Our History
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny, consecrated Diocesan Bishop on September 15, 2007, assumed leadership of a diocese that covers the entire state of Oklahoma. The Diocese of Oklahoma comprises over 25,000 baptized members and approximately 150 resident clergy in its seventy-one congregations.
Outreach is a priority in Oklahoma. The Diocese has a long history of support in a variety of ministries throughout the state addressing the needs of people and communities. Ministries include feeding programs, afterschool mentoring, mission camps and a very active prison ministry.
Multi-cultural ministry is also a priority in the Diocese of Oklahoma. From the days of The Rev. David Pendelton Oakerhater, deacon and first Native American to be included in the Episcopal Church's Calendar of Lesser Feasts and Fasts, Oklahoma has inherited an active ministry to American Indians in the state, primarily through Oakerhater Episcopal Indian Ministries Center in Watonga. In recent years Oklahoma has also assumed a leadership role in ministry to the growing Hispanic community in the Oklahoma City region through Santa Maria Virgen Mission in Southwest Oklahoma City, the fastest growing congregation in the diocese.
There is a long tradition of effective youth work in the diocese. A diocesan summer camp program at St. Crispin's Conference Center provides nurturing, education, and fun for young people from grade three through high school. There are Episcopal schools throughout the diocese which serve children in preschool through High School.
Episcopal residential facilities for the elderly include Ardmore Village in Ardmore and St. Simeon's in Tulsa. Both of these facilities have undergone major expansion and renovations during the last few years. Each facility provides excellent care to the residents and their families.
The Diocese of Oklahoma is recognized nationally as a leader in the renewal of the diaconate and for its emphasis on the shared baptismal ministry of all Christians. Although young in years (celebrating its seventy-fifth anniversary as a diocese in 2012), it is one of the most financially sound in the country. Through prudent stewardship, it has been able to invest significantly in special ministries, including strong campus chaplaincies at five universities throughout the state.
The Diocese of Oklahoma seeks to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
924 N. Robinson
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
405-232-4820
