Leadership Changes at Episcopal Recovery Ministries
May 29, 2023
The Rev. Sally Weaver has been involved with Episcopal Recovery Ministries in the Diocese of Missouri for 20 years, serving as the group’s leader since 2019. Now she is ready to shift her ministry focus to the national level and open the door to new leadership in the Diocese.
Sally said she and soon-to-be Deacon Loretta Go had a “mountaintop experience” at a gathering for Episcopal Recovery Ministries at the Barbara Harris Conference Center in New Hampshire this spring. At that conference, Sally volunteered to work with a group from throughout The Episcopal Church to develop a bishop’s policy for clergy dealing with addiction issues. And Loretta discerned her call to pick up Sally’s leadership responsibilities in the Diocese.
Episcopal Recovery Ministries serves as a resource for people seeking information, guidance and consolation in their struggles with substance use disorder. It is an independent, nationwide network of Episcopal laity and clergy, dioceses and parishes, schools, agencies, and other institutions – all with a common commitment to address the effects of addiction in all its forms, in relation to the church’s mission.
Sally says she is excited to begin serving in her new role. “I think addiction is clearly an issue in our society, and in our church,” she explained. “And it’s something we want to handle carefully and pastorally. Having a policy that helps set parameters for identification, approach and options will be helpful.”
Loretta is scheduled to be ordained as a vocational deacon on June 3, 2023, and she wants “wellness” to be a focus of her diaconal ministries. Back in 2019, Loretta says she was struggling with alcohol issues and depression. “I thought there has to be a better way to raise awareness and provide a safe space for people to make inquiries, find support, just to network.” That’s when she decided to begin working with Sally and Episcopal Recovery Ministries.
Sally says she and ERM don’t offer advice to those looking for help, but instead offer a compassionate approach. “I have buried several people who I dearly love. This is not a way to be in judgment – it’s a way to deal with it honestly. The work is tragic. Ninety-some percent of people who get sober, don’t stay sober,” Sally said. “You can’t assume we’re going to fix or transform – it’s not our doing, it’s God’s doing.”
Under Sally’s leadership, Episcopal Recovery Ministries in the Diocese of Missouri has created and maintains a website with resources for people who are addicted and the people affected by another’s addiction. They’ve recorded a video of a 12-step prayer service that is available on their website. And group of volunteers from throughout the Diocese meets regularly to work on initiatives.
Loretta says those Diocesan meetings will resume in August. She wants people to know that ERM is here and their resources are not just for those addicted. “I want to help spread the word that ERM is a place for inquiry,” Loretta says. “I want to help get away from the stigma of addiction – I want to offer help.”
Sally agrees. “We don’t have to live in shame and denial. I’m hopeful we can change that. We need to remember that if one person is helped, if one person gets sober or is able to live better because of a resource... then woo-hoo! Thank you, Lord!”
Our gratitude goes to the Rev. Sally Weaver and Loretta Go for their dedication to Episcopal Recovery Ministries in the Diocese of Missouri and beyond. Here is a list of others who serve on the Episcopal Recovery Ministries team in the Diocese of Missouri:
- Kay Fletcher – St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Ellisville
- The Rev. Earl Mahan – Hope Episcopal Church, Town & Country
- Michael Watson – All Saints and Ascension Episcopal Church, Northwoods
- Machelle West – All Saints and Ascension Episcopal Church, Northwoods
Learn more about Episcopal Recovery Ministries in the Diocese of Missouri.
Learn more about Episcopal Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church.
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