Austin Rios


Austin Rios
Ninth Bishop of California
ChurchThe Episcopal Church
ProvinceProvince VIII
DioceseEpiscopal Diocese of California
ElectedDecember 2, 2023
In office2024–present
PredecessorMarc Andrus
Previous postsRector of St. Paul's Within the Walls, Rome, Italy; Rector of La Capilla de Santa Maria, Hendersonville, North Carolina; Canon for Spanish Speaking Ministries, Diocese of Western North Carolina
Orders
Ordination2005
Consecration2024
RankDiocesan bishop
Personal details
BornAustin Keith Rios
DenominationEpiscopalian
SpouseMaleah Rios
Children1
Alma materDavidson College
Seminary of the Southwest

Austin Keith Rios is the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California. He was elected bishop coadjutor on December 2, 2023, and was ordained and consecrated on May 4, 2024. Rios was formally installed as diocesan bishop.at Grace Cathedral, the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of California, on August 11, 2024.

As bishop, Rios has articulated a diocesan vision centered on the theme “Rooted in Christ, bearing fruit for the healing of the world.” Drawing on the Gospel of John’s account of the resurrected Christ calling Peter to renewed ministry, he emphasizes spiritual renewal, communal discipleship, and service as the foundation of diocesan life. His vision calls for deeper grounding in Christian practice, strengthened relationships across congregations, and ministry oriented toward healing, meaning, and community in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

In public communications, Rios has emphasized listening, trust-building, strengthening community life, shared responsibility, and unity as central to the church’s mission.