History of the Diocese of Oklahoma
The Rt. Rev. Poulson Reed was elected Bishop Co-Adjutor on Saturday, December 14th, 2019 and on August 8th, 2020 assumed leadership as the sixth Bishop of Oklahoma, a diocese that covers the entire state of Oklahoma. The Diocese of Oklahoma comprises 16,000 baptized members and approximately 150 resident clergy in its 68 congregations.
In recent years, the Diocese of Oklahoma has developed a reputation for dynamic, collegial, innovative clergy, working in partnership with our diocesan staff to grow our churches in discipleship and spiritual health. Our diocese includes several of the fastest growing churches in the country.
Multi-cultural ministry is a priority in the Diocese of Oklahoma. From the days of the Rev. David Pendleton 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 Oklahoma through Latino ministries at Santa Maria Virgen Mission in Southwest Oklahoma City, the fastest growing congregation in the diocese, and through Espíritu Santo in Tulsa.
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, after-school mentoring, mission camps, and a very active prison ministry.
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 80th anniversary as a diocese in 2017), it is one of the most financially sound dioceses 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.