The Right Reverend David C. Rice is the Diocesan Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. An Episcopal Bishop offers governance over the diocese in which he or she has been consecrated or translated (moving from another diocese). This governance occurs through various synodical processes. Their presidency includes ordinations and confirmations. A bishop supervises the clergy of his or her diocese and is the Chief Priest.

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David was formerly the Diocesan Bishop in the Diocese of Waiapu in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa/New Zealand and Polynesia. The geography and agricultural emphasis of/in Waiapu is not dissimilar to that of San Joaquin. Moreover, the inclusive emphasis of both dioceses and the focus on “missional ministry” are included in the fascinating list of similarities which these dioceses share though hemispheres apart.

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Prior to David’s consecration as the fifteenth Bishop of Waiapu, he was Dean of the Cathedral of St. Paul’s in the Diocese of Dunedin in New Zealand.  And before David’s deanship, he was Vicar of Mt. Herbert Parish on Banks Peninsula in the Diocese of Christchurch also in NZ. David became an Anglican Priest in 1997, prior to that he was a United Methodist Minister.

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David has been involved in the ministry with young people for many years. He was the Youth Liaison Bishop representing the House of Bishops in the “youth scene” in the three tikanga (culture) church in New Zealand. Equally, David is a strong “ecumenist” and has a history of exploring ways in which the church can be far more collaborative and collegial across denominations and faiths. David also has a heart for social justice ministry and continues to seek ways in which the church can join with all of God’s People where ever they are.

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David has a M. Div from Duke Divinity School, Duke University and a B.A. from Lenoir Rhyne University, both in North Carolina.

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David is a keen sportsperson. He has been a competitive cyclist and runner.  He loves fly fishing (understatement)! He loves to travel and he enjoys exploring ways he and Tracy can connect with family and friends who live all over the world.

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David is married to Tracy, their son is Ian and their daughter is Zoe and their third kid is Lexi, their golden retriever.