Parishes across the Diocese of Easton gathered to learn and to discuss the future of the diocese this past summer and early fall. The feedback they shared with the Discernment Committee reveals a diocese that is concerned about its future but deeply engaged in shaping it. Participants acknowledge significant demographic, financial, and organizational challenges, yet they are not resigned to decline. Instead, they call for greater transparency, clearer communication, stronger leadership, and a compelling vision for mission and growth. Their feedback reflects both a desire for meaningful participation in discernment and a commitment to renewing the Episcopal Church’s ministry on the Eastern Shore for the next generation.
Overview
Between June 28 and October 18, 2026, 36 parishes in the Diocese of Easton held Discernment Information gatherings during which almost a thousand members saw an information video, held conversations and provided feedback to the diocesan Discernment Committee.
Those responses to a standard set of questions reveal a diocese wrestling with declining participation, financial pressures, leadership uncertainty, and questions about our future structure. Participants generally recognize that change is necessary but are divided on what that change should look like and how quickly it should occur. Their responses reflect a strong desire for greater transparency, clearer communication, more data, and a more compelling vision for the future.
While opinions differ regarding diocesan structure, episcopal leadership, and potential partnerships, there is broad agreement that the Church’s Mission on the Eastern Shore must remain the central focus of any future decisions. Members want a Diocese seeking not merely to survive, but to renew its capacity for ministry in the next generation.
This report outlines some of the major themes the Discernment Committee found in its review of the hundreds of written responses received by the committee.
Major Themes
- Leadership and Governance
Leadership emerged as one of the most significant concerns. Participants expressed the need for strong, innovative leadership and repeatedly referenced the lack of a bishop. Comments reflected uncertainty about diocesan decision-making and concern that the discernment process lacks clear direction. There was also appreciation expressed for diocesan staff, particularly the financial team.
Key concerns included:
- Need for strong leadership
- Need for a bishop
- Questions about diocesan efficiency
- Uncertainty regarding the discernment process
- Requests for greater transparency
- Communication and Transparency
Communication is a recurring theme across nearly every question. Participants want:
- More information
- More transparency
- Better explanations of diocesan processes
- Clearer financial reporting
- Regular updates on discernment activities
Many participants believe communications are filtered and want “radical transparency.” The repeated requests for clarity suggest that trust and understanding may be as important as the decisions ultimately made.
- Financial Sustainability
Financial concerns are widespread and affect both the diocesan and parish levels. Participants questioned:
- Long-term diocesan financial stability
- Sustainability of small parishes
- High apportionments
- Staffing costs
- Reliance on investments
- Maintenance costs associated with aging properties
There is a strong interest in understanding the bishop’s budget, diocesan finances, endowments, and the balance between maintaining buildings and funding mission.
- Decline and Demographic Challenges
Participants were struck by:
- Declining attendance
- Decreases in membership and baptisms
- Aging congregations
- Empty pulpits
- Reduced public interest in church participation
These concerns indicate awareness that current challenges are not merely organizational but also demographic and cultural. Respondents also noted parallels with broader challenges facing the wider Church.
- Desire for Mission and Congregational Development
Beyond administration and finances, many comments point toward a desire for renewed purpose. Participants asked:
- What mission is the diocese called to?
- How can congregations grow?
- How can the church reach younger generations?
- How can communities become more welcoming?
This suggests respondents are not simply focused on institutional survival but on renewal and growth.
Opportunities Identified
Participants were notably more unified regarding opportunities than concerns. Frequently mentioned opportunities included:
- Collaboration among parishes
- Partnerships with other dioceses
- Youth and family engagement
- Outreach to colleges
- Modernized worship practices
- Improved communication and social media usage
- Greater hospitality and community engagement
- Expanded use of diocesan ministries
- Creative use of historic buildings
These responses indicate substantial openness to innovation and cooperation.
Information Participants Want
A major finding is that respondents consistently requested additional information before forming conclusions. Information requested includes:
- Activities and goals of the Discernment Committee
- Attendance and demographic data
- Clergy numbers and transitions
- Comparative data with other dioceses
- Financial details and budget information
- Sources for information presented in the video
- Youth participation data
- Explanation of diocesan staff roles and services
Key Tensions Revealed
The feedback explicitly identified several major tensions:
| Tension Area | Viewpoint A | Viewpoint B |
| Discernment Pace | Slow down and heal | Move faster and decide |
| Future Structure | Remain independent | Pursue merger/partnership |
| Leadership | Immediately call XII Bishop of Easton |
Explore other diocesan opportunities. |
| Identity | Preserve tradition | Embrace modernity |
| Resources | Reduce administration | Invest in new initiatives |
These appear to be the central strategic fault lines in the conversation.
Overall Assessment
The responses reflect a constituency that is concerned but engaged. Participants are not merely identifying problems; they are asking for clearer information, stronger leadership, greater transparency, and a compelling vision for mission and growth. While there is significant disagreement about future direction, there appears to be broad consensus on the need for better communication, stronger leadership, financial clarity, and intentional congregational development.
The survey responses reveal a Diocese that is concerned about its future but not resigned to decline. Respondents acknowledge significant demographic, financial, and organizational challenges. At the same time, they express a strong desire for transparency, meaningful participation in discernment, and a clearer vision for the future. Most notably, respondents identify numerous opportunities for collaboration, youth engagement, community outreach, leadership development, and innovation in ministry.
The strongest overarching message may be this: Respondents seem less divided about the existence of challenges than they are about how to respond to them.
The Discernment Committee expresses its profound appreciation to the clergy and lay leadership of the parishes of the Diocese of Easton for coordinating these sessions. And we thank all those who participated in this important work.