Episcopal Diocese of Rochester
Joy in Christ, a way of life

Our Mission & Vision

Our vision: Joy in Christ a way of life.

Our mission: To grow and develop congregations spiritually, numerically and in missional leadership.

With Christ’s help, we seek to fulfill our mission and vision through:

  • Radical hospitality: Embracing all as equal and beloved members of Christ’s body.
  • Passionate spirituality: Encouraging all members of Christ’s church to be on fire with the Gospel.
  • Thoughtful engagement: Creating safe environments for discussion and works related to justice, peace and equality.

Our Faith

We are followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person.

We are affirming. Both men and women, including those who are married, are eligible for ordination as deacons, priests and bishops. We believe in amendment of life, the forgiveness of sin, and life everlasting.

Holy Communion may be received by all baptized Christians, not only members of The Episcopal Church, during our services. We uphold the Bible and worship with the Book of Common Prayer.

Our Parishes

The Episcopal Diocese of Rochester is a collection of 46 diverse parishes spread throughout the region. Our diocese includes urban parishes in the heart of Rochester neighborhoods, country churches in the northern reaches of Appalachia, parishes in small towns and suburbs, and beautiful lakeside chapels.

We have parishes in Allegany, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Steuben, Wayne and Yates counties - view the parish map to see parishes near you. The Episcopal Church Welcomes You.

View the parish map...

Our Leadership

Bishop Provisional Stephen Lane joined our Diocese in February 2022.    More from Bishop Lane...

Leadership is also supported by Diocesan and District Deans

Prayers

  • General prayer: Prayers for all those affected by the historic flooding in the southern part of our Diocese and Pennsylvania.
  • Parish in transition: Good Shepherd - Savona
  • General prayer: For the Human Family O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Salaam, Shalom, Shanti, Peace! Prince
  • General prayer: For those serving in the Armed Forces and their loved ones.
  • Prayers for peace: For the people of Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Nigeria, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and all places affected by violence.
  • Prayers for peace: O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCP

Bishop's Writings

Bishop Stephen Lane introduction video

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Dear friends, 

Below is a video from Bishop Stephen Lane.  You can also read his message below.  If you have any questions or want to contact Steve, please email the Executive Assistant to the Bishop, Sarah Herzog.

 

 

Read more »

Convention 90 Bishop's Address

Monday, November 8, 2021

(To watch Bishop's Address, CLICK HERE for video)

Great is thy faithfulness! God is good. All the time! All the time! God is good! I am grateful to stand as a guest of the Haudenosaunee, Seneca Indians and other ancestors who have gone before us, in this land which is home to us all.

Read more »

News

Convention Planning

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Dear Friends,

Read more »

Bishop's Writing / Enews May

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ,
 
My letter this month is a grab bag of items for your consideration.
 
I want to begin with the good news that the celebration of our Lord’s resurrection went very well all

Read more »

Georgia Carney Recognized

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

 

Congratulations to the Rev. Georgia Carney, Founder of SewGreen@Rochester, who was honored as the 2023 Hannah G. Solomon Recipient by the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Rochester Section.  The award is presented to an individual who has changed the lives of others through his or her leadership efforts and service.

Read more »