Canon Steve Retires

The Rev. Canon Steve Carlsen, our Canon for Strategic Projects and previously the Canon for Congregational Vitality, will retire from ministry on July 1st, 2026. We are so grateful for Canon Steve's work over the last 5 years.

A retirement celebration is being planned and details will be shared soon!

Canon Steve reflected on his time working for the Diocese, “Serving in the Diocese of Oklahoma has been a distinct honor. I remain deeply grateful for the initial call to serve as your Canon for Congregational Vitality, a role that allowed me to support the spiritual and strategic health of our diverse congregations. It was a further privilege to be sent to Trinity, Tulsa, to assist with their leadership transition. Being back in direct parish ministry this past year has been a profound blessing. I am confident in the leadership continuing this work. I am happy to entrust the ongoing promotion of congregational vitality to Canon Kate Bond and the future of Trinity to the Rev. Daniel Morrow as their next Rector. I am grateful to the wonderful friends and colleagues throughout the Diocese with whom I have shared ministry in Oklahoma.”

Bishop Pouslon shared his appreciation, “Canon Steve has been a gift to our diocese and to me, as well as a faithful prayer partner at the Daily Office, and we will miss him, but most of all, we are grateful for his ministry.”

Canon Kate Bond, who worked closely alongside Canon Steve shared, “I am incredibly thankful for the ministry of Canon Steve but particularly for his mentorship. He is a wonderful example of collaborative and pastoral leadership. I will miss him (and the smell of good coffee in the office) greatly!”