Episcopal Life Online May 5, 2007
Edward J. Konieczny elected bishop of Oklahoma
By Mary Frances Schjonberg and Matthew Davies
[Episcopal News Service] The Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny was elected May 5 to be the next bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma (http://www.episcopaloklahoma.org).
Konieczny, 52, rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church (http://www.stmatthewsgj.org) in Grand Junction, Colorado, was elected on the first ballot from a slate of six candidates. He was elected with 112 lay votes and 62 clergy votes. An election on that ballot required 100 votes of 198 cast in the lay order and 61 of 120 votes cast in the clergy order. The election took place at St. Paul's Cathedral (http://stpaulsokc.org) in Oklahoma City.
Under the canons the Episcopal Church (III.11.4) (http://www.episcopalarchives.org/e-archives/canons/CandC_FINAL_11.29.200 6.pdf), a majority of bishops exercising jurisdiction and diocesan Standing Committees must consent to Konieczny's election and ordination as bishop.
The consecration is scheduled to take place September 15 in the Oklahoma City University Freede Wellness Center.
Konieczny will succeed Robert Moody, 67, who was elected in 1987 and has been Oklahoma's bishop since 1989.
The complete ballot results are available at http://www.anewbishopforoklahoma.org.
Currently rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Grand Junction, Konieczny has also served congregations in the Diocese of Texas.
Prior to ordained ministry he spent 18 years as a Police Officer in Southern California working in a variety of assignments, including seven years undercover in vice -- narcotics.
Recipient of numerous citations, commendations and officer of the year awards, Konieczny was twice named instructor of the year by the California District Attorney's Association, and on two occasions was decorated for distinguished service.
Konieczny holds an AA degree in Administration of Justice; a BA in Criminal Justice; a Master of Divinity degree from Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California; and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Congregational Development from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.
As a parish priest, Konieczny's ministry has focused in working with redeveloping congregations. Within the Diocese of Colorado, he serves as president of the Standing Committee and has served as secretary of convention. He has also served on the finance committee and as a clergy alternate to General Convention.
Other diocesan responsibilities have included congregational development consultant; chair of supervisors and tellers; the Criminal Justice Ministry Task Force; spiritual director for Cursillo and Happening; and Southwest Region Executive Board.
Within the local community, Konieczny has served on numerous boards including the Boy Scouts of America; Hospice; Baylor University; Hillcrest Hospital; Community Service Organizations and as chaplain to Police and Fire Departments trained in crisis intervention, post-traumatic stress, and critical incident debriefing.
Konieczny has been married to Debbie for 28 years and they have two sons: Michael, 27, and Daniel, 25. Konieczny enjoys golf, travel, cooking and is a licensed General Aviation Pilot.
The other nominees were:
* the Rev. Beverly Bradley, 59, vicar, Church of the Holy Apostles (http://www.anewbishopforoklahoma.org), Moore/Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Diocese of Oklahoma (nominee by petition);
* the Very Rev. James Mark Goodman
(http://www.anewbishopforoklahoma.org/index.php?page=c1.html), 48, rector, Trinity Episcopal Church (http://trinityepiscopalchurch.net), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Diocese of South Carolina;
* the Rev. James C. Nelson (http://www.anewbishopforoklahoma.org/index.php?page=c3.html), 57, rector, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church (http://gshepherd.net/gsec/home), Friendswood, Texas, Diocese of Texas;
* the Rev. Dr. Ronald Dennis Pogue
(http://www.anewbishopforoklahoma.org/index.php?page=c4.html), 59, rector, Trinity Episcopal Church (http://www.trinitygalv.org), Galveston, Texas, Diocese of Texas; and
* the Rev. Dr. J. Wesley Smith (http://www.anewbishopforoklahoma.org/index.php?page=c5.html), 53, rector, Christ Episcopal Church (http://www.christchurchmacon.com), Macon, Georgia, Diocese of Atlanta.
The Diocese of Oklahoma comprises about 17,700 Episcopalians worshipping in 69 congregations.
-- The Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg is national correspondent for the Episcopal News Service. Matthew Davies is editor of Episcopal Life Online.
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