Ryan, a native of Raton, New Mexico, graduated from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN with the Bachelor’s degree and received her master of divinity from Seminary of the Southwest in 1992 where she currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Ryan served at All Saints, Austin, and in Mobile, AL, before moving to Dallas where she was called as rector of Ascension, Dallas in 1999.
Ryan’s breadth of experience in four dioceses, Provincial Synod and General Convention, her participation in the national Gathering of Leaders for young clergy and nearly 15 years in a culturally diverse parish as rector stand her in good stead for the ministry of Canon to the Ordinary.
Ryan has a history of cross-cultural ministry with which she hopes to enhance the diversity within the clergy of the Diocese of Texas. “I believe the Church’s breadth and depth requires a diverse body of clergy leaders [who will come from] a diversity of seminaries, backgrounds, cultures, generations and theological positions in order to build up the congregations and the Diocese for God’s mission,” she said.
Ryan enjoys athletics and competed in gymnastics, track, and cross country. Her life in Christ and her leadership gifts were nurtured, while a youth, in camping ministry, the Happening movement, and parish committees, including one that resettled a refugee family.
Bishop Ryan is married to Timothy Ryan, an attorney, and they have two children, Ned and Eleanor and resides in Austin.
About St. Francis of Assisi: The church was established as a mission of the Diocese of Texas in October 1950 and became a full parish church in February of 1992. The Reverend Rhonda Rogers is the Rector. The church has been a hub for christian education, community service and advocate for children's and college students ministry throughout the years.