Background
He was born 3 August 1935 in McAllen, Texas.
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William Bryant
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William graduated from Oklahoma State University earning a (Bachelor in Philosophy), where he also became a Sigma Chirurgical He earned the Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University, and the Doctor of Theology from Boston University. He has received honorary doctorates from Oklahoma City University (Doctor of Divinity), and Centenary College (Doctor of Humane Letters).
He is also the brother of Thomas Oden, professor at Drew University School of Theology.
Career
Prior to his election to the Episcopacy, William served as Pastor of Aldersgate U.M.C., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (1963-1969). Saint Stephen"s U.M.C., Norman, Oklahoma (1969-1976). Crown Heights U.M.C., Oklahoma City (1976-1983) and First U.M.C., Enid, Oklahoma (1983-1988).
William was elected a delegate to four U.M. General Conferences and six Jurisdictional Conferences.
He led the Oklahoma clergy delegation in 1984 and 1988. He chaired three Conference Boards:, Evangelism, and Higher He was active in other conference leadership positions as well.
During his last ten years as a Pastor, he also served on the faculty of Phillips Graduate Seminary, where he taught courses in preaching, worship, and spiritual formation. Upon his election to the Episcopacy, Bishop Oden was assigned to the Louisiana Episcopal Area (1988-1996).
He then served the Dallas Area until his retirement in 2004.
He was the President of the U.M. Council of Bishops (2000-2001). He served as President of the U.M. General Board of Higher and Ministry (1996-2000), and President of the U.M. Commission on Communications (2000-2004). As Bishop he has been much in demand as a speaker at numerous conferences and lectureships.
He was the Jackson Lecturer at Perkins School of Theology, and the Visiting Preacher for the Boston University School of Theology.
He has also served as Trustee at numerous institutions, including the Methodist Hospital of Dallas, and South.M.U. (also serving as Secretary of Board of Trustees).
Membership
He was appointed a member of the Governor"s Blue Ribbon Commission on Government Reform in Oklahoma, co-chairing the Committee on City-State Government Relations.
