![]() Priests and deacons from across the diocese gathered at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center May 22-24 for their annual Clergy Retreat. The theme of this year’s gathering was “Living Ubuntu in a Violent World” led by special guest, the Very Rev. Michael Battle, Ph.D., who currently serves as the Herbert Thompson Professor of Church and Society and Director of the Desmond Tutu Center at General Theological Seminary in New York. An Episcopal priest, chaired professor, author of 10 books, and sought-after speaker and retreat leader, Dr. Battle's ministry covers the globe and focuses on Christian reconciliation, human spirituality, and Ubuntu (the African worldview of community). He lived in residence with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa for two years (1993-94) and was ordained a priest in South Africa by Desmond Tutu in 1993. Dr. Battle led thought-provoking sessions throughout the retreat that provided an opportunity for clergy to interact with the collegium and learn more about each other and the world around us. It was also a time for clergy to get to know each other, especially those who have joined our diocese since the last Clergy Retreat in December 2021, and hopefully find a little time for relaxation! There were walks on the beach, chats on the deck, and trivia game fun! Many thanks to the staff at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center who made the visit especially wonderful. View an album of photos from the retreat on our Facebook page at this link. The South Carolina Supreme Court issued an Order today denying the Petition for Rehearing and Motion for Relief from Judgment filed by our diocese and The Episcopal Church in September 2022 (regarding Old St. Andrew’s, Charleston, and The Church of the Holy Cross, Stateburg), as well as the Petition for Rehearing filed by The Church of the Good Shepherd, Charleston. The result of this opinion is that Good Shepherd, Charleston, will be returned to the historic Diocese of South Carolina and The Episcopal Church, but Old St. Andrews, Charleston, and The Church of the Holy Cross, Stateburg, will remain with the diocese affiliated with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), now known as the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina.
Good Shepherd, Charleston, was one of the eight church properties returned to the Diocese of South Carolina by the SC Supreme Court’s decision on August 17, 2022, along with St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center and all diocesan property. However, Good Shepherd, Charleston filed a Petition for Rehearing shortly after the decision, delaying a transfer of that property. That petition was denied with today’s order, meaning the property will be returned to the Diocese of South Carolina and The Episcopal Church. On September 1, 2022, The Diocese of South Carolina and The Episcopal Church filed a Petition for Rehearing and a Motion for Relief from Judgment, in regard to the court’s decisions concerning two churches that were once part of the historic diocese—Old St. Andrew’s in Charleston, and The Church of the Holy Cross in Stateburg. Both petitions were denied with the order today. While the church at Holy Cross, Stateburg was built in 1850, the congregation dates back to the late 1700s, and Old St. Andrew’s traces its origins to the Church Act of 1706; and both were among the first churches of our historic diocese and helped start The Episcopal Church in this state. Both churches have been home to generations of Episcopalians, many of which are buried in the graveyards alongside these two historic and sacred spaces. Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley expressed her grief about the loss of these historic parishes. “Many faithful Episcopalians are personally affected by the loss of these two churches as blessed spaces of worship for themselves and the generations before them, and I grieve with each of them,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. “I know Episcopalians will continue to hold these sacred spaces, which are an integral part of our history, close at heart. We will continue to support those who have lost their church home yet wish to continue their faith journey in the community of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.” Good Shepherd, Charleston, has roots related to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Charleston, which was formed in 1833, though Good Shepherd’s current location near Charlestowne Landing in West Ashley was built in the 1970s. “As we acknowledge the loss of two more churches, we rejoice to welcome Good Shepherd back home as part of The Episcopal Church, and we look forward to sharing more about the ministry there in the days ahead,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. Bishop Woodliff-Stanley, Chancellor Skip Utsey, and diocesan leadership will look to work with Bishop Chip Edgar, bishop of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina and their leadership, toward the next steps in the process, following the direction provided by this Order. “Please continue to keep all involved with this transition, as well as all affected by these decisions, in your prayers,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. ![]() The Rev. Timothy V. Hushion, Jr. has been called to the Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston, to serve as interim rector, beginning on Sunday, June 4, Trinity Sunday. Father Tim is retired after serving as the priest-in-charge at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA; rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Wadesboro, NC; and vicar of All Soul’s Episcopal Church in Ansonville, NC. He was sponsored for ordination by the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina and received his MDiv. From Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. A 1973 graduate of The Citadel, Father Tim also served in the United States Marine Corps, and was ordained the priesthood in 2012. He is married to Marcie (Whitlock) of Charleston and, together, they have three adult children and four grandchildren. Fr. Tim will serve as a long-term interim while Holy Communion undertakes congregational development work (beginning in September) in preparation for a new search process. The Rev. Dr. Jennie Olbrych has been serving the congregation as a short-term interim rector since Ash Wednesday (February 22). She will conclude her time there on Pentecost this Sunday, May 28. ![]() The Rev. Dr. Rob Dewey, a priest of our diocese, was presented with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) at the ICISF World Congress 17, held April 30 to May 5 in Baltimore, MD. He was presented with the award by Dr. George Everly, the organization’s co-founder. “Rob received a lifetime achievement award reflecting not only a lifetime of service to God and local community but to the international community served by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation,” said Dr. Everly. “Rob was a pioneer, an innovator, and an early adopter of faith-based psychological crisis interventions. He is a gentleman, a caring human being, and epitomizes a servant of God.” Reflecting on the recognition, Father Dewey said: “I was very honored and blessed to receive this award, and to remember all the folks who assisted me along the way.” Father Dewey’s ministry has been anchored by his deep commitment to chaplaincy. In addition to beginning the South Carolina Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, he founded the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy in 1990, serving to provide chaplains for Lowcountry first responders as well as state and federal agencies, and he created the Lowcountry Community Chaplaincy in 2017 in service of Drug Diversion Courts, the ATF, the Charleston Restaurant and Hotel Association, and the Isle of Palms Public Safety Office, among other institutions. He has also served as chaplain to the FBI and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). ![]() Members of the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, and Trustees of the Diocese gathered for a joint retreat earlier this week at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center. Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley welcomed the group, which also included Chancellor Skip Utsey and Vice-Chancellor Melinda Lucka Kelley. Ms. Katie Ong, the consultant assisting with the Diocese's Strategic Visioning process, and the two co-chairs of the Visioning Team, Ms. Deb Harris and Ms. Ray Sabalis, were also present. View an album of photos from the event on our Facebook page at this link. The retreat was also an opportunity for leaders of the diocese to learn more about St. Christopher. On Tuesday, the group toured many parts of the campus and inspected the progress of the renovations of the buildings and grounds, including the camp cabins and the Prayer Center. In addition to worship and fellowship, Bishop Ruth facilitated a Strategic Vision listening session for the entire group. It was a rich discussion about where God is calling the whole diocese as we enter the next chapter of our common life. As part of the closing devotions of the retreat, small groups worked to compose collects (the typical form of liturgical prayer in the Episcopal tradition) based on their experience of the retreat and their hopes for the Diocese. Gracious God, Creator of all that is beautiful, all that is good: Give to us, your people of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, the wisdom to discern that which you would have us do and the strength and courage to fulfill it, for the sake of your people of this diocese and all of creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, who calms the seas and blesses the waters of creation, gather us from the scattered islands of our lives and the fractured communities we live in; keep us steadfast in the way of Jesus, so that we may share your love and grace with the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is above and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and fore ever. Amen. Our gracious heavenly Father & Mother, who has steadfastly and compassionately walked alongside us; inspire us with your generosity, creativity and grace, that we may joyfully move forward together to accomplish your will. All this we ask in and through you Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Most high, omnipotent, all good God, who has placed us in the leadership community of the Diocese; give us wisdom and a servant's heart, so that we may serve your people and unite them in the love of your Son; through Jesus Christ, who gathers all. Amen. Creator God, in this place you created a magnificent diversity of life: the gentle deer, the fierce alligator, the grace-filled pelican. Be with us, we pray, as we envision a new, life-giving future of gentle hearts, fierce commitment, and grace filled communities to follow where you lead. In the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen. ![]() The Rev. Cn. Dr. Wilmot T. Merchant II, who serves as rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in North Myrtle Beach, has been appointed liaison of The Episcopal Church of Liberia by The Right Rev. Dr. James B. Sellee, Bishop of Liberia. The Episcopal Church (TEC) began missionary work in Liberia in the late 1920s and early 1930s. That missionary enterprise led to the creation of the missionary diocese of The Episcopal Church in Liberia. From that period until 1982, TEC oversaw the diocese directly or indirectly. For example, the Episcopal Church House of Bishops always elected and consecrated the missionary Bishop in Liberia until 1970. Samuel David Ferguson was born January 1, 1842, in Charleston, South Carolina. When he was six years old his family immigrated to Liberia, and he grew up to become a teacher and then a priest. On April 23, 1884, he was elected Bishop of Liberia at Grace Church, New York. Even though his episcopacy was viewed as an “Experiment of the Liberian Diocese Leadership,” he led the diocese from 1884 to 1916. It was during his episcopacy that the diocese grew and impacted the country. He was one of the first black bishops to sit in the House of Bishops in The Episcopal Church. It was not until 1970 when the first native born Liberian was elected Diocesan Bishop. George Daniel Brown led the diocese from 1970 until his death in 1993. Over the years, the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina has been served by many Liberia-born clergy in positions such as chaplain of Voorhees College, priest-in-charge, and rector of congregations. In 2002, Cn. Merchant, a native of Liberia, became the first Black rector in an all-white parish in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. Twenty years later, Cn. Merchant continues to lead St. Stephen’s in North Myrtle Beach as their rector. This very brief history shows the ties that bind the country of Liberia with the state of South Carolina. It is a blessing that Cn. Merchant, while continuing to serve as rector of St. Stephen's, can also offer leadership to the Episcopal Church of Liberia and continue this important connection. Article submitted by the Rev. Cn. Dr. Wilmot T. Merchant II. |
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March 2025
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