The Oasis can refer to any of a series of diocesan ministries of the Episcopal Church to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) persons. The first Oasis group was established in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark by bishop John Shelby Spong on June 21, 1989 at All Saints Church, Hoboken. Its first leader, The Rev. Robert Williams had been the first out gay man to be ordained to the priesthood. However, Williams and Spong clashed on theological and moral issues and he left the organization shortly thereafter, replaced by The Rev. David Norgard. At this time, making gay and lesbian people feel welcome in churches was the exception, rather than the rule. The Oasis provided a "safe space" for them to worship together, as well as social events, educational opportunities, etc., while also he