Spotlight on abuse: Episcopal priest William J. Danaher, Jr.
The Rev. Dr. William J. Danaher, Jr., rector of Christ Church, Cranbrook, Mich., negotiated a Title IV accord with Michigan Bishop Wendell N. Gibbs in December 2019. The signing of the accord concluded a Title IV process that began when multiple parishioners filed complaints about Danaher, alleging bullying, violations of confidentiality, and other behaviors inconsistent with the vows taken at ordination.
Since then, multiple individuals have complained to Anglican Watch that they were unaware of Danaher’s disciplinary record and that they believe he may continue to retaliate against people who criticize his conduct.
These concerns align with Anglican Watch’s experience, in which we too often see judicatories conflate confidentiality with secrecy. This inevitably results in harm to all involved.
Moreover:
- Congregations cannot heal without the disclosure of wrongdoing at the interpersonal, intrapersonal, institutional, and cultural levels.
- Lack of communication leads to distrust and a perceived lack of safety from future abuse.
- Church members cannot make informed decisions about choosing a parish when, as here, they lack access to information about clergy misconduct.
- Clergy often have little incentive to reform, instead continuing to engage in misconduct behind the scenes while publicly adopting a friendly, guileless persona.
In this case, we don’t know Danaher personally, and he declined an invitation to speak to us directly about these issues.
However, many of the allegations we have heard, together with the persona that Danaher publicly portrays, suggest that he may be a clinical narcissist.
Thus, it’s all the more important that church members have access to information about his disciplinary track record, and that they keep in mind that they may experience narcissistic abuse in the event that Danaher feels that he has been criticized.
Top-level concerns about transparency and accountability
Moreover, we have numerous concerns about transparency and good governance in the Michigan diocese. These concerns include:
- Lack of financial audit information at both the parish and diocesan levels.
- Lack of budget information for the diocese, including the use of an opaque, blended budget that leaves members unable to see individual line item expenditures.
- A history of corrupt practices by former bishops Whayne Houghland and Todd Ousley, with the latter famously ignoring Title IV clergy disciplinary complaints. Moreover, in his role as Bishop for Pastoral Development, Ousley ran roughshod over the diocese and its members in his handling of the Houghland Title IV matter, setting a dangerous precedent for clergy in the diocese.
Next steps
Anglican Watch is continuing to investigate Danaher’s conduct and several other issues in the diocese. We invite those with information to send it to us on a confidential basis using our secure contact form.
A copy of the Danaher Title IV accord is below.
It’s amazing how ignorant vestry members can be when they actually believe the narcissist. So many members and staff of Christ Church Cranbrook have been irreplably harmed and slandered while the Vestry supported this viper. The Wardens were made aware of the Title IV conviction and still employed this bully and kept the Title IV a secret from the congregation. New staff had no idea that their boss was unemployable at any other Episcopal Church. Parishioners either don’t know or just turn their heads. It’s a shame that this congregation cares more about doing the bidding of a self centered narcissist than speak the truth. This church has turned from Jesus and turned towards serving a master of illusion and deceit.
I am so very sorry.
– Editor
So grateful you have this website. Many people over the years have spoken out about Bill Danaher and his excessive and chaotic behavior. He is a gossip, a bully, a superb manipulator. Matthew 23 sums up my feelings: he is a blind guide, a white washed tomb, who outwardly appears righteous, but within is full of hypocrisy and iniquity
— Disappointed Parishioner
I go to Christ church cranbrook. When my husband died,and I was left with a bad situation,bill danaher did not charge me,as most do.
He has increased our congregation immensely ,delivers wonderful sermons and there is a sense of love and community in our congregation. I notice both posts have been published this November and am wondering why,now since this was 2019..6 years ago.
To be clear: More than one thing can be true. Indeed, many of the most charming, articulate priests are also malevolent narcissists, who right beneath the friendly exterior are vile, vicious, and vindictive.
As to timing, church trauma can be lasting and excruciatingly painful. So, the fact that these allegations are only now moving beyond the Diocese (and its botched handling of these complaints) and into the public eye is neither dispositive nor surprising.
We stand with all who have been hurt in this situation and are working diligently to further tell their story.
~Editor
Nina, we’re working on more in-depth coverage of issues at Christ Church, but we see concerns centered around a number of allegations. These include:
– Lack of financial and operational transparency.
– Ongoing cost overruns, resulting in depletion of investments.
– Membership numbers that appear to be “fudged.”
– Lack of disclosure about past Title IV issues with the rector — despite the fact that ALL vestries are notified in writing when an accord is reached.
– Bullying and harassment by the rector.
– Narcissistic manipulation and dishonesty by the rector.
To be clear, while these are all allegations, we have already seen ample evidence to make us believe that these claims are accurate, And we do not believe that Christ Church can be healthy unless these issues are addressed.
We also want to flag an important issue: Many of the people we have spoken to have experienced tremendous hurt, pain, and disappointment since the current rector’s arrival. These experiences are inconsistent with the Gospel and the notion of the church as beloved community.
We urge all church members to approach these issues with compassion and care for one another, rather than a defensive posture.
I think your emphasis on the tremendous hurt. pain and suffering since the current rector’s arrival and disappointment from others says it all. The church should be a beloved community.
To Disappointed Parishioner, Matthew 23 does say it all. I especially like the guote “You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” Matthew 23 is the word.
Nina- You are a good soul. But the transgressions are overwhelming.