Episcopal Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers, EDEIO, is the national network of those designated by their diocesan bishops with special responsibility for encouraging the search for the wider visible unity of Christ’s Church and collegial relationships with members of other religions.

EDEIO provides support and training for diocesan ecumenical and interreligious officers, encourages ecumenical activity within parishes and dioceses, enhances communication throughout the Episcopal Church about ecumenism, and encourages collaboration among all those whose ministries have an ecumenical and interreligious dimension.

Communication is at the heart of EDEIO’s mission.  EDEIO’s network is uniquely situated to bring the fruits of national and international dialogues to dioceses and congregations; to communicate diocesan and congregational experience to the Ecumenical Officer of The Episcopal Church and the Standing Commission on Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations; and to share within the network ecumenical successes, challenges, strategies and needs.  SCEIR, the Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer at the Church Center, and EDEIO are charged with upholding the ecumenical and interreligious imperatives and implementing actions adopted by the General Convention.

EDEIO supports ecumenical and interreligious activity through educational events at parish, diocesan, provincial, and churchwide forums.  It regularly hosts ecumenical guests and dignitaries at General Convention, where its presence serves to focus attention on ecumenical issues.  It works to urge this Church to provide the necessary resources to further the ultimate goal of visible unity.

The studies initiated and carried out by EDEIO in cooperation with our ecumenical partners help to ground the expectations and goals of this Church in present realities, identify opportunities, and lift up the hope for progress towards unity.