The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Our Vision
    • Our History
    • Find a Church
    • Deaneries
    • The Bishop >
      • Messages from Bishop Woodliff-Stanley
    • Clergy & Staff >
      • Clergy in Good Standing
      • Clergy and Transition Ministries
    • Governance >
      • Constitution & Canons
      • Convention
      • Boards and Committees >
        • Standing Committee
        • Diocesan Council
        • Trustees of the Diocese
        • Deputies to General Convention
        • Liturgical Commission
        • Visioning Committee
        • University of the South Trustees
        • Other Boards and Committees
    • Historical Timeline
    • FAQ
  • Ministry
    • Prayer Calendar
    • Commission on Ministry
    • Title IV Concerns
    • Outreach
    • Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission
    • Grants for Congregations
    • Administrative Resources
    • Clergy Resources
    • Liturgy & Worship >
      • Liturgical Commission >
        • Bishop Guerry
      • Marriage
      • The Lectionary
      • The Book of Common Prayer
      • Brother, Give Us A Word (SSJE)
      • Daily Prayer: Forward Movement
    • Education & Formation >
      • Adults
      • College Ministry
      • Youth
      • Children
    • Church Connections >
      • The Episcopal Church >
        • Province IV
      • The Anglican Communion
      • Anglicans Online >
        • The Society of Archbishop Justus
      • Daughters of the King
      • Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
      • Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross
      • Order of St. Helena
    • Ecumenical & Interfaith >
      • Fellowship of SC Bishops/Public Education Initiative
      • Charleston Area Justice Ministry
      • Christian Jewish Council
      • Gun Violence Prevention
    • Communications Resources
    • Communication and Evangelism >
      • Carolina Grace
      • Social Media Sunday
      • Mission Matters Videos
  • News
    • News Blog
    • Lenten Resources & Events
    • Sacred Ground in the Diocese of South Carolina
    • 80th General Convention 2022 >
      • 80th General Convention Blog
    • Email Newsletter
    • Episcopal News Service
    • Anglican Communion News
  • Giving
  • Convention
    • 234th Diocesan Convention
  • Contact Us
    • Get in touch
    • Make a donation
    • Sign up for the newsletter
    • News Submission
  • St. Christopher
  • Strategic Visioning

Clergy News: The Very Rev. Michael Shaffer

5/28/2025

 
The Very Rev. Michael Shaffer - Rector of St Mark's, Charleston in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina
The vestry and leadership of St. Mark's, Charleston, announced Sunday, May 25, that the Very Rev. Michael Shaffer has accepted the call to serve as their 23rd rector. In September 2023, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley called Father Michael to serve as interim rector for what was intended to be a transitionary season, during which St. Mark’s would undertake the work of discerning its new call, mission, and ministry. During his time as interim rector, the parishioners were energized and reinvigorated, living into the hope and promise of resurrection. Under his leadership, new vision and mission statements were adopted, clearly articulating St. Mark’s call: “Living Inclusively, Promoting Justice, Sharing Hope.” During this intended transitionary time, it became clear both to members of St. Mark’s and Fr. Michael, that their work together was not done, and they asked the bishop to call him as their next rector.

Of the call, Bishop Woodliff Stanley said, “The Rev. Shaffer brings the gifts most needed at the beginning of this exciting new season at St. Mark’s. A seasoned priest and tireless advocate for justice, Michael has already inspired the congregation and diocese to take wise risks for the sake of the gospel. I am delighted he has accepted the call to serve as rector at St. Mark’s.”

Father Michael shared his thoughts on the call after the announcement. “I remember preaching a sermon at St. Mark’s in December 2023 in which I said that God’s will for us might not be what we will for ourselves," said Shaffer. "God’s plan for us, God’s call on us, may not be what we think it is. And then I asked the question, ‘Are you willing to change in order to experience God’s will for you?’ Well, during my interim time at St. Mark’s, it became clear to us that God’s will at St. Mark’s is that we deepen our committed relationship with one another to continue not only the important work of this parish, but also the work of justice so desperately needed in our country today, in collaboration with other parishes within our diocese, becoming Beloved Community for All. I am humbled, honored and proud to serve as rector of this historic parish, which understands that diversity, equity and inclusion are not political taking points, but rather Christian values.”

Located in the Radcliffeboro neighborhood of downtown Charleston, St. Mark's was founded on Easter Day in 1865 by a group of devout free Black Episcopalians who found themselves without a place to worship at the end of the Civil War. The church is located at 16 Thomas Street.

Registration Open for Online Session of Sacred Ground Beginning in September

5/27/2025

 
The Diocese of South Carolina, through the Diocesan Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation, will once again offer a Zoom Sacred Ground Series beginning September 3, 2025. Sacred Ground is a film and readings-based dialogue series grounded in faith.  It was developed by The Episcopal Church as a part of the “Becoming Beloved Community” and is designed to promote racial understanding, justice, and reconciliation. The materials focus on Black, Indigenous, Latino & Asian-Pacific histories as they intersect with European American histories. 

Participants will gather on Wednesday evenings every other week from 6 to 7:30 pm. The first seven sessions will be covered from September 3-December 3 followed by a break for Christmas. The series will resume January 14 for three more Zoom sessions and a final in-person session on Saturday, February 28. Ready to sign up now? Register at this link.

There will be a Zoom introduction to Sacred Ground on Sunday, August 24, at 4 pm and anyone interested in learning more about Sacred Ground is encouraged to participate in this Zoom offering. A Zoom link will be shared closer to August 24. If you would like to receive the link for the August information session or if you have questions, please contact Tater Beak at: [email protected] or Gail DeCosta at: [email protected]

The Commission also encourages everyone to watch the short video below of former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry as he speaks about Sacred Ground. It can also be viewed at this link.

June 22, 2025: Bishop Guerry Day in the Diocese of South Carolina

5/26/2025

 
On June 9, 1928, the Right Reverend William Alexander Guerry, the eighth bishop of our diocese, died five days after being shot in his office in Charleston. This year, we invite the churches in our diocese to observe Bishop Guerry Sunday on June 22, 2025.

To find more information about Bishop Guerry, as well as the readings and collect for his remembrance, visit our website at this link. ​

Clergy News: All Saints, Hilton Head Island

5/7/2025

 
The Reverend Eric Bash - All Saints Hilton Head Island - Associate Rector
The Rev. Denise Trogdon, rector of All Saints, Hilton Head Island announced to her congregation on Sunday, May 4, that she and the vestry have called the Rev. Eric Bash to serve as associate rector, beginning on June 1. Rev. Bash most recently served as curate of St. John’s, Johns Island, and his final service there was this past Sunday.

“I’d like to express such gratitude to St. John’s for all the love and care they showered me with while I was there; you are forever etched in my heart, and I won’t be far away,” said Rev. Bash. “I am so excited to start working with the amazing people at All Saints and see all the amazing things God will continue to do in their parish and the larger community of Hilton Head Island!”

Throughout the summer, Rev. Bash will serve alongside the Rev. Katie Presley, associate rector of All Saints, Hilton Head Island. Prior to Rev. Trogdon’s announcement on Sunday, Rev. Presley shared with the congregation the news that she has discerned a call to active duty Army chaplaincy, and will be resigning from All Saints in August. She currently serves as a reservist in the U.S. Army, but feels called to full-time ministry with soldiers.

In making these announcements on Sunday, Rev. Trogdon expressed gratitude that all three clergy will be serving All Saints throughout the summer, ensuring a smooth transition. The congregation looks forward to welcoming Rev. Bash to Hilton Head in a few weeks!

    News Blog

    The Diocese of SC

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017

    Categories

    All
    Bishop
    Bishop Search
    Campus Ministry
    Clergy
    Covid19
    Diocesan Convention
    Dominican Republic
    General Convention
    Leadership Bodies
    Leadership Transition
    Legal News
    Music
    Open Conversation
    Racial Justice Commission
    Reconciliation
    Returning Congregations
    Seminarians
    Staff
    Visiting Bishop
    Youth

    RSS Feed

Copyright © 2025 The Diocese of South Carolina
P.O. Box 20485, Charleston, SC 29413 - ​843.259.2016 - [email protected]
Make A Donation
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Our Vision
    • Our History
    • Find a Church
    • Deaneries
    • The Bishop >
      • Messages from Bishop Woodliff-Stanley
    • Clergy & Staff >
      • Clergy in Good Standing
      • Clergy and Transition Ministries
    • Governance >
      • Constitution & Canons
      • Convention
      • Boards and Committees >
        • Standing Committee
        • Diocesan Council
        • Trustees of the Diocese
        • Deputies to General Convention
        • Liturgical Commission
        • Visioning Committee
        • University of the South Trustees
        • Other Boards and Committees
    • Historical Timeline
    • FAQ
  • Ministry
    • Prayer Calendar
    • Commission on Ministry
    • Title IV Concerns
    • Outreach
    • Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission
    • Grants for Congregations
    • Administrative Resources
    • Clergy Resources
    • Liturgy & Worship >
      • Liturgical Commission >
        • Bishop Guerry
      • Marriage
      • The Lectionary
      • The Book of Common Prayer
      • Brother, Give Us A Word (SSJE)
      • Daily Prayer: Forward Movement
    • Education & Formation >
      • Adults
      • College Ministry
      • Youth
      • Children
    • Church Connections >
      • The Episcopal Church >
        • Province IV
      • The Anglican Communion
      • Anglicans Online >
        • The Society of Archbishop Justus
      • Daughters of the King
      • Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
      • Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross
      • Order of St. Helena
    • Ecumenical & Interfaith >
      • Fellowship of SC Bishops/Public Education Initiative
      • Charleston Area Justice Ministry
      • Christian Jewish Council
      • Gun Violence Prevention
    • Communications Resources
    • Communication and Evangelism >
      • Carolina Grace
      • Social Media Sunday
      • Mission Matters Videos
  • News
    • News Blog
    • Lenten Resources & Events
    • Sacred Ground in the Diocese of South Carolina
    • 80th General Convention 2022 >
      • 80th General Convention Blog
    • Email Newsletter
    • Episcopal News Service
    • Anglican Communion News
  • Giving
  • Convention
    • 234th Diocesan Convention
  • Contact Us
    • Get in touch
    • Make a donation
    • Sign up for the newsletter
    • News Submission
  • St. Christopher
  • Strategic Visioning