The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) announces that Bishop Paul Donison was elected Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast at an electoral synod on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Bishop Donison will carry the title of Ordinary-Elect and Bishop-in-Charge until the College of Bishops considers his election at its January 2027 meeting. Pending consent, he will be instituted as Bishop Ordinary in February. Interim Bishop Ryan Reed, who has led the diocese since September, will serve as episcopal consultant until that time.
Expansion of the diocese
In September, Dean of the Province Julian Dobbs proposed that the Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast and the Great Plains Missionary District be brought together for the sake of strengthened mission, and that Bishop Paul be considered as a nominee for bishop. The Great Plains Missionary District has been overseen by Bishop Alan Hawkins of the Diocese of Christ Our Hope. Bishop Alan encouraged its parishes to consider transferring into the Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast.
To include those parishes, the synod called for an online synod in early 2027. That synod will seat new delegates and representatives from the Great Plains Missionary District.
Other service
Bishop Paul will continue as Rector of Christ Church Plano. He has concluded his service as General Secretary of the Global Anglican Communion, a role he held for three years.
The ACNA asks for the prayers of the Church for Bishop Paul and Monika, for the Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast and the Great Plains Missionary District.
