1608 Virginia St. East, P.O. Box 5400, Charleston, WV 25361  ·   304-344-3597  ·     Resources

Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia
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The offices of the Diocese of West Virginia are located in downtown Charleston. You’ll find us in the historic Ruffner family home one block from the state capitol.

Location:
The Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia
1608 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25314

Please make special note that while we still receive some pieces of mail at our office building, the bulk of our mail is received through our official mailing address. Official correspondence is best sent through our PO Box address:

Mailing Address/PO Box:
1608 Virginia Street East
PO Box 5400
Charleston, WV 25361

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The Rt. Rev. Matthew D. Cowden
VIII Bishop Diocesan

    The Rt. Rev. Matthew D. Cowden

    VIII Bishop Diocesan

    The Right Reverend Matthew Davis Cowden is the eighth Bishop of West Virginia. He was consecrated as Bishop Coadjutor on March 12, 2022, and became Bishop Diocesan on October 14, 2022.

    With family roots in West Virginia, Bishop Cowden was born and reared in northern Virginia and then spent his teenage years in Miami, Florida. Raised with contemplative practices as a Quaker in the Religious Society of Friends, Bishop Cowden eventually found the Episcopal Church in his twenties. While pursuing a BFA and MFA in the performing arts, he combined his study of classical theater with that of liturgy and religion.

    After an early career as a college theater professor, he followed his joy to pursue ordained ministry and received his Master of Divinity degree at Virginia Theological Seminary. Bishop Cowden was ordained deacon and priest in 2006. He served parishes in the Dioceses of Virginia and Northern Indiana. As a Trainer in Congregational Development ministries, Bishop Cowden has led rural and suburban congregations in developing a shared vision for implementing new ministry.

    He is married to Melissa Cowden, his best friend and partner in ministry. Melissa is an early childhood educator with a master’s degree in multicultural education. They have three young-adult children: Meghan, a nurse; Nicholas, a ballet dancer; and Joshua, a computer science major. Bishop Cowden loves hiking, running, making memorable meals, folklore, and storytelling.

    Welcome to the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia! Find a Church Our Bishop Diocesan Staff Contact Us

    “As the mountains embrace Jerusalem, so God cradles his people.”
    Psalm 125:2

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    Location:
    The Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia
    1608 Virginia Street East
    Charleston, WV 25314

    Mailing Address/PO Box:
    1608 Virginia Street East
    PO Box 5400
    Charleston, WV 25361

    Contact Us

    Phone: 304-344-3597

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    Location

    Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia
    1608 Virginia St. East
    P.O. Box 5400
    Charleston, WV 25361

    Contact Us
    304-344-3597

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    Administrative Resources Clergy Resources Parish Resources Spiritual Resources
    Administrative Resources Clergy Resources Parish Resources Spiritual Resources

    The Diocese of West Virginia is in the process of revising our administrative and financial resources, forms, and policies. If you are looking for a specific resource, please contact the Diocesan Office.

    Resources

    The Diocese of West Virginia is in the process of revising our administrative and financial resources, forms, and policies. If you are looking for a specific resource, please contact the Diocesan Office.

    License to Officiate Clergy Transition

    Resources

    The Diocese of West Virginia is in the process of revising our administrative and financial resources, forms, and policies. If you are looking for a specific resource, please contact the Diocesan Office.

    Bishop's Visitation

    Resources

    The Diocese of West Virginia is in the process of revising our administrative and financial resources, forms, and policies. If you are looking for a specific resource, please contact the Diocesan Office.

    Holy Week Resources

    Resources