The year 2023 has so far seen so much activity in the Bishop’s Fund to support ministry and outreach, both in the Diocese of Arkansas and far beyond the state. We want to thank all of you who have been so generous this year in the face of catastrophes and exceptional human need. You have been so willing to share your abundance. And, yes, we invite you to continue to participate.

Here are examples of what the fund accomplished in 2023:

• More than $50,000 went to individuals who needed help after natural disasters, many of whom lost everything when tornadoes ripped through Arkansas. The fund helped with everything from temporary housing to burial expenses.

• When wildfires struck in Maui, we sent money.

• When we heard of human suffering in Syria and at the Episcopal hospital in Gaza, we provided assistance.

• The fund has contributed about $25,000 for congregational food pantries, as many congregations remained focused on the ongoing needs of local residents.

• Members of the clergy and seminarians have received about $10,000 in personal assistance.

• Congregations received development grants.

• Organizations outside the Diocese of Arkansas received about $17,000 for the important work they do to spread Christianity’s good news beyond the doors of the church.

In all, the fund has so far this year distributed more than $130,000. This work is possible by your gifts to the Bishop’s Fund. Other than postage to mail letters, the fund has no administrative costs; your gifts go for the work outlined in this letter.

Your gift is tax deductible and can be made online or via a check made payable to the Diocese of Arkansas, noted for the Bishop’s Fund, and mailed to the following address:

Diocese of Arkansas
P.O. Box 164668
Little Rock, AR 72216.