Kendra Haven is director of special projects at InfluenceMap, a an independent data analysis think tank that tracks companies and industry associations. During the Episcopal Parish Network’s Earth Day 2024 webinar, Haven addressed how multinational oil and gas corporations spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually to shape public image by appearing in favor of reducing emissions. However, claims of “going green” are inconsistent with the companies’ policy engagement. Photo: Screenshot [Episcopal News Service] On April 22, the Episcopal Parish Network hosted a virtual conversation about ..read more

[Anglican Church of Canada] In the continuing spirit of full communion, the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Companion of the Worship Arts (CWA). The CWA is awarded every three years in recognition of significant contributions to the worship life of both churches. Since 2014, one Anglican and one Lutheran recipient receive the honor, recognizing ongoing inspiration and encouragement to others, and service to God, through worship, spirituality and the arts. This year’s Anglican recipient is t ..read more

[World Council of Churches] On April 22, World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev. Jerry Pillay, on behalf of the global fellowship, extended greetings and wishes to Jewish people everywhere as they commemorate Passover. “We join in prayer with all Jewish families and communities that gather to re-enact the rituals that keep the experience of the exodus alive in our hearts and minds,” said Pillay. “May the people forged by the memory of the years of bondage and wandering honor the God of liberation by their eagerness to do justice, to reconcile and unite humanity.” Pillay expre ..read more

[The Church of England] The Most Rev. Justin Welby, archbishop of Canterbury; the Most Rev. Stephen Cottrell, archbishop of York; and the Rt. Rev. Christopher Chessun, bishop of Southwark have joined with leaders of other churches in England to renew their commitment to caring for the most vulnerable, as legislation to enable asylum seekers to be deported to Rwanda was approved by Parliament. In a joint statement with leaders of the Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist and United Reformed Churches, they pay tribute to all those who “live out Jesus’s call to feed and clothe the poor, and to welco ..read more

Diocese of Newark archdeacon the Ven. Diane Riley (left) and Bishop Carlye J. Hughes were among the speakers at an April 22 rally of advocates for homeless people that took place in Newark, New Jersey’s Harriet Tubman Park. Photo: Nina Nicholson [Episcopal News Service] The Diocese of Newark’s bishop and archdeacon rallied alongside other advocates for homeless people on April 22 in the city’s Harriet Tubman Square. Every faith tradition has something like the Golden Rule, noted Newark Bishop Carlye J. Hughes, addressing the crowd. “That simple basic belief of treating others well, treating ..read more

Editor’s note: Bishop George Sumner has not announced plans to retire as previously reported in error.  [Episcopal News Service] Dallas Bishop George Sumner has called for the election of a coadjutor who will serve alongside him until he retires. Bishop George Sumner has led the Diocese of Dallas since 2015. Photo: Diocese of Dallas The election is scheduled for May 3, 2025. The Rev. Clayton Elder, outgoing president of the Standing Committee and vicar of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Frisco, will chair the search committee. “We believe that this search process is an opportunity for ..read more

[Episcopal News Service] Dallas Bishop George Sumner plans to retire in 2025, according to an April 22 letter to the diocese, which is based in Texas. Last week, Sumner called for the election of a coadjutor who will serve alongside him until he retires. Bishop George Sumner has led the Diocese of Dallas since 2015. Photo: Diocese of Dallas The election is scheduled for May 3, 2025. The Rev. Clayton Elder, outgoing president of the Standing Committee and vicar of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Frisco, will chair the search committee. “We believe that this search process is an opportunity f ..read more

[Religion News Service — Eatontown, New Jersey] Matty Giuliano is the kind of chaplain who doesn’t mind if you drop an f-bomb midsentence. The animal cruelty officer-turned-interfaith animal chaplain from Queens, New York, wants everyone he serves to feel at ease, nonhumans included. And part of his ability to connect with those of all backgrounds comes from the authenticity of his own dynamic personality. Giuliano, 50, lives in Monmouth County, New Jersey, with his wife, four dogs, three ferrets and one cat. He drives a car with the license plate CHPLAIN, speaks with an unmissable New Yo ..read more

[Anglican Communion News Service] One year from the beginning of the conflict in Sudan, the Rt. Rev. Anthony Poggo, secretary general of the Anglican Communion, has joined with a number of faith-based and charitable organizations in a statement about the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. This follows Poggo’s recent solidarity visit to the Episcopal Church in Sudan in March, which was the first visit of a non-Sudanese, senior-level Anglican clergy since war erupted. Hosted by the Most Rev. Ezekiel Kondo, primate of Sudan, Poggo met with faith leaders, as well as visiting church and community g ..read more

A Palestinian man, Ali Oroq, carries a water container as he walks at a school sheltering displaced people in Gaza City on April 16. Photo: Reuters [Episcopal News Service] Executive Council voted overwhelmingly April 20 in support of a resolution lamenting the ongoing deadly violence in the Holy Land since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, though some council members raised concerns about the resolution’s reference to the “potential genocide” of Palestinians. Other council members questioned whether it was appropriate for Executive Council to approve such a statement just two months before th ..read more