William C. Wantland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend William C. Wantland D.D. |
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| Bishop of Eau Claire | |
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| Church | Anglican Church in North America |
| Diocese | Eau Claire |
| In Office | 1980–1999 |
| Other posts | Assisting Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 11, 1934 Edmond, Oklahoma |
William Charles Wantland (born April 14, 1934) is an important American Anglican Bishop. He was the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Eau Claire for many years.
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About William Wantland
William Wantland was born in Edmond, Oklahoma. His family background includes Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw heritage. In 1973, William, his wife, and their children became official citizens of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.
Early Career and Public Service
Before he became a church leader, William Wantland was a lawyer. He worked as a judge in Seminole, Oklahoma. He was also a member of the Seminole City Council and even served as the city's vice-mayor.
From 1969 to 1972, and again from 1975 to 1977, he was the attorney general for the Seminole Nation. He also helped lead the Seminole Housing Authority, which helps people find homes.
Becoming a Church Leader
William Wantland started his journey in the church as a "worker-priest." This means he worked another job while also serving his local church. Later, he became a full-time priest.
In 1980, William Wantland became the Bishop of the Diocese of Eau Claire. During his time as bishop, he received a special honor. The Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians welcomed him as one of their own. They gave him the name 'Manido Nigani,' which means "He who stands forth in the Spirit." This name showed respect for his role as an Episcopal bishop.
After Retirement and Continued Work
After retiring from the Diocese of Eau Claire in 1999, Bishop Wantland helped create the Anglican Church in North America. He was one of the first members of their House of Bishops. He also helped write the rules and laws for this new church group.
Today, he also serves as an Assisting Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. In 2011, he became the first chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Seminole Nation. This shows his continued dedication to his heritage and community.
William Wantland has also taught at the University of Oklahoma College of Law and Seminole State College. He has written several books as well.
Education and Learning
William Wantland has studied at many different schools and colleges. He believes in lifelong learning.
- Seminole High School
- Seminole State College
- University of Oklahoma
- George Washington University
- University of Hawaiʻi
- Oklahoma City University
- Oklahoma City University School of Law
- Geneva-St. Alban's Theological College
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- University of Cambridge
- St. Deiniol's Library, now Gladstone's Library
- College of Preachers
Family Life
William Wantland's grandfather was Charles W. Wantland.
