A community of 44,000 Episcopalians engaged in Christian work and worship from an Anglican perspective in Northern Illinois. The diocese looks to the Rt. Rev. William Persell, Bishop of Chicago, for its pastoral and spiritual leadership; to its various committees and 11 Episcopal Charities agencies for action on social needs and concerns; and to the clergy and lay leaders of its 138 congregations, chapels and fellowships for expanding the church's witness.