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Registration open for Nuevo Amanecer 2026 ‘Leading with Vision and Equipping the Future: Embracing Dignity & Diversity’
Registration is now open for two biennial gatherings celebrating Latino ministries across The Episcopal Church. This year, Nuevo Amanecer is offering two smaller, more focused conferences featuring the same workshops.
One gathering will take place at the Kanuga retreat center in North Carolina, with the Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota, as keynote speaker. The second, at Camp Allen in Texas, will feature Bishop-elect Antonio Gallardo of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Julia Ayala Harris, president of the House of Deputies, will also serve as a keynote speaker for both conferences.
Register here:
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Registration for Instituto de Liderazgo now open
Instituto de Liderazgo is a diocesan program of Christian, theological, and ministerial formation created to strengthen lay leadership in Latino/Hispanic contexts within the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Los Angeles.
This program offers holistic formation that brings together faith, Episcopal identity, critical reflection, contextual reading of Scripture, liturgical practice, pastoral care, and transformative community engagement. Grounded in a communal and contextual pedagogy, and faithful to the Episcopal tradition, the Institute understands formation as a process of discipleship, discernment, community strengthening, and ministerial praxis.
Classes are held in Spanish, in person at St. Paul's Commons, 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles. Details here.
Registration is now open. For more registration and additional information, please email edlaliderazgolatino@gmail.com
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Las inscripciones para Instituto de Liderazgo ya están abierta
El Instituto de Liderazgo Latino es un programa diocesano de formación cristiana, teológica y ministerial diseñado para fortalecer el liderazgo laico en contextos latinos e hispanos dentro de la Iglesia Episcopal en la Diócesis de Los Ángeles.
Este programa ofrece una formación integral que une fe, identidad eclesial, pensamiento crítico, lectura contextual de la Escritura, práctica litúrgica, cuidado pastoral y compromiso transformador con la comunidad. Desde una pedagogía comunitaria, contextual y fiel a la tradición episcopal, el Instituto entiende la formación como un proceso de discipulado, discernimiento, fortalecimiento comunitario y praxis ministerial
Las clases se llevan a cabo en Español, en persona en el centro Diocesano localizado en 840 Echo Park Ave. Ver más detalle aquí.
Las inscripciones ya están abiertas. Para más información, escríbanos a: edlaliderazgolatino@gmail.com
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CLUE encourages all to join fasts and demonstrations in solidarity with Adelanto hunger strikers
Detainees at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center and Desert View Annex began a hunger strike in mid-May over horrific and inhumane conditions, CLUE reported, despite the GEO Group's claims that it isn’t happening. The hunger strikers are demanding due process, bond reform, improved conditions, adequate medical and mental health care, nutritious food, accountability for deaths, and the right to organize and communicate.
In response, CLUE and other faith and immigrant rights organizations have been occupying and fasting in solidarity at the office of First Assistant United States Attorney Bilal A. Essayli, calling for an immediate investigation into human rights abuses at the facility.
Sign up for a shift demonstrating at Essayli's office here.
CLUE also encourages all people to call Essayli’s office and demand he investigate human rights violations at Adelanto: 213.894.2400.
Read about the demonstrations here.
Read about the Hunger strike in LA Taco here.
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All invited to upcoming 'Sacred Action Now' committee meetings
Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) invites all interested in joining their sacred action now community meetings to register below to attend.
Santa Monica meeting: July 14, 10 a.m.; Santa Monica Catholic Church. Register here by email to ckash@cluejustice.org, subject line: RSVP 7/14 Santa Monica Committee
Long Beach meeting: July 15, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.; Location TBD. Register here.
Black & Brown Clergy meeting: July 16, 1:30 p.m.; Online. Register here.
Orange County meeting: July 28, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Fairview Community Church. Register here.
Los Angeles meeting: July 30, 10 a.m. First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles. Register here by email to ckash@cluejustice.org, subject line: RSVP 6/25 LA Committee Meeting.
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Register by July 15 for Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency Course
Diocesan staff, clergy, lay leaders, and seminarians seeking tools for effective Latino ministry are invited to the Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency Course. The next in-person session of this course will be held Aug. 10–15 at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Registration is open through July 15. Register here.
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Registration now open for National Cathedral Acolyte Festival
Washington National Cathedral is delighted to welcome acolytes, servers, and vergers from across the country each year to celebrate this vital ministry of service and faith. The festival is a time-honored tradition for many congregations. This year’s festival will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and begins as participants join in the long and colorful 'Grandest of Processions' as participants prepare to gather around Christ’s table for a festival Holy Eucharist.
More information and registration are here.
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VTS survey supports research on intergenerational worship in Episcopal Church
Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) is seeking survey responses from Episcopal congregations to help the Roots & Wings grant team research current worship practices in the Episcopal Church. The team asks congregations take a short survey, with the goal of collect 500+ survey responses in 2026 to create a snapshot of the current levels of intergenerationality in Episcopal liturgy based on five core characteristics. Congregations do not have to already be practicing intentionally intergenerational worship to participate. The survey is accompanied by a toolkit for congregations that want to strengthen intergenerational worship practices. Roots & Wings: Intergenerational Formation Collaborative (R&W) is a five-year grant administered through Lifelong Learning at VTS.
Take the survey here.
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Applications open for Episcopal Church New communities grant; information webinar July 1
New Episcopal communities interested in applying for a grant from The Episcopal Church are invited to attend an informational webinar on July 1. Because the grant process has undergone significant updates, those considering applying are encouraged to carefully read all the new application materials and register for the webinar, which will include time for questions and answers. Grant applications are due July 15.
The grants—funded by the General Convention budget—are designed to support new Episcopal communities currently in development that seek to reach new people, respond to their local contexts, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ in meaningful ways. The new process invites dioceses and community leaders to share who they are serving; what they are learning in their context; and what resources will help them take the next faithful step in growing.
New Episcopal communities may take many forms, including traditional worshiping communities, faith-based neighborhood ministries, cultural fellowships, and other innovative groups that bring people together to encounter Jesus and grow in faith.
Communities applying for grants should generally be less than 10 years old—though exceptions may be considered—and operate under the oversight of a bishop and in partnership with their diocese.
Read the full announcement from The Episcopal Church here.
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Camp Stevens sets summer programs for children, youth
Summer programs for children and youth are scheduled at Camp Stevens in Julian, Calif., a facility of the Diocese of Los Angeles for nearly 75 years. Registration, program information, featured video, and pricing, and campership details are here. Remaining summer camp sessions are scheduled as follows:
Session 3: July 19 – 24, ages 8-15.
Session 4 (International Odyssey): Aug, 2 – 8, ages 12-17.
"At Camp Stevens, summer campers experience the best of childhood and young adulthood," leaders say. "They find wonder in the natural world, build meaningful connections with peers, gain confidence from trying new things, and strengthen their own values with the support of caring counselors and staff."
Financial donations to the ministries of Camp Stevens also are welcome and may be made here.
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Diocesan Innovation Grant applications due July 15
Applications are now open for the second round of Diocesan Innovation Grants through the Office of Christian Formation, Children, Youth. More than $80,000 is allotted for grants and scholarships in this funding cycle. Application timeline for 2026 grant cycle now available here on the Diocesan Innovation Grants webpage. The grants are a part of the Immersed in Worship Program.
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Save the date: Episcopal Church invites all to Celebrate 50th anniversary of LGBTQ+ 'full and equal claim' resolution
As Pride month begins, save the date for a gathering commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1976 General Convention resolution declaring that LGBTQ+ people have a full and equal claim to the pastoral care and support of The Episcopal Church. The celebration will be held Thursday - Saturday, Sept. 3-5, in Minneapolis. The event, “Full and Equal: 50 Years in Pursuit of a Promise,” will celebrate progress and acknowledge the work that remains.
The three-day gathering will include storytelling coaching, workshops, a banquet, and a Eucharist featuring Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe as presider and Bishop Gene Robinson as preacher. Spanish-language interpretation will be available.
More registration details will follow. Please save the date and help spread the word.
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Nomination process open for Episcopal Church leadership positions
The Joint Standing Committee on Nominations invites members from across The Episcopal Church to apply for the key churchwide leadership positions listed below. The priority deadline to apply online is June 15. Elections will take place at the 82nd General Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, July 3-8, 2027.
While applications will be accepted up to July 15, those received by the June 15 priority deadline will receive preferential review and consideration by the committee. Applications—which should be submitted electronically—will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The application form will help potential nominees discern whether they may be called to enter the application process. The process includes descriptions of each position and the unique gifts and skills sought for that role; the nomination process timeline; shared commitments and norms expected of leaders; and the church’s commitment to elected leaders. View the application form here.
Nominations are now being accepted for the following positions, committees, and boards:
- Trustee of the Church Pension Fund
- Member, Executive Council
- Secretary of the House of Deputies
- Treasurer of the General Convention
- Member, General Board of Examining Chaplains
- Member, Disciplinary Board for Bishops
- Member, Court of Review
- Member, Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop
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Join monthly 'Companions in Mission' calls from The Episcopal Church
Join the monthly Companions in Mission call to hear from Episcopal Church Center staff, Anglican Communion speakers, foreign policy experts, global mission practitioners, and others about work going on around the communion and in Episcopal dioceses. Spanish interpretation is available. Upcoming sessions at 10 a.m. PT are set for June 3, July 1, Aug. 5. Register here.
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Donations requested for families affected by ICE activity; Hollywood supplies low
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Hollywood is collecting essential supplies for families affected by recent ICE activity. Because pantry inventory is running low, donations are urgently needed to help meet immediate needs, including food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and household basics.
Those who prefer to contribute financially can also donate through the links and payment options listed on the flyer below.
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CLUE seeks donations to maintain bond fund for detained immigrants
Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) has been operating a volunteer-run bond fund for six months, which has reportedly become the largest immigrant bond fund in the United States. Now, after bonding out more than 100 people who have been able to return to their families, the donation-fed fund is running dangerously low.
CLUE is calling on the network of faith leaders and community members to help continue this sacred work. 100% of donations go directly towards paying somebody’s bond.
Donations, small or large, can make a life-changing impact on families.
Donate here
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CLUE invites all to join daily masses, weekly vigils for immigrant families
In response to recent Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and detentions, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) is holding daily mass services Monday - Friday, beginning at 9:30 a.m., at Placita Olivera. CLUE welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds to the services, and invites attendees to bring signs, prayers, and presence.
CLUE will also host a weekly prayer vigil for those who have been disappeared by ICE every Tuesday, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., at the Los Angeles Federal Building, 300 N. Los Angeles St. Register here to attend. Find more protests and events on CLUE's Summer of Resistance Instagram page.
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Aspen Institute offers recordings of religious panels from Aspen Ideas Festival
Founding Faith: Religion and Politics in the American Experiment
Watch Here
From Jeffersonian Deism to today’s culture wars, faith has shaped our polity, our politics and our policy. While the inevitable tensions that arise in a religiously pluralistic democracy may never be resolved, can a shared civic gospel still hold the American experiment together?
- David French, The New York Times
- Jane Kamensky, President & CEO, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
- Walter Russell Mead, The Hudson Institute
- Moderator: Jenn White, WAMU
God, Code and Consciousness: AI and Our Search for Meaning
Watch Here
As humans increasingly turn to AI for moral guidance and answers to life’s biggest questions, the lines between technology and religion are blurring—even leading some in Silicon Valley to wonder if AI might have a spiritual life of its own or be destined to change the world’s religious landscape. What does the impulse to see a god in the machine reveal about our enduring hunger for meaning, belonging, and spiritual growth?
- Paolo Benanti, Luiss Guido Carli University
- Paul Bloom, University of Toronto
- Elizabeth Oldfield, “The Sacred” Podcast
- Moderator: David DeSteno, Northeastern University
Learn more about the Aspen Ideas Festival and see the full agenda.
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Upcoming Episcopal Church ‘Vote Faithfully’ networking calls scheduled Jul. 2, Aug. 6
On the first Thursday of each month through November, The Episcopal Church's Public Policy and Witness team will host a series of “Vote Faithfully” calls to support voter engagement in ways consistent with Episcopal values. Calls will be 10:30–11 a.m. PT July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 1, and Nov. 5. Hosts will share resources and ideas to help congregations promote voting and civic participation while remaining nonpartisan (avoiding support for specific political parties, candidates, or platforms). The June 4 call will feature Kent Anker, the church’s chief legal officer, speaking about compliance with IRS rules regarding election engagement by religious organizations. Register here.
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‘Signs of Grace’: New video-based course on sacraments offered by Episcopal Church, Forward Movement
A new three-session, video-based course about baptism, Eucharist, and the church’s sacramental rites is available for download or streaming with accompanying study guides. “Signs and Grace: An Introduction to the Sacraments” marks the first video collaboration between The Episcopal Church and Forward Movement in a partnership designed to provide free formation resources for dioceses and congregations.
The course—which includes 45- or 60-minute options, with facilitator and participant guides—is ideal for newcomer classes, adult forums, Sunday school, small groups, and those preparing for confirmation. The three 20-minute-long videos are in English with Spanish subtitles, as well as the study guides.
Learn more here: iam.ec/signsandgrace
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Stillpoint to offer spiritual director training for clergy and spiritual care workers
Stillpoint is offering an Introductory Orientation of the Spiritual Journey program, which is a required prerequisite to The Art of Spiritual Direction, Stillpoint's program that offers an introduction to the ancient art of spiritual direction: the practice of "companioning" others on personal spiritual journeys.
Stillpoint is dedicated to supporting spiritual seekers in the ancient tradition of spiritual direction, with 40 years of experience forming spiritual directors. Stillpoint continues to form people in this sacred art in the changing spiritual landscape of the 21st Century, so that the presence of God working can be witnessed in daily life.
The orientation program is an intensive experience of the Spiritual Journey, designed specifically for those who already have training and practice in spiritual leadership, such as ordained clergy, chaplains, lay leaders and other soul care workers. This orientation is a as a prerequisite for Stillpoint's Ghost Ranch formation program in The Art of Spiritual Direction.
This program is a small group, experience-based approach to help participants explore their calls to become spiritual directors. The program will help participants discover how spiritual life can develop, how spiritual direction work can be a powerful resource, and how to discern the next steps in their own spiritual journeys.
Find more information about the orientation here, and the Art of Spiritual Direction program here.
Please contact Director of Operations Krystle Hart at khart@stillpointca.org with further questions.
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Legal resources on sensitive locations, immigration enforcement available for religious employers, workers
Catholic Legal Immigration Network has created two resources for religious employers and workers on what you should know in case immigration agents show up at your place of worship.
Under the Obama administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a memo informing its officers that they should not perform arrests in “sensitive locations” such as churches, schools, and hospitals. This also included events like weddings, funerals, and special religious services. This memo was reinforced by the Biden administration, which issued a “Sensitive Locations Policy” (also known as the “Protected Area Memorandum”).
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump issued several executive orders that rescinded these protections.
ICE is now permitted to enter sensitive locations and perform immigration enforcement – including interrogations, searches, and arrests. In light of this reversal, congregations may now experience more interactions with ICE within their community spaces, and residences.
Resource for religious employers here. Resources for workers here.
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TENS 2026 stewardship materials available
The Diocese of Los Angeles continues its membership in TENS: the Episcopal Network for Stewardship, which offers stewardship resources, teaching and training opportunities.
The diocese's membership provides access to TENS materials for all its congregations. To log on, visit the website, select "Annual Pledge Campaign" from the navigation bar and “Plenty Good Room" from the dropdown menu. The password for 2026 is Matthew22:4. (Note: the password is case sensitive and there are no spaces. No user name is required.) Materials are available in English and Spanish and in MS Word and PDF versions.
“In God’s house there is always room for more: more ideas, more people, more ways to share, more stories to tell. And in the world that God created, there is more needed: more love, more connection, more peace, more creativity. Plenty Good Room reminds us that there is always room in God’s house; we just need to make ourselves at home and invite others to join us. The ways we steward our relationships, resources, and responses to grow ministry and serve our neighbors are the ways we connect our gratitude to our generosity. There’s Plenty Good Room in God’s House; pull up a chair and sit down.”
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Green Tips are shared by the Bishop's Commission on Climate Change (BCCC), and written by BCCC member and St. John Chrysostom in Rancho Santa Margarita parishioner Gloria Sefton.
June 30, 2026: Sun Protection Tips
With summer upon us, it’s good to remember a few tips about sunscreens and their impacts on us and the environment. Experts say that mineral sunscreens (ones with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) are generally safer choices from an environmental perspective than chemical sunscreens, though not perfect because of the nanoparticles in them. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, known chemical sunscreen ingredients, are especially bad for the ocean and coral reefs (and no consensus exists on whether they are totally safe for humans either), so better to avoid them. A great alternative to sunscreen use is to cover up with UPF clothing and a hat. A single UPF shirt can be worn for years, significantly reducing the amount of plastic sunscreen packaging waste.
If you do use sunscreens, choose lotion over spray to keep the active chemicals on your skin instead of going into the air. Many spray sunscreens use chemical propellants that release organic compounds into the atmosphere contributing to pollution and global warming. Shower before going into natural waters, as personal care products like sunscreen, oils, and leave-in conditioners wash off into the waters, build up over time, and can disrupt ecosystems.
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Selected links from items previously published in the Resource Roundup are below for your reference.
FROM THE DIOCESE
Reserve St. Paul’s Commons retreat, event space
Canon Anilin Collado, retreat center manager, is available to assist with all reservations and pricing schedules; she may be reached by email at retreat@ladiocese.org or phone at 213.482.2040, ext. 250. Full information, including photos and capacity of event spaces, is available online.
Contact: The Rev. Canon Susan Russell, srussell@ladiocese.org
Questions about Safe Church may be sent to safechurch@ladiocese.org. Julie Kelly, at 213-482-2040, ext. 227, can support inquiries about the Praesidium Training Academy and Missy Morain, at 213.905.0181, is the Safe Church officer, and can answer questions about training needs, background check requirements, and reporting.
Checks to the diocese must be made out to “The Protestant Episcopal Church” or “Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.”
The annual diocesan rate for mileage reimbursement in 2026 is 72.5 cents per mile driven for business use.
| | RESOURCES FROM THE WIDER CHURCH | |
Migration, Refugee, and Immigration resources
American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ) supports the vulnerable and displaced in the Holy Land through support of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem’s hospitals, schools, and centers for children with disabilities.
'Beloved Community' resources
Responding to racism, police brutality, and community trauma
The official Episcopal Church LGBTQIA+ Pride logo
General Resources
Episcopal Racial Reconciliation Resources:
Police Reform
Prayers for justice
Scriptures related to justice, lament, and solidarity, to assist with preparing a liturgy, finding direction and encouragement, or calling communities to work for justice:
- Exodus 22:21-23
- Micah 6:8
- Isaiah 58:6-12
- Isaiah 61
- Psalms 10, 13, 89, and 103
- Luke 4:16-21
- Ephesians 6:12-20
- Hebrews 13:1-3
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CURRICULA
Christian Nationalism study guide
A three-week study guide to The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide by Pamela Cooper-White, from the Engagement Across Difference Ministry of the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Love God, Love God’s World
A nine-session, film-based curriculum, ideal for Episcopalians anywhere on the journey with creation care and environmental ministry. From the Creation Care ministry of The Episcopal Church.
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Listings for clergy employment in the Diocese of Los Angeles are here (scroll down to the end of the web page).
Listings for lay employment are here.
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| Resource Roundup, a weekly publication for clergy, wardens, church office staff and lay leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, is emailed on Tuesdays (alternate weeks from mid-June to mid-August). Items for inclusion may be sent to Mostyn Trudinger-Smith, at mtrudinger-smith@ladiocese.org by noon on Mondays. | | | | |
