Delegates to the Electing Convention held August 29, 2020 have elected the Rev. Dr. Diana Akiyama as the 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon. The vote was confirmed after two ballots, concluding the year-long process of seeking a successor for Bishop Michael Hanley who began his service in the Diocese in 2010 and will retire in January 2021.
Rev. Akiyama currently serves as Vicar at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Kapa'au, Hawai'i, and is Dean of Waiolaihui’ia School for Formation.
Ordained in 1988 in the Diocese of Eastern Oregon, Akiyama has the historical distinction of being the first Japanese-American woman ordained to the Episcopal priesthood. She has extensive experience in Christian formation, teaching, social justice advocacy and mission field, having served ministries in Oregon, California and Hawai'i.