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Episcopal Diocese removes Austin assistant bishop
Officials won't reveal reasons for dismissal but say matter is in national church's hands
By Eileen E. Flynn
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Episcopal Diocese of Texas Bishop Don Wimberly has removed the Rt. Rev. Theodore Daniels as Austin-based assistant bishop but declined to make public the reason.
Daniels, formerly the bishop of the Virgin Islands, has assisted Wimberly with pastoral and congregational duties in Austin and the surrounding area for two years, operating out of an office at the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest.
The Houston-based Diocese of Texas covers 49,000 square miles and includes 57 counties, including Travis.
Daniels, a native of Panama, also serves on the national church's executive council, the body that monitors and implements decisions made at the triennial conventions.
Wimberly announced the move to diocesan clergy in a letter mailed Friday. In a statement released through diocese spokeswoman Carol Barnwell, Wimberly said, "At this time I believe the details must remain confidential."
When asked, Barnwell said Daniels' departure did not involve abuse of children.
Barnwell said Wimberly met with Daniels on March 11 to notify him of the termination. He also met with Daniels on March 14, along with the Rt. Rev. Clay Matthews, bishop of the Office of Pastoral Development for the national church.
Barnwell said the matter is now in the national church's hands. Matthews could not be reached Wednesday, and it is unclear whether Daniels is facing disciplinary action.
Daniels did not return a message left at his home.
The Rev. William Bennett, rector of St. Mark's Church in South Austin and dean of the Austin Convocation, said he did not know the particulars of the situation and could not comment. He said Daniels' role included visiting parishes, presiding at confirmations and ordinations, and serving in a pastoral capacity for clergy and laity.
Last year, Daniels traveled to Africa with the Very Rev. Titus Presler, dean of the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, and a Florida bishop. The three had conversations with African church leaders who were angered by the American church's decision to ordain a noncelibate gay bishop and allow the option of same-sex union blessings.
Daniels, who voted against the ordination, was hopeful that the worldwide Anglican Communion could find a way to stay unified despite differences on the sexuality issue.
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