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Latest News
In Memoriam: The Rev. Jim Lewis
With deep sadness, we share that the Rev. Earl James “Jim” Lewis died on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Charleston. He was 90 years old. Lewis was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Graham, and son, Stephen. He is survived by his three daughters, Katherine, Deb, and Beth, who were with him when he died. Lewis’s…
Hiring for Creative Director: Seeds of Hope Storytelling
Everyone has a story to tell. Will you help us tell ours? The Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia is hiring a creative director for Seeds of Hope Storytelling, a five-year, grant-funded storytelling program designed to capture and share stories of vibrant faith in West Virginia and among our Appalachian neighbors. In collaboration with the Canon for…
Godly Play Training May 2026
Click here for more information and to register.
A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Cowden: Ash Wednesday 2026
Dear People of God in the Diocese of West Virginia, Today’s Ash Wednesday liturgy invites us into this holy season of Lent with the admonition to mark these forty days with, among other things, self-examination and repentance. Lent is both personal and corporate. This season’s self-examination and repentance often begins deep within and then joins…
Joint Letter from 154 Bishops of The Episcopal Church
A letter to our fellow Americans. We, the undersigned bishops of The Episcopal Church, write today out of grief, righteous anger, and steadfast hope. What happened a week ago in Minnesota and is happening in communities across the country runs counter to God’s vision of justice and peace. This crisis is about more than one…
Cynthia Bourgeault Retreat at Sandscrest
Join us for a retreat led by Cynthia Bourgeault at Sandscrest Conference & Retreat Center 143 Sandscrest Drive Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 November 2-4, 2025 Retreat will begin at 5:00pm Sunday and will conclude at 11:00am Tuesday, providing opportunities to engage in centering prayer, the Daily Office, holy silence, and fellowship. Cost: $225 (includes program, dinner on Sunday, and lunch &…
The Rev. Harry Stock Restored to the Priesthood
Almost 40 years after he was removed from ministry in The Episcopal Church due to his sexual orientation, the Rev. Harry Stock has been restored to the priesthood. The Restoration of Holy Orders took place on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia, with the Rt. Rev. Matthew Cowden, VIII…
Bishop Cowden’s Pride Message
Dear Friends in Christ in the Diocese of West Virginia, As we enter the month of June, widely celebrated as Pride Month, I offer particular greetings to members of the LGBTQ+ community. I give thanks for the faithfulness of our LGBTQ+ members throughout the life of the Church, even when we haven’t been faithful to you…
Christmas Message from Bishop Cowden
Blessed Christmas, dear Friends in the Diocese of West Virginia, As we enter the Christmas season, it is my prayer that the Divine light of our Savior Jesus Christ shines in your hearts and in your lives not only this Christmas but always. Yours in the Incarnate Christ, +Matthew Cowden


