Collaboration Among Charleston’s Episcopal Churches

The Rev. Clayton Harrington of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and the Rev. Nathan Self of St. Christopher Episcopal Church are faithful and gracious clergy colleagues. I began my ministry with St. John’s Episcopal Church in August of 2024. Nathan began his ministry at St. Christopher in 2025, and Clayton began at St. Matthew’s in 2026. In other words, all three of us are relatively new to our congregations—and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of God in Charleston.

Each of our congregations offers unique gifts to the wider community, and I am thankful that Charleston, WV, is home to three distinct Episcopal churches, each bearing witness to Christ in its own way.

I also recognize that our churches have not always worked together as closely as we might have hoped. There is no place for competition among us. Instead, I am genuinely thankful to be serving alongside colleagues who are generous in spirit and committed to collaboration in our Capitol City.

With that in mind, I invited Nathan and Clayton to consider holding our evening Good Friday Solemn Liturgy with Communion from the Reserved Sacrament together this year. Clayton graciously offered to host us “up the hill” at St. Matthew’s, and Nathan and I were glad to accept. St. John’s will continue to offer Noon Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, including chanting the Jesus Prayer between stations.

More details will be shared as planning continues. I hope you will join us on Good Friday at 6:00 p.m. at St. Matthew’s. My prayer is that, with three new rectors serving the Charleston congregations, we are beginning a new chapter in our shared history—a chapter marked by cooperation, mutual support, and a deeper witness to Christ’s love.

In God’s grace,

Eric L. Miller+