The Diocese of Newark is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion represented in the United States by The Episcopal Church. It was established in 1874 as the Diocese of Northern New Jersey by the third Bishop of New Jersey, William H. Odenheimer, who then became its first Bishop. In 1886 the diocese changed its name to the Diocese of Newark. The diocese comprises the northern third of New Jersey, with congregations in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren, and Union counties. More than 3.5 million people live within its bounds. It is a largely urban diocese, and includes the two largest cities in the state, Newark and Jersey City. The western and northern portions of the diocese are far less densely populated, some areas being rural in character, wooded and mountainous. Of New Jersey’s 566 municipalities, 206 are located in the diocese. There are 100 congregations and 4 affiliated worshipping communities located in the Diocese of Newark. There are approximately 26,000 worshipping Episcopalians and we have over 200 active ordained clergy, both men and women. Our worship and liturgical expression is vibrant and varied, ranging from Anglo-Catholic to liberation to conservative to liberal Protestant to Evangelical. We believe we are called by Jesus Christ, whose power transforms us into a new community. Together, we strive to express that transformation in the world around us. The Diocese of Newark collaborates with God in the mission of Jesus in the 21st century, providing opportunities to grow spiritually, to serve and advocate for those who are marginalized, and to receive expressions of healing and care. See our Vision Statement. We are proud to have been among the first dioceses to ordain women to the priesthood and to ordain openly gay clergy. Our passion for diversity and inclusion has called us to be among the leading advocates for equality and justice for people of all races, cultures, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.