Our mission: To restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
We grow together through radical hospitality, passionate spirituality, and committed engagement to peace and justice.
All are welcome as equally beloved of God.
Our Mission
Our Faith
Together, we live the Christian life. We gather for worship and prayer to strengthen each other as seekers and followers of Jesus Christ. We believe that God forgives and makes us whole. We work to proclaim our beliefs in all we do and say. We seek to see the holy in every living being, loving others as we do ourselves. We respect the dignity of every person, working for God’s justice to be available to all.
Our Parishes
The Episcopal Diocese of Rochester is a collection of 46 diverse communities throughout the region. Our diocese includes urban parishes in the heart of Rochester neighborhoods, country churches in the northern reaches of Appalachia, old and new congregations 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!
Our Leadership
Bishop Kara Wagner Sherer is the chief pastor and has oversight of the diocese. Leadership of the diocese is shared with the Bishop by Diocesan Staff, Convocation Deans, and democratically-elected leadership teams. Churches are led by priests, deacons, and lay leaders. Priests and deacons are chosen through a process of prayer and study and they can be of any gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or ability.
Reflections and writings from Bishop Kara.
Reflections
*: God of Wonders, All you create is a sign of hope for our journey. In the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts. Just as seekers followed a star to seek wisdom: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence and may our lives be a sign of your love and justice working in the world. Amen - Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer by The Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer
Bishop's Writings
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Bishop's Writing / Enews April 2025Wednesday, April 16, 2025
“For lo the winter has past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come…” Song of Solomon 2:11-12 Read more » |
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Bishop's Writing / Enews March 2025Thursday, March 13, 2025Let’s Make it Happen! Read more » |
News
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Statement from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on the death of Pope FrancisWednesday, April 23, 2025My heart is heavy at the death of our brother in Christ, Pope Francis. Throughout his life and ministry, he has been a witness for the Gospel and a champion for the poor and marginalized. Especially in this season, I give thanks for his powerful advocacy on behalf of migrants and refugees. Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American pope, understood these siblings in Christ are never at the edges, fearful and alone. Read more » |
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Bishop Kara's Visitation to Church of the AscensionSunday, April 20, 2025PLAY VIDEO Read more » |
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A Prayer Vigil for Immigrants and Border Patrol OfficersSaturday, April 19, 2025The Episcopal Diocese of Rochester and Rural Migrant Ministries held a Prayer Vigil for Immigrants and Border Patrol Officers on Good Friday, in front of the Rochester Patrol Station. Read more » |