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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!

Clergy News: The Very Rev. Michael Shaffer

Registration Open for Online Session of Sacred Ground Beginning in September

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

Clergy News: All Saints, Hilton Head Island

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