ACNA Provincial Council Approves Formation of
the Anglican Diocese of the Mid-South

Archbishop Foley presents to Provincial Council

Tulsa, Oklahoma – June 18, 2026 – The Anglican Diocese of the South (ADOTS) celebrates the approval by the Provincial Council of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) of the application to establish the Anglican Diocese of the Mid-South as a new diocese within the Province.

The historic decision was made during the Provincial Council meeting held at Cornerstone Anglican Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 18, 2026.

Creating the Anglican Diocese of the Mid-South marks the culmination of nearly a decade of prayer, discernment, and planning. Since 2017, the Anglican Diocese of the South has intentionally worked towards this goal, recognizing the need for a more regional diocesan structure that can better support local congregations and advance the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

The new diocese, developed from the Mid-South Missionary District of the Anglican Diocese of the South, covers Missouri, Arkansas, West Tennessee, Mississippi, and parts of eastern Texas. As part of this transition, the Anglican Diocese of the South will release fifteen of its parishes to form the founding congregations of the Anglican Diocese of the Mid-South.

For several months, the Steering Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Mid-South, led by Dr. Steve Akeson from All Saints Anglican Church in Springfield, Missouri, has prepared for this milestone. A Committee for the Nomination of Bishop has been formed, and plans are underway to establish a diocese that is healthy, sustainable, and equipped to empower local churches to make disciples throughout the Mid-South region.

Archbishop Foley Beach, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the South and Archbishop Emeritus of the Anglican Church in North America, stated:

“This day is the fruit of years of prayer, discernment, and faithful labor. Since 2017, we have prayerfully worked toward establishing a new diocesan home for our churches in the Mid-South so that ministry can be carried out more effectively and missionally throughout the region. While we will miss these fifteen congregations as part of the Anglican Diocese of the South, we will release them with great joy and confidence, knowing that this new diocese will be a powerful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We remain committed to supporting and encouraging the Anglican Diocese of the Mid-South as it embarks on this exciting new chapter.”

The Anglican Diocese of the South stays committed to walking alongside the clergy and congregations of the Mid-South during this transition and looks forward with anticipation to what God will accomplish through this new diocesan family.

The Anglican Diocese of the South invites all its churches to join in praying for God’s continued blessing on this work, and that through the ministry of the Anglican Diocese of the Mid-South, more people across the region will encounter the transforming love of Jesus Christ!

At this early stage in the formation of a new diocese, donations to the ministry of the Anglican Diocese of the Mid-South are processed by the Anglican Diocese of the South. Click here to view ways to give financially to support this ministry