Diocesan News

The Office of the Bishop has issued the following notice: Dec. 15, 2017 Dear Friends and Colleagues, We are saddened to inform you of the death of the Rev. Alden Besse on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, on Dec. 13, 2017. Alden was active with the Martha’s Vineyard Peace Council, the Martha’s…

Bishop Gayle E. Harris will preside at a service of Anti-Oppression Lessons and Carols for Epiphany, on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (138 Tremont Street) in Boston.  St. James's Church in Cambridge has been invited to offer the service of lessons and carols…

Longtime diocesan staff member Steve Pierce ends his tenure on Dec. 14 after 20 years of serving congregations in various capacities, first as chief financial officer, later as a deputy chief of staff and most recently as coordinator for congregations. His position was eliminated as part of the…

The Office of the Bishop has issued the following notice: Nov. 22, 2017 Dear Friends and Colleagues, We are saddened to inform you of the death of the Rev. W. E. Douglas Bond in Boston, Mass., on Nov. 17, 2017. Doug served at All Saints Parish in Brookline, St. George’s Church in Maynard, Christ…

A year after the election of President Donald Trump, immigrant communities in the United States continue to face a barrage of uncertainty and fear. The pending executive actions and court cases that could affect the status of millions of immigrants and refugees are difficult to navigate, and…

This is an edited version of the mission strategy presentation at the 2017 Diocesan Convention, given by members of the Mission Strategy Implementation Organizing Team and others. Read the team's written report to convention here.  Learn more about the mission strategy process here. 

This year's Diocesan Convention voted a "We Are Still In" response to climate change--calling on "congregations and every person of faith to set a moral example by making decisions of integrity in our energy choices and holding our leaders accountable to likewise reduce carbon emissions"--and it…

The 232nd annual Diocesan Convention got underway with Holy Eucharist and Bishop Gates's address. Christian DeJesus read the lesson from Isaiah in Spanish. "The year behind us has been challenging, and…

Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts bishops the Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates and the Rt. Rev. Gayle E. Harris, along with Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts bishop the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher are members of Bishops United Against Gun Violence, which issued the following statement on Nov. 6 in…

Following is the text of the address given by Bishop Alan M. Gates on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, at the 232nd annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. A fable from the pen of Arnold Lobel: The elephant and his son were spending an evening at home.  Elephant Son was singing…