The Rt. Rev. Edward J. Konieczny, Bishop of Oklahoma, announces his intention to retire in January 2021:
For the past 12 years, it has been a blessing, honor, and privilege to be your Bishop here in Oklahoma. We have shared an incredible journey being the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement in this part of God’s Kingdom. I now want to share that following a time of prayer, discernment, and in consultation with the Presiding Bishop, I have decided to announce my intention to resign as Bishop of Oklahoma and retire on January 1, 2021.
You may be wondering why I am making this announcement two years in advance. The process to discern nominees and elect a new Bishop requires a minimum of at least 18 months. It is my intention to call for the election of a Bishop Coadjutor. A Bishop Coadjutor is elected to succeed a Diocesan Bishop. By electing a Bishop Coadjutor, there will be a time of overlap for the new Bishop and I to work together to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, the Lambeth Conference, which gathers all the Bishops in the Anglican Communion once every ten years, is scheduled for July 2020. Given the relationships we share with the larger Anglican Church, I believe it is important for our new Bishop to attend this conference.
The Presiding Bishop has scheduled the date of April 18, 2020, for the consecration of our new Bishop.
Some may be wondering why I have made this decision to retire. I will be in my 15th year as your Bishop at the time of my retirement. We have accomplished much during my tenure: we are healthy spiritually, financially, and prepared to grow and develop in new and emerging ways. It is time to discern the next Bishop who will lead the Diocese of Oklahoma into this new season of ministry.