A Brief History

The Rev. Kimberly (Kym) Lucas was ordained and consecrated as the eleventh bishop of the Episcopal Church in Colorado on May 18, 2019, at Saint John's Cathedral in Denver. Lucas became the first woman bishop as well as the first African American bishop in the diocese's 132-year history.

The Episcopal Church in Colorado faces both challenges and opportunities. Diocesan historical records, including this brief history of our diocese, have described the essential and ineradicable challenge of geography and terrain, which the first bishops traversed on horseback or wagon cart. With so large a diocese, separated by mountains, plateaus, High Plains, and divides at the very roof of the continent, parishes and missions and their people can feel, and become, isolated. Our Diocesan Regions continue to try to unite congregations in community, advocacy, and service. Arising from this new system are creative new responses and the generous sharing of assets, ideas, and hope.

Phenomenal population growth—Colorado continues to be among the fastest-growing states in the nation—brings more than people. It brings energizing opportunities to expand The Episcopal Church in Colorado.

This legacy of innovative and resourceful leadership is there to build upon. Successors are well-poised to create an even brighter future for The Episcopal Church in Colorado.

St. Paul's (Steamboat) Church and School Blessing Photograph, 1999