History of the Diocese

A “Diocese” is simply a group of congregations or parishes, serving together in ministry and mission, often linked geographically to the same region.  A diocese is overseen by a Bishop.

In 2011, a group of churches from Texas and Louisiana began meeting together, seeking the Lord’s direction and plan regarding the formation of a future diocese.  In June 2012, The Anglican Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast was officially received as a Diocese in Formation by the ACNA Provincial Assembly. In the summer of 2013, The Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast was formally approved as an ANCA Diocese.

The diocese is led by, the founding Bishop of the Diocese, the Right Reverend Clark WP Lowenfield, under the authority of ACNA Archbishop Foley Beach.

From the beginning, The Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast has focused on being a family on mission together, making disciples who make disciples. This focus on a healthy and biblical culture of disciple-making has also involved heavily equipping and empowering individuals into all three orders of ministry: lay ministry, the diaconate, and the presbyterate.

Under the leadership of Bishop Clark Lowenfield, a College of Laity, a College of Deacons, and a College of Presbyters have been established. This leadership has led the diocese to be a leader in empowering women in ministry, with a robust Diaconate where women lead at every level of parish and diocesan life.

The commitment to developing disciple-making parish cultures has also led to the creation of a Diocesan School for Mission and Ministry and the coordination of Discipleship Weekends. Additionally, the diocese has proactively sought church planters and church plant teams, resulting in the establishment of several new congregations throughout the region.