In addition to being the diocese’s director of communications, I also serve as the bishop-appointed historiographer. In that role I routinely get asked all kinds of questions about the history of the diocese, but recently those questions have had a singular focus: does the Diocese of Kansas have, or have we ever had, any historically …
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Local officials across the state of Kansas have faced difficult decisions this year, from health concerns caused by the coronavirus pandemic to economic downturns that resulted in job losses. And when those officials also are members of churches of the diocese, they say their faith helps them through tough times.
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On May 1 Bishop Cathleen Bascom issued guidelines under which churches of the diocese could resume having in-person worship services, after eight weeks away, beginning on May 24. Since then, 27 of the diocese’s 44 churches have done that, usually offering communion in one kind (bread only) or celebrating a spiritual communion. Of the remaining …
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Bishop Bascom has issued a series of letters to clergy and lay leaders of the diocese regarding the coronavirus pandemic. These include guidance on how and under what circumstances churches can resume in-person worship, guidance on how food ministries can continue with distancing, when members of the diocesan staff will be working in the office …
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Bishop Cathleen Bascom has announced that Deacon Anne Flynn, who serves at Grace Cathedral, Topeka, has been named one of two archdeacons of the diocese. She succeeds Deacon Charles Pearce, who retired in May after 13 years of service as archdeacon. As archdeacon Flynn will serve as a liaison to deacons in the Northwest and …
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A statement from Bishop Cathleen Bascom and Ms. Terrell Mann and the Rev. Patrick Funston, co-chairs of the diocesan Task Force on Justice and Racial Reconciliation Moved to our core, or onto our knees, or into the streets by the racial tensions of this Pentecost weekend, we cannot deny that the racism that clings within …
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Beginning Sunday, May 24, Episcopal churches in the Diocese of Kansas may open. No church is required to open until clergy and lay leaders discern it is safe to do so. Summary of guidelines for churches in the Diocese of Kansas Churches may resume in-person worship on May 24, unless local authorities require a later …
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Dear clergy and parish leaders in the Diocese of Kansas: The Executive Committee of the Council of Trustees and I have been meeting weekly about financial and legal matters relating to the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on parishes and our diocese. It is difficult to anticipate the disruptive economic impact that these uncertain times …
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Bishop Bascom has written to all clergy of the diocese with her thoughts about how the physical distancing to help stop the spread of the coronavirus presents the church, with the Eucharist at the heart of its worship, “with unique practical, theological, liturgical and ethical realities.” She also provides guidance for worship and sacraments in …
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Dear beloved members of the Diocese of Kansas: As Bishop of Kansas, I am simultaneously heartbroken and heartened as I share with you the news that in-person Holy Week and Easter services, as well as other church gatherings and services through May 17th, need to be suspended. The following guidance came from Presiding Bishop Michael …
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The Harvest is the diocese’s triennial news magazine.
Current Issue: April 2026