Bishop Waldo

Bishop Waldo is known for his participation in the innovative and influential South Carolina Bishops’ Public Education Initiative (AME, Episcopal, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, United Methodist). This initiative seeks to enroll thousands of faithful Christians across denominations as tutors and mentors in South Carolina public schools. It also engages, supports and challenges lawmakers and civic leaders as they work to set higher and more equitable standards of education for all of South Carolina’s children. He has also passionately supported the work of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina and its partners to create sustainable and quality education, health care and clean water in Cange, Haiti and its surrounding villages.

Before being ordained a priest in (1989), Bishop Waldo was a performing musician, choral conductor and conservatory faculty member in the Boston area, specializing in Renaissance and Baroque music. He still performs professionally with his family from time to time. His wife, Mary Halverson Waldo, is a Suzuki Recorder Method Teacher Trainer. Bishop Waldo’s approach to discipline and creativity in Christian formation has been deeply influenced by this background.

Above all, Bishop Waldo works in partnership with Diocesan Executive Council and other leaders across the Diocese to address reconciliation and change around difficult issues—race, human sexuality, and economic inequality—with integrity, depth, truthfulness. These efforts are focused on moving beyond talk toward change.