Episcopal Church in East Tennessee

06/03/2026

This is what you need in the middle of your week.

06/02/2026

"Queering Southern Hospitality: How Churches Practice Welcome in the Rural South", written by the Rev. Claire Brown and recently published on the Faith & Leadership site by Duke University, explores her research on LGBTQ+ inclusion in rural America as part of the Louisville Institute Pastoral Study Project.

How churches practice welcome in the rural South.

05/31/2026

Congratulations, Fr. Sean! This is an amazing next step in his journey. Please keep Fr. Sean and Lance, his husband, in your prayers as they prepare to move to Scotland.

Bishop Nick is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev Sean McEwen as Priest-in-Charge of St Columba’s, Largs initially for three years. His licensing will take place on Wednesday, 29th July 2026 at 7pm, the Feast of Martha and Mary of Bethany (white stole).

Sean says, “I am honoured and deeply grateful to be called to serve the wonderful community of St Columba’s, Largs. I look forward to discerning together how God is at work among us, as we grow in prayer, deepen our common life, and bear witness to the risen Christ in the world. I am grateful to the vestry, Dean Reuben, and Bishop Nick for their thoughtfulness and welcome in this process, and I look forward to joining in the life of the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway and the Scottish Episcopal Church.”

Bishop Nick says, “I am really delighted to welcome Father Sean to the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, and to St Columba’s, Largs. It is a joy to receive someone from another part of the Anglican Communion (Diocese of East Tennessee), bringing fresh experience, new perspectives, and a deep commitment to prayer, community and mission. I know that Sean and Lance will find a warm home among us, and I am sure we will have much to learn from one another as this new chapter begins.”

Please pray for Sean and his husband Lance as they prepare to move from the USA in order to come and live and work here in Scotland in the coming months.

05/26/2026

Congratulations to the Rev. Chris Chase on being called to St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, Knoxville! We are excited to welcome him back to East Tennessee and look forward to the good work ahead.

Please join us in welcoming the Rev. Chris Chase and his wife, Rebecca, to St. John’s!

05/21/2026

On Tuesday, Bishop Cole (center) visited the people of St. Clare's, LaFollette, and confirmed six teenagers in the congregation! The Rev. Bob Beasley (left) serves as a supply priest to the congregation. Thanks to Emily Bruner Doane for snapping the photo on the visit.

05/20/2026

The Bishop & Council of the Diocese of East Tennessee along with Courtney Shea of the Carbon Neutral Task Force and representatives from Solar Alliance gathered on Tuesday, May 19, to celebrate the newly installed solar panel and battery backup system at the diocesan house. Bishop Cole gave a few remarks (see the article for the text) before the ribbon cutting.

The Bishop & Council of the Diocese of East Tennessee along with Courtney Shea of the Carbon Neutral Task Force and representatives from Solar Alliance gathered on Tuesday, May 19, […]

05/20/2026

A Six-Word Poem: A Sermon for Ascension Sunday

What six-word poem would you write about your life? Bishop Brian Cole explores the expressive capacity of poetry in our lives and in faith. Delivered at Church of the Ascension, Knoxville, Sunday, May 17, 2026

Ascension Day 2026 The Church of the Ascension, Knoxville Acts 1:1-11 Luke 24:44-53 The Right Rev. Brian L. Cole Two weeks ago, in Asheville, North Carolina, I was one of […]