Day 4: The Church's Voice

Thursday, June 25
(Workshop descriptions subject to change)

Level: All Levels

Communicators play an important role in helping the church speak clearly and faithfully in the public square. This day explores how storytelling, advocacy and thoughtful communication can help the church engage difficult conversations and share its witness in the world.

*All times ET

Session 1 (12 - 1 p.m.): The Peacemakers

Stories of reconciliation and community building are happening across the church every day. This session explores how communicators can identify and share stories that highlight peacemaking, bridge differences and strengthen relationships within communities.

PRESENTER: The Rt. Rev. Bonnie Perry and Dennis Boyd

The Rt. Rev. Bonnie Perry is the 11th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, consecrated on February 8,  2020. Her position oversees a diverse diocese of 76 worshipping communities and more than 14,000 baptized members. Bishop Perry serves with a passion for congregational vitality within the diocese, believing that all communities of faith should be relevant and engaged with their neighborhoods.

Dennis Boyd serves as the canon of communications for the Diocese of Michigan, working alongside Bishop Perry, diocesan staff and worshipping communities to oversee communications needs. Dennis also serves on the board of Episcopal Communicators and as the board liaison to the professional development committee. 

Session 2 (1:15 - 2:15 p.m.): Advocacy - Discerning Where & How to Use Your Voice

Churches have a long history in using their voice to address issues of justice, public policy and community life. In today’s landscape, that need can quickly become overwhelming. This session explores how to discern where and how your church or diocese will speak, and how communicators can support advocacy efforts by helping leaders communicate the church’s values with clarity, compassion and credibility.

PRESENTER: The Rt. Rev. Samuel Rodman and Christine McTaggart

The Rt. Rev. Samuel Rodman is the XII bishop diocesan of the Diocese of North Carolina and its 115 worshiping communities. In his nine years as bishop, Bishop Rodman was called to serve The Episcopal Church as the co-convener of the Presiding Officers’ Working Group on Truth-Telling, Reckoning and Healing following the 79th General Convention, and he currently serves on the Standing Commission for Ecumenical and Inter-religious Relations. Within the diocese, he has engaged clergy and lay leaders across congregations on a number of initiatives, including the diocesan mission strategy, advocacy and public witness, reparations and restitution, and the sharing of proceeds from the sale of the former Diocesan House building to support congregations in their own ministry in the communities they serve.

Christine McTaggart is the communications director for the Diocese of North Carolina. She enjoys seeing how communications can bring people together to share ideas, news, conversations, thoughts, discoveries and more. In her work with the diocesan communications department, she’s worked to create those connection channels for all 115 worshipping communities through strategic planning, integrated communication and new opportunities to bring everyone together as a diocese.

Session 3 (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.): Navigating Difficult Situations

Communicators are often asked to help frame conversations around complex or sensitive issues. This session explores strategies for approaching difficult topics with transparency, care and respect for the diversity of voices within the church.

PRESENTER: The Rt. Rev. David Read and Meg Grant

The Rt. Rev. David Read was elected bishop coadjutor for the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas on February 18, 2023 and consecrated as the 16th bishop diocesan on July 8 of that same year. As bishop, he presides over a diocese that spans 69,000 square miles across 60 counties, and encompasses 87congregations including parishes, mission, and church plants.

Meg Grant is an award-winning communicator who currently serves as the Executive Director of Communications for the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. She works closely with the bishop and diocesan staff to develop effective and collaborative tactics for communicating and marketing programs that support the vision and initiatives outlined by the bishop, as well as programs led by the bishop suffragan. 

Session 4 (3:45 - 4:45 p.m.): Continuing the Conversation - Breakout rooms

The last session of the day invites you to return and head into breakout rooms to continue the conversations started in the day’s three sessions. Ask questions, share work in progress, practice skills taught, or simply engage in conversation with session leaders and fellow communicators.