🗺️ Understanding Dioceses
How Region XII is Divided into Smaller Groups
📖 Young Tyler’s Explanation
When 14-year-old Tyler’s grandpa asked him to explain what a diocese is, Tyler thought for a moment. “Okay Grandpa, you know how you have your neighborhood watch group? And there’s other neighborhood groups nearby? A diocese is like all those groups combined, with one person making sure everyone stays connected.”
Grandpa smiled. “So our church is like my house, and the diocese is like the whole neighborhood association?”
“Exactly!” said Tyler.
🗂️ Our 9 Dioceses
Region XII has 9 different dioceses. Here’s a look at each one:
☀️ California Diocese
California is our largest diocese with churches spread throughout the Golden State. It’s divided into two districts:
Northern California District
Elder L.L. Williams Jr., District Elder
Churches in Sacramento, Oakland, Stockton, and more
Southern California District
Elder Thomas E. Holden, District Elder
Churches in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, Victorville, and more
🌲 Washington, Oregon & Alaska Diocese
This diocese covers three states in the Pacific Northwest! From the rain of Seattle to the snow of Alaska, these churches are connected across vast distances.
States Covered
- Washington State
- Oregon
- Alaska
🌴 Hawaii Diocese
Our island paradise diocese! Churches in Hawaii bring the aloha spirit to their worship.
🏜️ Arizona Diocese
From Phoenix to Tucson, the Arizona churches serve communities in the desert Southwest.
🏔️ Colorado Diocese
High in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado churches bring faith to the Mile High State and beyond.
🏝️ Caribbean Diocese
Island churches throughout the Caribbean bring vibrant worship and strong faith traditions.
🌺 Grenada Diocese
The “Spice Isle” has its own diocese, connecting churches across this beautiful island nation.
🌎 Caracas, Venezuela Diocese
Our South American presence, bringing the gospel to Venezuela and surrounding areas.
📖 Mrs. Johnson’s Travel Story
Mrs. Johnson, age 72, loves to travel. When she visited her daughter in Arizona, she found a Region XII church there! “It felt just like home,” she said. “Same worship, same family feeling, just different scenery. That’s the beauty of being connected — no matter where you go, you have church family.”
💡 Why Does This Matter?
For Teens: When you go to college or move for a job, you can find another Region XII church. You’re never alone!
For Seniors: If you visit family in another state, call ahead — there might be a sister church nearby that would love to welcome you!
🔍 Closer Look: California Churches
Since California has the most churches in our region, here are some of the local assemblies:
❓ Common Questions
Q: Do I have to go to a church in my diocese?
A: You’re welcome at any COOLJC church! But your “home” church is usually the one closest to where you live.
Q: What if my diocese doesn’t have a bishop?
A: The Regional Apostle oversees dioceses that don’t have an assigned bishop yet.
Q: Can I visit other diocese churches?
A: Absolutely! Region XII churches love visitors. You’re family wherever you go.
Region XII — Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc.
“Nine dioceses, one mission, united in faith.”