Background
Oden, William Bryant was born on August 3, 1935 in McAllen, Texas, United States. Son of Charles Alva and Evea (Bryant) Oden.
Oden, William Bryant was born on August 3, 1935 in McAllen, Texas, United States. Son of Charles Alva and Evea (Bryant) Oden.
Bachelor, Oklahoma State University, 1958. Master of Divinity, Harvard University, 1961. Postgraduate, Harvard University, 1964.
Doctor of Theology, Boston University, 1964. Doctor of Divinity (honorary), Oklahoma City University, 1980. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Centenary College, 1990.
Pastor Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Oklahoma City, 1963-1969, St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, Norman, 1969-1976, Crown Heights United Methodist Church, Oklahoma City, 1976-1983. Professor Phillips Graduate Seminary, Enid, 1976-1988. Pastor 1st United Methodist Church, 1983-1988.
Bishop United Methodist Church, Louisiana, 1988-1996, Dallas area, 1996—2004, Ecumenical delegate to Lambeth Conference, 1998. President, United Methodist Council Bishops, 2000-2001. President SCJ College of Bishops, 1989-1990.
Delegate General Conference, 1976, 80, 84, 88. Chairman Oklahoma Delaware to General and Jurisdictional Conferences, 1984, 88. Jackson lecturer Perkins School Theology, Southern Methodist University, 1975, Wilson lecturer SCJ Bishop's Week, 1989.
Co-chair World Methodist-Anglican Dialogue, 1991-1995. Board directors Wesley Works Project. President General Board Higher Education & Ministry, 1996-1901.
President communications, United Methodist Communications, 2000-2004. Ecumenical officer, head communion, since 2004.
Trustee Oklahoma City University, 1980-1988, Southwestern University, Winfield, Kansas, 1983-1988, Centenary College, 1988-1996, Dillard University, 1988-1996, Southern Methodist University, 1996—2004. Member American Academy Homiletics.
Married Marilyn Brown, July 12, 1957. Children: Danna Lee Oden Bowen, William Dirk, Valerie Lyn, Charles Bryant.