wfn.org | Episcopal publishers form a relationship

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2000-152

Episcopal publishers form more collaborative working relationship

by James Solheim

     (ENS) The four primary publishers of the Episcopal Church--
Cowley, Church Publishing, Forward Movement, and LeaderResources-
-have moved into a more collaborative working relationship under 
the name Episcopal Publishing Ministries (EPM).

     "What is new for us is that we are cooperating with each 
other and with the national staff to develop resources needed by 
the Episcopal Church," said Ted Gleason of Forward Movement. 
During a series of retreat meetings, representatives of the four 
publishers discovered that each brought a distinctive strength in 
focus and type of materials offered. And they concluded that, by 
joining forces, they would be able to offer a full spectrum of 
materials, as well as draw on each other's strengths.

     "Since we had a common ministry within the Episcopal Church, 
we could better serve the church by working together," said 
Cynthia Shattuck of Cowley Publications. "Each of us has a formal 
obligation to uphold the 'doctrine, discipline and worship of the 

Episcopal Church' so we are committed to providing the best 
resources for the church to live and grow in its life and 
ministry," she added.

     Electronic publishing is a new and expanding area of 
resource development, participants noted. LeaderResources, for 
example, develops and distributes curriculum and training 
materials electronically. All of the church's liturgy, hymnody, 
and Scripture has been digitized by Church Publishing and is 
available electronically--and it has a web site that provides 
information on every parish and clergy in the church.

     "We learn from each other in developing these resources," 
said Frank Hemlin of Church Publishing, "and computer technology 
helps us to create interrelated resources quickly and easily."

     The new relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in 
America has opened other opportunities for collaboration. "One of 
the advantages of our independent but affiliated publishers in 
the Episcopal Church is that we can move more quickly in 
developing materials while still ensuring that those resources 
are a part of the church," said the Rev. Linda Grenz of 
LeaderResources.

     The new working relationship with the staff of the Episcopal 
Church Center will also enhance resource development, according 
to participants. About 30 staff members reviewed the publishing 
history and needs of various offices at a September 13 meeting. 

     "The founding of EPM is an exciting development in our 
relationship with each other and the whole church that we believe 
will benefit congregations and dioceses across the church," said 
Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold. "We look forward to working 
more closely with these Episcopal publishers."

--James Solheim is director of the Episcopal Church's Office of 
News and Information.