Bishop David Rice of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin has issued the following statement:

On behalf of the Cathedral Chapter and the Cathedral Community of St. James, in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin it is my pleasure to announce that The Rev. Ryan D. Newman has accepted the call to serve as Cathedral Dean. This is the first Dean for the Cathedral in 10 years due to schism. This is truly significant moment for San Joaquin as it indicates yet another way we continue to emerge.

Ryan, now Dean-elect of St. James Cathedral, soon finishes his work as Rector & Head of School at All Saints’ Church, Kaua’i, Hawaii. Ryan speaks of the work to which he has been called as service and leadership to Episcopal communities and organizations amid periods of growth and change. Consistent aspects of his ministry have included building and mobilizing groups, communities, programs, strategic visions, and even physical spaces. I have every confidence that the ministry in which Ryan has engaged and the experience he has attained places him most positively to assume this senior position in the Diocese of San Joaquin. More importantly, I have a deep belief that God has called Ryan to be our Cathedral Dean.

In his announcement to his community in Kaua’i, Ryan wrote:

“Following a series of conversations this summer with The Right Reverend David Rice, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin (Central California), we recognized that God’s call for us was materializing much sooner than we ever imagined. Bishop Rice has called me to serve as the Dean of St. James Cathedral in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. This is an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity both professionally and personally. Professionally, this call will allow me to serve a Cathedral and Diocese in a significant leadership role amid a period of unprecedented rebuilding and resurrection. Personally, our new home will be in the Fresno/Clovis area—centrally locating us to most of our family spread throughout the state of California. Thus, Erin and I have embraced the call and opportunity to return to California later this fall.”

Ryan and his wife, Dr. Erin Gregg Newman, are expecting this month. Thus, we offer prayers that all goes well as they await the birth of their child. As a result, Ryan’s Installation as Cathedral Dean is scheduled for December 2nd (The First Sunday in Advent) as he will need some time for paternity leave.

I wish to thank the Cathedral Chapter of St. James for the prayerful and thoughtful and consultative manner in which they discerned this call with me. I trust you will join with me as I express my excitement in preparing to welcome the Newman’s beginning this next stage in the life of our Cathedral and our Diocese.

Blessings

+David