About the Diocese

Walking The Way

“We are followers of Jesus, guided by His teaching and example to love God and our neighbor. In all things we are committed to honor and support every tradition, lifestyle, and point of view that seeks to increase understanding among the peoples of the world. We embrace the powers of grace and reconciliation, seeking to live them out in our communities and with all whom we encounter. We invite you to worship with us and walk with us in our commitment to nurture, heal, and foster joy among those who face life’s struggles. With compassion, humility, and creativity, we strive to realize the timeless peace that God intends for us all.”

The Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real is as vibrant and diverse as the region it serves. From Silicon Valley to San Luis Obispo County, the diocese spans 42 congregations across five counties: Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo.

Our congregations are welcoming, inclusive, and multiracial communities that celebrate individuals for their unique gifts. We worship in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and other languages, reflecting the cultures of our region. Bishop Lucinda Ashby is the spiritual and legal head of the diocese; she visits all congregations in the diocese on a rotating cycle, ordains new clergy, confirms, receives and baptizes, and more.

We sustain our Christian faith with meaningful worship, caring congregations, and an ongoing commitment to enriching the communities we serve. The diocese supports Santa Maria Urban Ministry in San Jose, Hope with South Sudan, and others; we also enjoy a partnership with the Diocese of Gloucester in England.

Find an Episcopal church near you.

Deaneries and Congregations

Deaneries are regional groupings of parishes in the diocese established by the Diocesan Constitution and Canons. One of their key functions is to elect regional representatives to various diocesan bodies.

For a complete listing of individual churches throughout the diocese, check our Find a Church directory.

Our History

Founded in 1980, El Camino Real was originally part of the Diocese of California. We are named after the Spanish colonial road from Mexico City to Oregon. To read about our diocese’s history, see the 1980 “Brown Book” produced when the diocese was formed.

Today, we are blessed with the historic B.V. Sargent House for the diocesan offices.

The Historic Sargent House

The magnificently restored 1896 Sargent House in downtown Salinas is home to the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real. Designed by architect William Weeks in a “modified colonial” style, the two-story Sargent House was completed in 1896. In late 2013 the home was purchased by the Diocese of El Camino Real and underwent a year-long restoration. Learn more

Vision and Strategic Plan

“Empowering our Gospel Witness.” The strategic objectives of the diocese are intended to equip, encourage, and empower the people of the Diocese of El Camino Real to lead lives in Christ that reflect our Vision, Mission, and Values.  Learn more

Real Episcopal

“Real Episcopal” was devised as a nod to our roots in El Camino Real, along which our congregations can be found; today it refers to our shared diocesan life as a learning community, working together to create “the church that does not yet exist.” This is furthered by our Emerging Communities Team, who is working with our congregations to help them better connect with their communities and people of all ages and lifestyles.

Campus Ministry

Our diocese has a special relationship with York School on the Monterey Peninsula, All Saints’ Day School in Carmel Valley, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Saratoga. Campus ministries are found at California State University, San Jose; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; California State University, Monterey Bay, and the University of California at Santa Cruz.

About the Episcopal Church

As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person. Learn more