Every Sunday in Connecticut, we worship in four languages: English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Our members come from six continents. The diocese is very large, blessed with members of many different ethnicities and cultures, and a broad spectrum of theological perspectives. Although there are pockets of extreme economic need, we come to the table with many gifts and assets that will enrich our future.
As articulated so well by Bishop Smith, we see ourselves as God’s people on mission. In addition to our formal diocesan mission partnership with the Diocese of Colombia, S.A., we have informal partnerships with the Anglican Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo and with the Diocese of Lebombo in Mozambique. Our parishes have established mission relationships across the United States and in thirty-four other countries. For the past 16 years, we have sponsored a summer program sending youth to work with the Iglesia Episcopal Dominicana in the Dominican Republic. We also embrace local mission. Our parishes serve their communities, offering the church as the place where life is changed through Christian action. We are well-known for welcoming our neighbors through service and outreach programming.
Connecticut is a beautiful state, offering urban arts and culture to stimulate the mind and rural peace and quiet to calm the soul. We have hills for hiking and beaches for basking. Centrally located between New York and Boston, we cheer for three baseball teams and the best women’s basketball team in the country. Connecticut is home to major corporations, an Episcopal seminary, and renowned universities. Despite the fact that the Diocese of Connecticut is relatively populous, with over 60,000 baptized members and 172 congregations, it is fairly convenient to have face-to-face meetings with persons from other parts of the diocese without requiring an overnight stay.
Supported by diocesan programs that encourage spiritual formation and continuing practical education, lay parish leadership in Connecticut is strong. Lay people lead committees and provide valuable ministry on the parish and diocesan level. Connecticut Episcopalians are influential leaders in business, education, and government. In addition, there are many ordained ministers to bring the mission to fruition. Besides the Diocesan Bishop and the two bishops suffragan, there are 214 active and 154 retired priests, and there are 94 priests who work in a non-parochial setting. There are 39 active deacons and 16 retired.
