A Message from the Chair - Spring 2026

A Message from the Chair is published after each regular meeting of The Church Pension Fund (CPF) Board of Trustees. It reflects actions taken by the CPF Board that impact the products and services administered by CPF, as well as other highlights of the meeting.

Spring 2026

Dear Friends:

Earlier this month, The Church Pension Fund Board of Trustees (CPF Board) gathered for our first meeting of the year. Our conversations were grounded in shared purpose and focused on how the Church Pension Group (CPG) supports the people who serve our Church, consistent with its core values and charter.

A highlight of our time together was an update on CPG’s ongoing conversations across the Church. As Mary Kate Wold, CPG’s CEO and President, shared, these listening sessions—with clergy, lay leaders, and others serving in diverse ministry settings—are revealing important themes that will help CPG anticipate future needs and identify opportunities to serve faithfully and effectively. The focus of CPG’s work, which will not be completed until the end of 2027, is to develop a vision-relevant point of view on the future needs of The Episcopal Church so CPG is in the best possible position to fulfill its purpose decades into the future.

The CPF Board continued to encourage CPG to promote the Fund for Special Assistance (www.cpg.org/FSA), which offers valuable support to retired clergy and their eligible dependents in need. The program was enhanced last year to offer more flexible, timely help to eligible retired clergy, surviving spouses, and dependents in moments of extraordinary need. Following the changes, the number of grants awarded under the program has increased significantly, and we hope more eligible individuals will take advantage of this helpful program.

The Investment team shared updates, offering confidence in the portfolio's strength and stability despite ongoing market volatility. Church Publishing Incorporated also reported strong momentum—highlighting growth in its publishing program, enhanced digital offerings such as the new electronic Common Prayer app, and forward‑looking initiatives, including an academic imprint and new production efficiencies powered by artificial intelligence.

Finally, the wonderful teams that manage human resources and facilities (mail processing and all building-related issues) joined us for dinner. It was a joy to see that CPG’s core values of professionalism, compassion, and trustworthiness are apparent at every level and in every department with which we interact. I share this video featuring Eryl Manalac, who joined us for dinner. CPG is a special place to work. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, you should.

I remain grateful for the thoughtful engagement of my fellow trustees and the dedicated work of the CPG team. Thank you for your continued trust in CPG and in the CPF Board. I wish you a blessed Lent and a joyful Easter season.

Faithfully,

Canon Anne Vickers (retired)  
Chair, The Church Pension Fund Board of Trustees

The next meeting of the CPF Board will be June 10 to 12, 2026.

Browse past issues of A Message from the Chair in our Newsletter Library.