Robert R. Shahan facts for kids

Robert Reed "Bob" Shahan (born October 18, 1939 – died August 14, 2020) was an important leader in the Episcopal Church. He served as the bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona from 1992 to 2004. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in some Christian churches.

Robert Shahan's Life Story

Robert Shahan was born in Elkhart, Kansas. He went to the University of Kansas for his studies. Later, he earned a master's degree in business from Michigan State University. In 1979, he received his PhD from Northwestern University. This degree focused on how organizations develop and grow.

Early Career and Education

Before his church work, Shahan served as an officer in the US Navy. After that, he worked for Hershey Foods Corporation. He was a market analyst, which means he studied what people wanted to buy.

Later, he decided to study for a different path. He attended Nashotah House, a seminary, and earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1973. This degree is for people who want to become religious leaders.

Becoming a Church Leader

Robert Shahan became a deacon on May 19, 1973. A deacon is the first step in becoming a priest. He was then ordained as a priest on November 24, 1973.

He worked in churches in many different states. These included Michigan, Illinois, South Carolina, and Kansas. He also taught at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. There, he taught about preaching and how to manage a church.

Becoming a Bishop

Before becoming a bishop, Robert Shahan was the Dean of Grace Cathedral in Topeka, Kansas.

On May 2, 1992, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Arizona. This happened during a special meeting of the church leaders. He was officially made a bishop on October 3, 1992. The main leader of the Episcopal Church, Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning, led the ceremony.

Bishop Shahan served the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona for 12 years. He retired from his role in 2004. He passed away on August 14, 2020.