Dean Donald McPhail of Denver Declines Arizona Coadjutor Post
Episcopal News Service. December 8, 1989 [89251]
The man elected on November 9 to succeed the Rt. Rev. Joseph T. Heistand has declined the call to become bishop coadjutor of the Diocese of Arizona. The Very Rev. Donald S. McPhail, dean of St. John's Cathedral in Denver and the choice of delegates of the diocesan convention, made that announcement after a visit to Phoenix on November 21.
In a prepared statement released 12 days after his decisive election on the second ballot, McPhail, 56, said, "I can see now that accepting the call as bishop coadjutor is not in the best interest of Arizona. I regret that this was not clear to me prior to the election, and I apologize for the obvious problems that this decision will cause Bishop Heistand and the people of the Diocese of Arizona."
"I deeply regret that Dean McPhail's personal and family commitments prevent him from accepting the Diocese of Arizona's call to serve as our bishop coadjutor," said Heistand in a prepared statement. "Arizona's Episcopalians join me in wishing him continued success and God's grace in his work in Denver," Heistand continued.
The news of McPhail's decision was greeted by surprise in both dioceses. "I think there was a certain amount of shock and surprise on all sides," said Nan Ross, communications officer for the Diocese of Arizona.
The decline of a call to the episcopate has been characterized by many observers of the Arizona election as "uncommon." In several press accounts, it was stated that McPhail's decision to stay in Denver was the result of a misunderstanding over the financial package offered in Arizona. However, sources in Arizona insist that all candidates were fully briefed about compensation and the complete financial package before the election was held.
In an interview in New York, McPhail confirmed reports that he felt the diocese was "unwilling to provide assistance in housing." He also alleged that some delegates in Arizona "attempted to influence the election's outcome." Those factors would have "bedeviled and compromised my episcopate," said McPhail.
McPhail is credited with revitalizing Denver's cathedral in his eight years as dean and is expected to play a major role in a plans to enlarge the cathedral. During McPhail's tenure at the cathedral, membership has tripled, and educational, social, and music programs have expanded greatly.
Bishop Heistand said that he hopes the current climate of confusion and disappointment around the election will end soon so that the diocese can get on to other concerns. "While I am disappointed, I eagerly look forward to the continuation of my ministry in this diocese," he said. Heistand, who is 65, must retire at age 72 according to Episcopal Church canon law. Although he had hoped to have the coadjutor post filled by 1991 when the General Convention of the Episcopal Church will meet in Phoenix, Heistand is not sure that will be possible. "I do not plan to call for another election in the near future," he said.