Ryan and Alethia White

Through experiences growing up in various parts of the U.S. and Canada along with study opportunities in the Middle East, Alethia and Ryan developed an appreciation for various cultural perspectives both individually and as a couple. Ryan’s family had close connections with Native Alaskan communities helping him develop an understanding of their historical connection to the land. During her undergraduate program, Alethia had the opportunity to experience the complexity of the situation in Israel, Palestine and neighboring countries. Their joint experience in Lebanon during their master’s studies solidified a desire to engage with communities in the global context, exploring the interconnectedness of these regions, their politics and social structures and faith communities. They find their current work as regional liaisons suited to exploring these issues.

Since 2014, Alethia and Ryan have been serving in Berlin, Germany, which they and their two daughters, Ariella and Laila, have learned to call home. Initially they worked with the Iranian Presbyterian Church of Berlin and continue to offer support to those now leading the community. “We have been touched by the hospitality expressed to us by the community and see ourselves as “bridges” between the German and Persian cultures,” Ryan explains.

In their roles as regional liaisons, they appreciate the opportunities to engage with partners, listening and learning from their geographical and social perspectives framed within the church’s potential role and responsibilities. “We care deeply about reconciling relationships across cultural, religious, and political divides, with the hope of promoting sustainable and peaceful partnerships,” Alethia says.

Prior to their appointment with World Mission, Ryan worked as a middle school math teacher and Alethia worked as an international coordinator for the California Institute of Technology’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. They met during their master's studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. Previously Alethia received a BS in Psychology from Eastern Mennonite University and Ryan earned BAs in Christian Theology and Educational Ministry from Seattle Pacific University. Alethia was a member of Pasadena Mennonite Church and Ryan is a member of the Seattle Presbytery where he was ordained.

Europe has been greatly shaped by the history of and the derived prosperity from colonialism, including the slave trade, as well as the aftermath of two major wars in the 20th century. Competition over natural resources and colonial claims fueled the tensions leading to WWI and, in the wake of WWII, Europe faced mass migration leading to the development of migrant conventions that became the groundwork for further international agreements.

The Cold War and the development of NATO and the European Union have shaped the geographical and political landscape with the Russian invasion of Ukraine causing mass displacement of people and anxiety of wider conflict. Since 2015, resentment has grown against the general openness European countries offered to people fleeing violent conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan leading to a current rise of anti-migrant sentiment.

While the ecumenical movement in Europe has led to overcoming historical religious divisions, the role of the church in society remains a pressing matter where many denominations continue to benefit from significant stature in government and society but membership continues to decline. Religious tolerance continues to be tested as growing numbers perceive other faith communities as a threat to a specific cultural expression. Despite these challenges, Europe remains a diverse society of creative ideas and expressions, in which PC(USA)’s regional partners continue to engage in transformational action.

Alethia and Ryan collaborate with and support PC(USA)’s regional partnerships in the following countries: United Kingdom (England, Wales, and Scotland), the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary with support to some southern European partners (Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece). “The Matthew 25 foci and intersecting priorities help guide our conversations with partners discovering together opportunities for collaboration.”

Particular themes of importance for the partners are legacies of the transatlantic slave trade, congregational vitality in a post-Christendom context, supporting socially marginalized groups like migrants, Roma and LGBTQIA+ people, consequences of the invasion of Ukraine, advocacy and legislation addressing climate change and advocating for just peace in Israel & Palestine. In addition to conversations with the regional partners, Alethia and Ryan serve on the respective climate change and militarism working groups and support the Czech Mission Network and Southern Europe Partnership Network.

Alethia and Ryan are periodically in the United States and available to speak to congregations as their schedule permits. Email them to extend an invitation to visit your congregation or organization.