Who We Are
The Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan is composed of over 8,000 people worshiping and serving in 57 congregations. We are both large and small, both urban and rural. We speak three languages – English, Spanish, and Dinka.

We take faith seriously – giving us imagination and opportunity for ministries and mission within our communities.

Find a Church Learn More

Welcome!

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ, in 109 dioceses across 17 nations. We are a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

As a church that welcomes questions and exploration, the Episcopal Church offers a meaningful alternative in a somewhat conservative political and religious context. As we attempt to live our faith with compassion and intelligence, our long and rich history of liturgical worship and social action supports and sustains us in our diverse communities.

The mission of the church, as stated in the Book of Common Prayer’s catechism (p. 855), is “to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.”

The Episcopal Church celebrates diversity of people and worship styles, yet all worship follows the form set out in the Book of Common Prayer. We are known for our engaging and beautiful worship services. For those who have grown up Roman Catholic, the service, known as the Mass, Eucharist or Holy Communion, will be familiar. For those of reformed tradition or those with no religious tradition, we think you may find a spiritual home in a church that respects its tradition and maintains its sense of awe and wonder at the power and mystery of God.

We honor tradition and strive to live by the example of Jesus Christ, welcoming the stranger and the outcast, helping our neighbors and offering love and forgiveness. The Episcopal Church has 2 million members in 7,500 congregations. The Anglican Communion has more than 70 million followers.

Our Mission
To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom. To teach, baptize and nurture new believers. To respond to human need by loving service. To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation. To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
Our Vision
Our Vision is to live our values and be healthy, mission-focused diverse parishes with innovative, collaborative engagement at all levels.

Our Values

The mission of The Episcopal Church is to “restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.” In Western Michigan, we live that mission through six core practices.

Forming youth and adults for faith-filled lives.

Living our baptismal promises, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Empowering each other on our spiritual journey with Jesus Christ.
Bringing God into our lives through prayer holy communion, meditation, and action.
Faith formation programs for youth and adults.
Building healthy congregations.

Service to Others

Serving those in need, as modeled by Jesus.
Joining in local, national, and international ministries.

Active Participation

Bringing youth and adults together in the life of the church.
Inviting all congregations to the ministries of the Episcopal Church and our diocese with the bishop as our chief pastor.

Acceptance & Respect

Following Jesus’ commandment that we love one another.
Respecting the dignity of every human being.
Providing a safe, nurturing environment.

Sharing

Living as faithful stewards of God’s gifts, grace, and love.
Following Jesus’ example to share our abilities, time, and money beyond ourselves.
Reaching out in love and accepting all people.

Worship

Drawing closer to God through inspirational, scripture-based, Christ-centered worship.
Honoring our sacred traditions and beauty of our ancient and modern worship.

We Believe

The Holy Scriptures are the revealed word of God, which inspired the human authors of the Scripture, and which is interpreted by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The two great sacraments given by Christ to the Church are Baptism and the Holy Eucharist.

The Nicene Creed is the basic statement of our belief in God.

The teachings and beliefs of the Episcopal Church are articulated in an “Outline of the Faith” in our Book of Common Prayer.

Join Us

Our History

After a congenial split from the Diocese of Michigan, the bishop at the time, the Rt. Rev. Samuel A. McCroskey convened the first convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan in December 1874 at St. Mark’s, Grand Rapids. At the convention, the newly created diocese elected their first Bishop, George Gillespie.

In the first few years of existence, St. Marks, Grand Rapids was identified as the Cathedral Church of the diocese. Bishop Bennison later moved the Cathedral to a new building in Portage – a large, unique brick building.

In an effort to reach financial solvency and increase transparency, we sold our Cathedral and Diocesan Center in Kalamazoo in 2005.

After years of study and dialogue, the diocesan convention voted in 2017 to complete a diocesan restructuring – moving from five deaneries into three regions. The regionalization will create three diocesan offices – one in the south near Kalamazoo, one near Traverse City, and one main headquarters to be held near Grand Rapids.

In 2019, the diocese partnered with the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan to engage in 3-5 years of exploratory conversation and intentional sharing, considering how church structures and resources may be collaboratively aligned to better serve the Kingdom of God from coast to coast.

Bishops of Western Michigan

1874-1909
The Rt. Rev. George D. Gillespie
1909-1937
The Rt. Rev. John N. McCormick
1937-1953
The Rt. Rev. Bishop Whittemore
1953-1959
The Rt. Rev. Dudley B. McNeil
1960-1984
The Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison
1984-1988
The Rt. Rev. Howard S. Meeks
1989-2002
The Rt. Rev. Edward L. Lee
2002-2012
The Rt. Rev. Robert Gepert
2013-2021
The Rt. Rev. Whayne M. Hougland, Jr.

GIVE TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Who We Are

Welcome!

Our Mission

Our Vision

Our Values

We Believe

Our History

Bishops of Western Michigan

1874-1909

1909-1937

1937-1953

1953-1959

1960-1984

1984-1988

1989-2002

2002-2012

2013-2021