The Diocese of Southern Ohio comprises 70 churches with roughly 15,000 members in Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and in farm towns, county seats and suburban centers in 40 counties across the southern half of the state. Our bishop is the Rt. Rev. Kristin Uffelman White. The diocese was founded in 1875. The diocesan office and Christ Church Cathedral are located in downtown Cincinnati.
As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.
We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.
The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.
OUR MISSION
As the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio, we embody the Gospel of Jesus Christ and share in God’s transformation of our communities with the Holy Spirit as our guide.
OUR VALUES
As Episcopalians in Southern Ohio, we embrace these values as we live out our mission:
INTEGRITY
We are shaped by prayer and reflection, trusting the guidance of the Holy Spirit with mutual support and accountability. What we say, we mean, living honestly and faithfully.
RELATIONSHIP
We welcome and celebrate the diversity of the whole human experience, seeking to build inclusive community. We serve one another as partners in ministry and acknowledge when we fall short, seeking justice and reconciliation.
LOVE
We follow Jesus in the world, putting others before ourselves. We overcome fear with hope, estrangement with unity, guilt with forgiveness, and despair with joy, realizing God’s beloved community.
2025 Diocesan Priorities
In the spring of 2024, our diocese began a discernment process focused on listening and dreaming for the future. With a goal of cultivating healthy systems and supporting innovative change for the future of the church, this process has resulted in the development of this vision for the future and the creation of a Mission Implementation Team.
Through conversations, discernment gatherings, surveys, and summits, the following list of priorities has risen to the top, and will receive intentional investment of time and resources throughout 2025.
COMMUNICATION
- We build clear and transparent connections for sharing and listening to one another.
EQUIPPING DISCIPLES
- We nurture lifelong faith.
EVANGELISM
- We invite our neighbors to share in the Good News.
FLOURISHING CONGREGATIONS
- We abundantly equip local ministry.
JUSTICE
- We seek healing and reconciliation, becoming Beloved Community.
STEWARDSHIP
- We share God’s gifts generously.
