The Missionary Diocese of the West has been renamed the Western Archdeaconry and attached to the Missionary Diocese of the South and Ozarks. The UECNA House of Bishops determined that this arrangement will provide a greater degree of pastoral and administrative support for congregations in the West. The Western missionary diocese had been without a bishop ordinary for several years.
The canons of the UEC authorize the House of Bishops to adjust boundaries of missionary dioceses based upon needs of the church. The Western Archdeaconry became active January 1, 2023.
The Rt. Rev. Stephen Murrell, who had been serving as assisting bishop in the Missionary Diocese of the West has been licensed to serve as assisting bishop in the Missionary Diocese of the South and Ozarks. He will continue to support congregations in the West.