandemic, was transformative for me. I commend to anyone who wants to live as an ally of Native neighbors.
THINGS I LEARNED AT OHKETEAU
“Nothing about us without us.”
The appropriation of Native spirituality, rituals, and sacred objects must be avoided. Only Native people should burn sage for “smudging” or offer tobacco as sacrifice. If we are invited to join a Native “ceremony,” as we were just this past October on Deer Island, that is a great privilege that requires a posture of humility and respect.
In 2025, under the leadership of the Rev. H. Mark Smith, both Massachusetts dioceses undertook a unique observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. For the previous three years, we gathered in churches to listen to our Native neighbors tell us what their lives are like and how the Church might grow as ally. This past October, in collaboration with “Find A Way” —the pilgrimage project of the Harvard Chaplaincy—we decided to make a sacred journey to a place of significant importance in the history of King Philip’s War.
Three buses from two dioceses and college students on foot rendezvoused at Deer Island in Boston Harbor—the internment site where hundreds of Native people from the “praying towns” died from exposure and starvation in the winter of 1675 - 1676. For many of the Native participants, it was their first visit to the site of so much suffering and death. Deep emotions rose among them as they formed a circle around the drum. We non-Native participants were welcomed with so much warmth and hospitality to their ritual observance. I never cease to be moved by the generosity of spirit I have witnessed among Native neighbors who have been willing to teach me and guide me as an ally.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026 will take place in Rhode Island near the site of the Great Swamp Massacre. The Dioceses of RI and CT are the collaborating partners, but all Province 1 is welcome.
Care about what Native people care about.
The best way to enter relationship with Native neighbors is to be concerned with matters of utmost importance to the Native community. For us in the Commonwealth, we have the MA
Indigenous Legislative Agenda to point our way. The Agenda includes 5 priorities to be addressed by the MA Statehouse:
• Prohibit Native American mascots in Massachusetts public schools
• Replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day to celebrate Indigenous resilience and survival
• Ensure that schoolchildren in Massachusetts learn about Native American history, culture, and current issues
• Ensure Native American funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony held in governmental or non-profit collections are not sold for profit
• Improve educational outcomes and opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native students
On June 16, 2025, Bishops Fisher and Whitworth issued a joint statement in support of the MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda. “These five pieces of legislation will make the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a safer, healthier, more respectful environment for native people. As bishops of The Episcopal Church, we support this legislation and the rights of indigenous people to be the stewards of their own culture and the keepers of their own sacred stories. This is our first step, but it will not be our last.”
References to the “pioneers” are a reminder to Native neighbors of forced migration, dispossession, and the deaths that followed new diseases and wars
One of the things I have noted in myself is that once we know something we can’t not know it. I live in Florence, MA and signs abound for “Pioneer Valley.” Words are powerful and choosing new ones can be a part of indigenous justice in our time, in our place.
On November 14, 2025, our Diocesan Annual Convention resolved to refer to the central corridor as the “Connecticut River Valley Corridor” rather than the Pioneer Valley. My heart expanded a few sizes with the unanimous passage of the resolution.
Native people and culture thrive all around us.
One of the first activities of the Province 1 Indigenous Peoples’ Justice Network was a book study. Under the leadership of Ms. Martha Gardner, retired Missioner for Networking and Formation in the Diocese of Massachusetts, online discussions spanned 18 months and nine books. If one wishes to learn the truth of history and experience the living voices of Native voices, these books are a wonderful pathway to better understanding and deep appreciation:
• Ladder to the Light by Steve Charleston
• The Gathering by Shirley Hagar and Mawopiyane
• This Land is Their Land by David Silverman
• Our Beloved Kin by Lisa Brooks
• Path Lit by Lightening: the Life of Jim Thorpe by David Maraniss
• Healing Haunted Histories by Enns and Myers
• Massacre on the Merrimack by Jay Atkinson
• The Land is Not Empty by Sarah Augustine
• Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
The living culture is especially prominent in the summer months of Pow Wow season. These gatherings are often open to non-Native visitors. Most Pow Wow webpages will make that clear. Respectful presence is the key to entering Native spaces. No alcohol. No drugs. NonNatives are welcome to enjoy the beauty and community as guests of our Native neighbors. Make sure you visit the website for all the essential information before you go. There are wonderful guides for visitors online.
Where To Begin?
If you feel called to be part of this work, Province 1 hosts the Indigenous Peoples’ Justice Network. It is a monthly online conversation among representatives from all seven dioceses. We check-in to share what we are doing and work on projects together (like “Morning Prayer with Native Saints”). If you would like to join us, email me and I will add you to the email list.
For congregations, all of this can be daunting. The weight of the story can slow us down. I find energy around the possibilities—the hopes I have for the role the Episcopal Church can play in repairing what has been broken. The wounds of history are never completely healed, but we choose love now. We choose relationships and mutual respect now. How might we make our congregations a welcoming place for Native neighbors who follow Jesus? How many are already in our pews? How can we bring the painful past to our prayer as we seek justice in the present moment? As with all the beloved community work, we keep at it. We decide to be lifelong learners who embrace the truth of the past for the sake of God’s future. ♦
‘Expansive Welcome’ helps create safe environment for all at Holy Spirit
David Seifert, Holy Spirit, Sutton
Parishioners at Holy Spirit Church, Sutton are taking “welcome” to a whole new place of intentional hospitality.
The commitment is anchored by a new statement of Expansive Welcome crafted over the past year by a team of parishioners.
Working on a wider meaning of welcome began in 2022, after a conversation between the Rev. Julie Carson (then interim rector and now rector) and a parishioner interested in putting up a pride flag outside the church.
“I was thrilled by the enthusiasm,” Carson said. “But I knew these kinds of actions need to be made slowly, and with transparency and participation from the whole congregation.”
Carson had led a previous parish through a process based on a Lutheran program called “Reconciling in Christ” (RIC). It’s designed to help Lutheran communities of faith “answer the inclusive call of the gospel by welcoming believers of all sexual orientations and gender identities.”
She believes “the outward symbol of welcome comes at the end of a process of learning and questioning, not at the beginning.”
The Holy Spirit vestry created a team to lead a modified RIC process, and the initiative reached a key milestone at the 2026 Annual Meeting, with a vote by the congregation to accept the Expansive Welcome statement. After that step, the vestry chose an outward symbol of welcome, scheduled to be revealed on Easter Day.
Rebecca Takis-Smith represented the vestry on the working team and joined a sub-group that worked on the statement. “We all felt very moved in this process to include specifically those who have felt unwelcome in churches in the past: the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, as well as immigrants, refugees, or any who are marginalized,” she said.
She met with the group to contribute ideas, content, and editing. Reading Radical Welcome, a book written by the Rev. Stephanie Spellers, helped her understanding, she said.
“Collaboration with others on a project in your church community can be enjoyable and lead to a result you are proud to share! It can also bring personal fulfillment and joy, and strengthen ties to one another,” she added. “We all felt passionately that Holy Spirit could do more to let our community know we hope they join us on their journey no matter who they are.”
Carson said leaders at Holy Spirit Church embraced the approach because they realized that “every family has a member that has been made to feel unwelcome in society, one way or another. Whether it’s a person in the LGBTQ+ community, on the autism spectrum, someone with visible disabilities, or from a minority community, all can imagine having a loved one feeling excluded in a community of faith (or feeling excluded ourselves), and we have a chance to respond to that.”
As part of the RIC process, Carson led adult formation coffee hour forums to help educate Holy Spirit parishioners and answer questions.
Along the way, she learned that “staying on the side of Jesus is sometimes counter-cultural, and sometimes following Jesus just means showing respect and kindness to anyone who walks in the door.”
A congregational vote is part of the RIC process, and Carson acknowledges that it’s unusual in Episcopal churches. “But the writers of the statement did such a lovely job that all seemed eager to embrace it,” she noted.
She said Holy Spirit Church is “the only church in Sutton that is part of a progressive denomination that is truly welcoming to all, and we have an opportunity to make sure the community knows that all are safe and wanted here.”
Carson and Takis-Smith both believe other congregations could find the process meaningful.
Takis-Smith suggested starting with discussion and forming a group of people who are enthusiastic about the topic. “Education and having discussion before just adopting a statement or symbol is important to make sure that the community members are comfortable with the change and understand the ‘why’,” she said. “We invited everyone in the congregation to join—we had a large showing, including teens and young adults who felt comfortable to share their journey and stories. Hearing about some of the challenges and obstacles they have faced with such bravery has inspired us to continue this important work.”
Carson echoed those suggestions: “Take your time and offer lots of different opportunities for learning,” she advised. “We had adult forums from a PFLAG educator and a diversity trainer, book studies, and a movie showing to get the conversations going. I hope we continue this spirit of educating ourselves as our world continues to change and as we are challenged to keep noticing when Jesus is walking in the door.” ♦
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church Expansive Welcome Statement
We believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every person, and so we will work to build a church community whose doors are open to everyone.
We believe that Jesus teaches us to care for and love all, especially the marginalized and those who might feel unwelcome or uneasy inside a church.
We confess that the Church has not always welcomed everyone, and so we commit to expanding our embrace to include all as if they were Jesus himself (Mt 25:35).
No matter who we meet, or whom they love, or where they are on their journey, we invite ALL people to come join us, complete us, and change us.
David Seifert
Trinity Milford partners with Islamic Society for Community Meal
Alison Gamache Assistant Editor, ABUNDANT Times
Since 2020, Trinity Church has partnered with three local churches to provide a weekly Grab & Go meal to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in the Greater Milford Area. Every Thursday, free Grab & Go meals are provided at the door of Trinity Church. About 100 meals are given out each week.
In May 2025, a new meal program began. In January 2025, Zerina Rafique, a member of the Islamic Society of Greater Milford (ISGM) reached out to Trinity Church in an email. Zerina’s email stated that volunteers from ISGM had been serving meals once a month at St. Paul’s soup kitchen in Lowell, 45 miles away. They wanted to serve the Milford community, and wanted to build onto an existing food program, rather than reinventing the wheel. She asked if they could start serving a meal to the greater Milford community on the last Friday of each month at Trinity Church.
Mary Johnson, a member of Trinity Church, pursued the email because she read that the volunteers from ISGM wanted to serve a different kind of a meal to the community—a sit-down meal, not a grab and go meal. Trinity’s leadership team and several members of the ISGM
met in February to discuss the details, and the Trinity leadership team offered the use of the parish hall to the Islamic Society.
The first sit-down meal took place on May 30, 2025. A volunteer unlocks the church, gets the coffee started, and turns on the ovens. Members of the ISGM arrive with large pans of butter chicken, rice pilaf, salad, and dessert. Mary opens the meal by leading the group in a Christian prayer. Then one of the leaders from the mosque sings an Islamic prayer and then translates it into English. After prayers, they serve the meal buffet style.
At the first meal, 18 guests attended. As word has spread around about the meal, it has grown to about 30 guests. Some of the regulars are members of Trinity Church. Guests come from several towns around Milford. Some come from as far as Marlborough and Webster.
Few of the guests come due to poverty and the need for food, but instead out of curiosity and wanting to learn more about Islam. After everyone sits down with their meal, the ISGM volunteers sit at the tables with the guests and everyone has conversations as they eat. The guests feel comfortable and
welcome. They also feel free to ask questions about hijabs, curry seasoning, arranged marriages, and beliefs in the Islamic faith. Mary says the take away has been that we are all children of our Creator, whether we call him God or Allah.
On February 26, the Islamic Society hosted an iftar at their mosque in Hopkinton. Mary attended, along with Trinity’s Senior Warden, Beth Stochaj and her husband Wayne. The Islamic Society presented a certificate to Trinity Church to acknowledge their appreciation of Trinity Church’s collaboration.
The Islamic Society invited several faith leaders to the February 26 iftar as well. A Catholic priest spoke, as well as a rabbi. There was also a Sikh leader, a Hindu woman, and a gentleman from the Baha’i faith who all spoke about the need for justice and peace now in our nation. One of the Muslim leaders had attendees clap with only one finger on the other palm. Then they clapped with two fingers, then three, then four, and finally with five fingers and their whole hands. The leader said that just like the clapping was louder and stronger with all of the fingers, we are all stronger and louder when we all work together. ♦
Community Meal at Trinity Milford, February 2026. Photo: submitted
"Few of the guests come due to poverty and the need for food, but instead out of curiosity and wanting to learn more about Islam."
Mary Johnson receives certificate of recognition from Shaykh Yasir, religious leader of the Islamic Society of Greater Milford.
Also pictured, Furquan Syed, board member at the podium.
Photo: submitted
Welcome to WMA
L-R: Dominic (10), Dorian (7), Bishop-elect Miguelina Howell, Darius (9), and Mr. Daniel Howell.
Photo: submitted
The Howells
The Bishop-elect and her family
With joy, we welcome a new family to our diocese! The Howells currently reside in West Hartford, CT. They hope to relocate to our diocese in time for the start of the new school year.
The Rev. Amy Bradley
St. John's Episcopal Church Northampton
The Rev. Amy Bradley graduated from Southern Mississippi University in 2001, majoring in English and secondary education. She earned an M.Div. from Duke Divinity School in 2017. Ordained for the Diocese of Georgia in 2018, her ministry began as associate rector of St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Augusta and campus missioner at Augusta University. Most recently, she served as rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Maryville, TN (2020-2025).
When the family relocated to the Connecticut River Valley in 2025, Bradley’s gifts were a perfect match for the needs of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Northampton. As Assisting Priest of St. John's, her ministry alongside rector Rev. Anna Woofenden continues to be a blessing. ♦
