Sixth Bishop of Oklahoma is Poulson Reed
The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma elected the Rev. Poulson Reed as Bishop Coadjutor to become the sixth diocesan bishop today at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Oklahoma City. Reed will succeed the Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny upon his retirement at the end of 2020. Reed was elected on the 2nd ballot by Clergy and Lay Delegates from congregations across the state of Oklahoma. Reed received 81 votes from lay delegates and 52 votes from clergy. The other candidate on the ballot was the Rev. Canon Scott Gunn, Cincinnati, OH.
"Today’s election represents months of hard work, discernment and fervent prayer," says the Rev. Mary Ann Hill, president of the standing committee. "We are excited about the gifts and experiences the Rev. Reed will bring to us and pledge our love and support. We look forward to the next part of our journey trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead us into the future God has in store for us."
"I give thanks for the election of the Rev. Reed as the Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Oklahoma," said the Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny, "and look forward to our time of transition as they become the sixth Bishop of this great Diocese."
The Rev. Reed is currently the Rector of All Saints' Episcopal Church and Day School in Phoenix, AZ. He is the spiritual and managerial leader of both the church and school staffs. Previously, Reed served as the Sub-Dean and Canon of St. John's Cathedral in Denver, CO. He is married to Megan Reed and they have three sons.
The Canons of the Episcopal Church require that all bishop elections receive the consent of a majority of Diocesan Bishops and Diocesan Standing Committees. Following a successful consent process, the Rev. Reed will be Ordained and Consecrated on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Oklahoma City University by the Most Reverend Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
We invite your prayers for the Diocese of Oklahoma during this time of transition; for Bishop Ed Konieczny and his wife Debbie as they enter into retirement and for the Rev. Poulson Reed and his family as they prepare for this new season of ministry.