The Diocese of Olympia is made up of more than 26,000 Episcopalians in more than 100 faith communities in Western Washington. The geographic area stretches south from Canada to Oregon and west from the foothills of the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
The diocese is led by the Rt. Rev. Gregory H. Rickel, installed as the eighth Bishop of Olympia in September 2007. He embraces radical hospitality that welcomes all, no matter where they find themselves on their journey of faith.
He envisions a church that is a safe and authentic community in which to explore God’s infinite goodness and grace as revealed in the life and continuing revelation of Jesus Christ. The Diocese of Olympia is a vibrant diocese with many active ministries impacting local and global communities.
Through the vision and leadership of Bishop Rickel, the Diocese of Olympia is focused missionally in four areas. In union with our Bishop, the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, part of the Jesus Movement, bears witness to God’s redemptive reign and acts out God’s inclusive love, peace, and justice, uniquely living out this call within our specific local communities.
Our Diocesan Mission and Vision is now described as:
Locally centered: Instead of operating from a “top-down” model that prizes centralized leadership, we believe that each congregation must be free to live out this vision in a way that best meets the unique needs of their specific community.
Networked Communities: We believe that our more than 100 worshiping communities are stronger when there are connections that allow our congregations to share stories, resources, challenges, and triumphs with one another.
Forming leaders: We are committed to equipping and empowering a community who is learning, growing, and gathering regularly to proclaim the good news of God as revealed in the life, ministry and witness of Jesus Christ.
Sacrament and Service: We are a liturgical community that is rooted in our common prayer and our celebration of Holy Eucharist, which forms us and prepares us to step beyond our church walls and serve our neighborhoods, our towns and cities, and the world.