Church of the Incarnation
Staff & Leaders

J. Douglas Ousley

The Rev. J. Douglas Ousley grew up near Boston, attending public schools before going on to Yale University, where he graduated phi beta kappa and magna cum laude in 1969. He went on to earn graduate degrees from New York Theological Seminary, the University of London, and the Graduate Faculty of the New School for Social Research. The Rector’s first church position was Assistant Minister at St. Thomas Church Manhattan and Chaplain of the St. Thomas Choir School. He then served as Canon Pastor of the American Cathedral in Paris, France, and Rector of St. Paul’s Within-the-Walls in Rome, Italy, before coming to Incarnation in 1985. Douglas Ousley has served in various offices for the church, including chairing the Board of Directors of Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, Connecticut, and membership in ecumenical groups in France, Italy, and New York City. He currently is clergy liaison to the 17th Precinct of the New York Police Department. His writings have been published in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the Christian Century, the Church Times and the Living Church. He now reviews books for Anglican and Episcopal History. He has lectured for various schools and groups as well as presenting programs for Italian radio (RAI), Vatican Radio and other media. The Rector has two sons, John, an attorney, and Andrew, a marketing manager, in New York City. His wife of 37 years, Mary, died in 2008.