The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio welcomes the Rev. Bernard J. (BJ) Owens, IV as the 12th Dean of Trinity Cathedral.

The Vestry unanimously elected Owens as the Dean of Trinity Cathedral on October 25, 2018 after a thorough and in-depth search process, emerging out of the thoughtful input of both Trinity's congregation and the diocesan community. Owens is joined by his wife, Jo, and their two children, Amelia and Graham.

Dean Owens attended seminary at Berkeley Divinity School from 2001-04. He then served as Chaplain at UNC Medical Center from 2005-06 and worked in Children & Family Ministries at St. Paul’s in Cary, NC from 2005-10. During that time, Owens was ordained by Bishop Michael Curry at St. Paul’s (2006). He served as rector at St. Andrew’s in Greensboro, NC from 2010-18.

“I went into a period of discernment after my sabbatical [in 2016]. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue diocesan ministry or continue in parish ministry. Trinity Cathedral was a great opportunity to do both,” stated Owens.

Based on his previous work with the Standing Committee and the Missionary Resource Support Team in the Diocese of North Carolina (2008-18) and his time and experience serving in a mid-size church, Owens is particularly excited about being a part of a cathedral that is “a resource and connection point for people across the Diocese.”

“The arrival of Dean Owens and his family marks a new season in the life and ministry of our cathedral church and, thereby, our Diocese, building on the strong foundation of the past to serve an ever-changing world. The response of the Cathedral congregation to his devotion to the church, his thoughtful engagement with young and old alike, and his collegial companionship with all, has been echoed by clergy and lay leaders across the Diocese. I am very grateful to the Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Cathedral and to the members of the Search Committee. They have provided patient, collaborative, and committed leadership as we have navigated together this important transition. Likewise, of course, am I thankful to BJ, Jo, Amelia, and Graham for the generosity and enthusiasm with which they join all of us in the Diocese of Ohio as we grow in our vocation to be the very body of Christ,” stated Bishop Mark Hollingsworth.

Please join us at the Installation of the Very Reverend Bernard J. Owens, IV as the twelfth Dean of Trinity Cathedral at a Choral Evensong on Sunday, March 24 at 4:00 p.m. Clergy are invited to vest and process in Choir dress and tippet. A reception will follow immediately thereafter.