People of God in Southern Ohio,
Last summer, I appointed a special task force to look at the possibility of recreating regional gatherings of congregations. Our goal was to provide a structure to assist in the strengthening and maintenance of connections between and among the congregations of our diocese.
It brings me great joy to announce that we will implement four new “regions” of the diocese. This offers a means by which we can gather together for learning, conversation, and fellowship across our geography, from the Indiana border to our river cities neighboring West Virginia and Kentucky.
I see these non-canonical regions as a tool to describe participation in the life and workings of our diocese, to guide staff deployment, and to offer the ability for the congregations of that region to organize self-driven opportunities to gather. I lift up the example and leadership of the congregations in and near Columbus, who have intentionally collaborated for area-wide programming for a number of years.
In 2026, we anticipate gathering regionally for online pre-convention meetings, in-person staff days, and in-person leadership formation days.
These regional gatherings will convene in addition to gatherings by specific affinity groups. For example, diocesan staff is currently planning a small church summit and a gathering of clergy of growing churches, both to take place in 2026.
The full listing of congregations by region is linked below. Please note the following:
- If you feel your congregation better fits within another region by reason of access or culture, the rector or senior warden should please email Canon Katie Forsyth at kforsyth@diosohio.org and we will accommodate your request to move.
- For the moment, we are using plain geographic names to designate these regions. At the first spring formation day of your region, you will have an opportunity to talk with one another and select a permanent name, honoring either the geography, history, or culture of that area.
Additionally, we’ve provided a set of FAQs, which may be updated over time. These FAQs go into greater detail about the process that resulted in these four regions, what it means for clergy gatherings, and more.
I give thanks for the work of our Task Force on Regional Structures, especially its chair, the Rev. Vicki Zust of St. Mark’s, Columbus. A full listing of members who contributed to this endeavor is available in our FAQs.
Yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Kristin Uffelman White
Bishop
Diocese of Southern Ohio
