Who We Are
Nativity and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts
Mission Statement
We are 51+ congregations and community-based ministries serving God's people in Worcester County, the Pioneer Valley, and the Berkshires. We are blessed to follow Jesus’ mission of mercy, compassion, and hope in this beautiful part of the Commonwealth. You are welcome here. Diversity is God’s gift. Join us for the beauty of worship and the work of justice.
History
We are a part of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, which became a Diocese in 1901. The rapid growth of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Massachusetts during the latter part of the nineteenth century was becoming too large for efficient administration under a single Bishop. In 1901 the new Diocese of Western Massachusetts was formed.
​
Episcopal comes from a Greek word meaning “bishop” or “overseer” and refers to the fact that our church is under the authority of the Bishop of Western Massachusetts, The Rt. Rev. Douglas Fisher.
​
Both dioceses in Massachusetts are part of Province One of the Episcopal Church which is made up of diocese in New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Western Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut).
​
“Province 1, which is one of the nine geographical gatherings of dioceses within the Episcopal Church, exists to support the body of Christ. The Mission of Province 1 is to further the work of and deepen relationships in the Episcopal Church in New England. The Province accomplishes this by coordinating the interdependent ministries of its seven dioceses in a spirit of mutual responsibility.”
​
Church of the Nativity, The Diocese of Western Massachusetts, and Province One are all part of The Episcopal Church, and constituent members of the Anglican Communion. “We are descendants of and partners with the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church, and are part of the third largest group of Christians in the world."
​
We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.
​
The Episcopal Church has a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; women and men serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation.*
​
We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.”
​
*Episcopal Church Canons (the laws that govern us) state: “No one shall be denied rights, status or access to an equal place in the life, worship, and governance of this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities or age, except as otherwise specified by Canons.”