Welcome to the first episode of Episcopal Divinity School’s new podcast mini-series: Leading Voices: EDS at General Convention. In today’s episode, EDS Interim President the Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas is joined by Bishop-elect Austin Rios from the Diocese of California. Together, they explore what it means to be a part of a changing church, the role of faith institutions in broader society, and the necessity of theological formation. The Rt. Rev. Austin Keith Rios was ordained and consecrated Bishop Coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of California on May 4, 2024. He will serve in the coadjutor role until the retirement of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Marc Handley Andrus on July 24, 2024, at which point Bishop Rios will assume the role of Ninth Bishop of California, becoming the diocese’s chief pastor. Learn more about Bishop-elect Rios here.

This episode is a part of EDS’ podcast mini-series: Leading Voices: EDS at General Convention. This podcast will feature Interim President Douglas in conversation with a range of bishops as they address the pressing challenges facing the church today and the role of theological education and formation in equipping faith leaders to face these challenges. To learn more about the Episcopal Divinity School, please visit our website at eds.edu.