Paul D. Etienne

{{Short description|American prelate (born 1959)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2019}} {{Infobox Christian leader | honorific-prefix = His Excellency, The Most Reverend | name = Paul Dennis Étienne | title = Archbishop of Seattle | image = | caption = Archbishop Etienne in 2020 | archdiocese = Seattle | appointed = April 29, 2019 (as Coadjutor) | enthroned = September 3, 2019 | retired = | predecessor = J. Peter Sartain | previous_post = {{bulleted list | Bishop of Cheyenne (2009–2016) | Archbishop of Anchorage (2016-2019) }} | ordination = June 27, 1992 | consecration = December 9, 2009 | consecrated_by = Charles J. Chaput, Daniel M. Buechlein, David L. Ricken | birth_name = Paul Dennis Étienne | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1959|06|15}} | birth_place = Tell City, Indiana, US | nationality = | alma_mater = Bellarmine University<br>University of St. Thomas (BA)<br>Pontifical Gregorian University (JCL){{citation needed|date=May 2025}} | motto = ''Veritas in caritate''<br />(Truth in charity) | ordained_by = Gerald Andrew Gettelfinger }} {{Infobox bishopstyles | name= Paul Dennis Etienne | dipstyle= *His Excellency *The Most Reverend | offstyle=Your Excellency | relstyle=Archbishop | image = Coat of arms of Paul Dennis Etienne (Seattle).svg | image_size = 200px }} thumb|Coat of arms as bishop of Cheyenne|150px thumb|Coat of arms as archbishop of Anchorage|150px thumb|Coat of arms as coadjutor archbishop of Seattle|150px '''Paul Dennis Étienne''' (born June 15, 1959) is an American Catholic prelate who has served as archbishop of Seattle in Washington State since 2019.<ref name="sedevacanter">{{Cite web |title=Archbishop Etienne of Anchorage Named Coadjutor of Seattle |url=https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/archbishop-etienne-of-anchorage-named-coadjutor-of-seattle |website=National Catholic Register |date=April 29, 2019 }}</ref> He previously served as bishop of Cheyenne in Wyoming from 2009 to 2016 and archbishop of Anchorage in Alaska from 2016 to 2019.<ref name="eitenneappointed">{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2019 |title=Pope Francis names new Coadjutor Archbishop for Seattle - Vatican News |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-04/pope-francis-appoints-coadjutor-archbishop-seattle-paul-etienne.html |website=www.vaticannews.va}}</ref>

== Early life and education == Paul Etienne was born June 15, 1959, in Tell City, Indiana, the second son of Paul and Kay Étienne. One of his uncles is a diocesan priest and an aunt is a Benedictine nun. Etienne has a sister (Nicolette) who is a Benedictine nun at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana; two brothers, (Zachary and Bernard) are diocesan priests in the Diocese of Evansville.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Wyoming Bishops History |url=https://dcwy.org/wyoming-bishops-history |access-date=May 18, 2022 |website=Diocese of Cheyenne}}</ref>

In 1983, Paul Etienne entered Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, but transferred in 1984 to University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from St. Thomas in 1986. After his graduation, Etienne worked for a year for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as an assistant coordinator for papal visits.<ref name=":1" />

In 1988, Etienne travelled to Rome to attend the Pontifical North American College. He obtained at Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1992.<ref name=":1" />

== Ordination and ministry == Etienne was ordained a priest at St. Paul's Church in Tell City by Bishop Gerald Gettelfinger for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis on June 27, 1992.<ref name="Bulletin">{{cite web |date=October 19, 2009 |title=Rinunce e Nomine, 19.10.2009 |url=http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2009/10/19/0647/01514.html |access-date=April 29, 2019 |publisher=Holy See Press office |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Archbishop Paul Dennis Etienne [Catholic-Hierarchy] |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/betienne.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=www.catholic-hierarchy.org}}</ref> After his ordination, Etienne served as assistant pastor of Saint Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis and assistant vocation director for the archdiocese. He returned to Rome in 1994, obtaining his Licentiate of Spiritual Theology from Gregorian University in 1995.<ref name=":1" />

Upon his return to Indiana in 1995, Etienne was appointed director of vocations for the archdiocese. Beginning in 1996, he provided sacramental ministry at Saint Anne and Saint Joseph parishes in Jennings County, while continuing as archdiocesan vocations director. In 1998, Etienne was named pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in New Albany, Indiana. Beginning in 2002, he became pastor at Saint John the Baptist Parish in Starlight, while remaining pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. In 2007, Etienne was named vice-rector of Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary in Indianapolis, as well as pastor of Saint Simon the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis. In 2008, he became pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis, while remaining vice-rector of the seminary. Etienne was named pastor of Saint Paul Parish in Tell City and Saint Mark Parish in Perry County in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gallagher |first1=Sean |title=Father Paul Etienne appointed new bishop of Cheyenne |url=https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2009/10-23/etienne.html |website=The Criterion |publisher=Archdiocese of Indianapolis |access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref>

===Bishop of Cheyenne===

On October 19, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Etienne as bishop of Cheyenne.<ref name="Bulletin" /><ref name="Evans">{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Baylie |date=October 20, 2009 |title=Pope names a new bishop for Wyoming |work=Wyoming Tribune Eagle |url=http://www.wyomingnews.com/news/pope-names-a-new-bishop-for-wyoming/article_bc614553-ee31-50e4-9a10-49eb0d3975b5.html |access-date=March 14, 2016}}</ref> He succeeded Bishop David L. Ricken. Etienne was consecrated at the Cheyenne Civic Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput on December 9, 2009.<ref name="CNA">{{cite news |date=December 10, 2009 |title=Bishop installed with 'joy and enthusiasm' in Wyoming |publisher=Catholic News Agency |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/18014/bishop-installed-with-joy-and-enthusiasm-in-wyoming |access-date=March 14, 2016}}</ref> In 2010, Etienne requested an investigation by the Vatican into sexual abuse allegations by 11 men against Joseph Hart, a former bishop of Wyoming.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Lack of cooperation stalled Hart investigation, say bishops |url=https://www.thesheridanpress.com/news/lack-of-cooperation-stalled-hart-investigation-say-bishops/article_8b448fec-6a12-5cd3-bf31-720e2253bdf0.html |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=The Sheridan Press |date=November 6, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Etienne suspended Hart from performing masses in 2015.<ref name=":2" /> ===Archbishop of Anchorage===

Pope Francis appointed Etienne as archbishop of Anchorage on October 4, 2016. He was installed at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage on November 9, 2016. He succeeded Archbishop Roger Schwietz.<ref name="CatholicAnchor">{{cite news |date=November 11, 2016 |title=Hundreds gather for installation of new Anchorage Archbishop |publisher=Catholic Anchor |url=http://www.catholicanchor.org/alaska-news/anchorage-new-archbishop/ |access-date=November 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-11 |title=CRL President, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, Installed as 4th Archbishop of Anchorage |url=https://catholicrurallife.org/crl-president-archbishop-paul-d-etienne-installed-4th-archbishop-anchorage/ |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Catholic Rural Life |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2018, Etienne announced the establishment of an independent commission to examine the personnel files of the archdiocese over the past 50 years for any new credible accusations of sexual abuse by priests against minors.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Collins |first1=Abbey |last2=Media |first2=Alaska Public |date=2018-10-25 |title=Archdiocese in Alaska orders independent review to address possible sexual abuse |url=https://www.rcinet.ca/eye-on-the-arctic/2018/10/25/sexual-abuse-catholic-church-archdiocese-paul-etienne-anchorage-review/ |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Eye on the Arctic |language=en-CA}}</ref> {{clear}}

===Coadjutor Archbishop and Archbishop of Seattle===

On April 29, 2019, Pope Francis named Etienne as coadjutor archbishop of Seattle.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 29, 2019 |title=Pope names Archbishop Etienne coadjutor archbishop of Seattle |publisher=Catholic News Service |url=https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/pope-names-archbishop-etienne-coadjutor-archbishop-of-seattle.cfm |access-date=April 29, 2019}}{{dead link|date=January 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |access-date=April 29, 2019 |date=April 29, 2019 |url=http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2019/04/29/190429b.html |publisher=Holy See Press Office |title=Resignations and Appointments, 29.04.2019}}</ref> The appointment was publicized by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pope Francis Names the Most Reverend Paul Etienne as Coadjutor Archbishop of Seattle |url=http://www.usccb.org/news/2019/19-076.cfm |website=www.usccb.org}}</ref> The mass celebrating his "rite of reception" was held on June 7, 2019, at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Birnbaum |first=Kevin |title='I'm a pastor at heart': Introducing Coadjutor Archbishop Paul D. Etienne |url=http://nwcatholic.org/news/local/im-a-pastor-at-heart-introducing-coadjutor-archbishop-paul-d-etienne.html |website=nwcatholic.org}}</ref>

On September 3, 2019, Etienne automatically become archbishop of Seattle, following the resignation of his predecessor, Archbishop J. Peter Sartain.<ref name="newarchbishop">{{Cite web |last=Birnbaum |first=Kevin |title=Archbishop Etienne succeeds Archbishop Sartain as archbishop of Seattle |url=http://www.nwcatholic.org/news/local/archbishop-etienne-succeeds-archbishop-sartain-as-archbishop-of-seattle.html |website=www.nwcatholic.org}}</ref> A few days later, Etienne announced that he would not reside in Connolly House, the mansion for the archbishop of Seattle.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2019-09-09 |title='I am a pastor, not a prince.' New Seattle archbishop will not live in mansion |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2019/09/09/pastor-not-prince-new-seattle-archbishop-etienne-will-not-live-mansion |access-date=2021-09-11 |website=America Magazine |language=en}}</ref> He stated:<ref name=":0" />

{{Blockquote|text="I prefer to live a more simplified life," he explained, adding that he was "exploring options on church properties" and hoped to find an alternative soon. "Meanwhile, a prudent discussion will explore the possibility of selling Connolly House to help fund the great many needs across this archdiocese," he wrote.}}

Etienne then purchased a $2.4 million five-bedroom house overlooking Lake Washington in King County for his own use <ref>{{cite web | title=Catholic Church quietly buys $2.4M Seattle house for archbishop as parishes close to save money | date=December 17, 2022 | url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/catholic-church-buys-2-4m-seattle-house-as-finances-peak-parishes-close/ }}</ref>

In 2021, Etienne announced his opposition to a proposal on the eucharist by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, stating that it had become politicized.<ref>{{Citation |title=Archbishop Etienne votes against U.S. bishops' proposed document on the Eucharist |url=https://nwcatholic.org/news/northwest-catholic/archbishop-etienne-votes-against-u-s-bishops-proposed-document-on-the-eucharist |language=en |access-date=2021-09-11}}</ref> In 2024, he participated in the Synod of Bishops, emphasizing the importance of moving at "the pace of the Holy Spirit"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wooden |first=Cindy |title=Synod is lesson in moving at 'pace of the Holy Spirit,' archbishop says |url=https://www.ncronline.org/news/synod-lesson-moving-pace-holy-spirit-archbishop-says |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=National Catholic Reporter |language=en}}</ref> in church deliberations. Following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025, Etienne released a statement mourning the loss and highlighting the Pope's role as a universal shepherd for all of God's children.

In May 2025, Etienne, together with Bishops Joseph J. Tyson and Thomas Daly, sued the State of Washington over Senate Bill 5375, a piece of legislation which would extend the mandatory reporter status of the clergy. The bill would have required priests disclose information about child sex abuse that they learned from people during confession.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cornfield |first1=Jerry |date= May 29, 2025 |title=Bishops sue to overturn new WA law requiring clergy to report child abuse |url=https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/05/29/bishops-sue-to-overturn-new-wa-law-requiring-clergy-to-report-child-abuse/ |publisher=Washington State Standard}}</ref> The prelates argued that this requirement violated their religious freedom, as it contravened canon law. It would necessitate the excommunication of priests who complied with the law, and compromise the absolute privacy entailed in the sacrament of penance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Clergy: Answerable to God or State |first=Paul D. |last=Etienne |date=May 4, 2025 |url=https://archseattle.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Archbishop-on-On-Clergy-Reporting-min.pdf|website=Archdiocese of Seattle }}</ref> In July 2025, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking enforcement of the law, ruling that "requiring disclosure of information priests hear in the confessional infringes on their First Amendment right to practice religion."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cornfield |first1=Jerry |title=Judge blocks WA requirement for priests to report child abuse disclosed in confession |url=https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/07/18/judge-blocks-wa-requirement-for-priests-to-report-child-abuse-disclosed-in-confession/ |website=Washington State Standard |date=18 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Ja'han |title=Trump-backed clergy nets win over Washington state child abuse law — for now |url=https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/washington-child-abuse-law-clergy-catholics-trump-rcna220040 |website=MSNBC |date=21 July 2025}}</ref>

Etienne in August 2025 visited Nagasaki, Japan, to mark the 80th anniversary of the dropping of nuclear bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima during World War II. The aim of the visit was to promote the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archbishop Etienne, Seattle Archdiocese continue to advocate for nuclear peace |url=https://nwcatholic.org/news/andrew-foster/archbishop-etienne-seattle-archdiocese-continue-to-advocate-for-nuclear-peace |access-date=2025-11-17 |website=Northwest Catholic |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life == Etienne's immediate family is notable for its very high proportion of religious vocations.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gallagher |first1=Sean |title=Etienne family nurtured vocations with love |url=https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2009/01-09/etienne.html |work=The Criterion}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{wikiquote|Paul Dennis Etienne}} {{commons category}}

* {{Official website|http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org|Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle}} * {{Official website|https://www.archdioceseofanchorage.org/|Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Anchorage}} * {{Official website|http://www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/|Roman Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne}}

{{s-start}} {{s-rel|ca}} {{succession box | title = Archbishop of Seattle | before = J. Peter Sartain | after = Incumbent | years = 2019–Present }} {{succession box | title = Coadjutor Archbishop of Seattle | before = - | after = - | years = 2019–2019 }} {{succession box | title = Archbishop of Anchorage | before = Roger Lawrence Schwietz | after = Andrew E. Bellisario | years = 2016–2019 }} {{succession box | title = Bishop of Cheyenne | before = David L. Ricken | after = Steven Biegler | years = 2009–2016 }} {{s-end}}

{{Portal bar|Biography|Catholicism|United States|Washington (state)}} {{Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle}} {{Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Anchorage}} {{Roman Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Etienne, Paul D.}} Category:1959 births Category:Living people Category:Bellarmine University alumni Category:University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) alumni Category:Archdiocese of Indianapolis Category:Roman Catholic bishops of Cheyenne Category:Roman Catholic archbishops of Seattle Category:21st-century Roman Catholic archbishops in the United States Category:People from Tell City, Indiana Category:Religious leaders from Indiana Category:Catholics from Indiana Category:Bishops appointed by Pope Benedict XVI