It is with deep appreciation that the Episcopal Diocese of Utah announces the retirement of Canon Craig Wirth on December 31st, 2024, after serving 17 years as the Diocese of Utah’s Communications Director, capping off a remarkable career in church media service. Wirth’s expertise in multimedia—particularly in video production, web development, and streaming—was instrumental in amplifying the Diocese’s voice as it grew through the 2000s. By the time he joined the Diocese, Wirth was already an accomplished, Emmy-award-winning journalist, radio broadcaster, and professor with a nearly 40-year TV career, reporting in New York City, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Wisconsin.
Wirth’s high-caliber work was quickly recognized by the wider Episcopal Church, which enlisted him to help create and supervise the production and design of the Title IV website, a resource that remains in use today. Over his career, his video productions received numerous Episcopal Communicators Polly Bond awards and honors. His collection of works include The Laity Pioneers, Craig and the Bishop Go to Cuba, and I Saw the Holy City – A Visit to Jerusalem.
The most recent project Wirth produced, Tuniyay: To Tell the Story, powerfully recounts the history of the Uintah Indian Boarding School, a vital part of the The Episcopal Church’s and our Diocesan mission toward racial healing and reconciliation.
Bishop Spiegel says, “Craig’s deep passion for the work of truth telling, allows the Episcopal Church to claim its culpability as well as begin the work of reparations; this is one of the greatest legacies Craig leaves for The Episcopal Church.”
Beyond video production, Craig expanded the Diocese’s accessibility and outreach through his role as host of The Utah Epodcopalians Podcast and by overseeing livestreaming systems for church services. His work in this area was further recognized by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, who invited him to produce livestreams for several national Episcopal General Conventions.
A lifelong Episcopalian, Canon Craig brought not only his professional skills but also his deep commitment to his faith, having served as Senior and Junior Wardens in Los Angeles. In 2015, he was named Canon for Communications by Bishop Scott Hayashi, the 11th Bishop of Utah, an honor reflecting his significant impact on the diocese. He is now a parishioner of St. Luke’s, Park City.
As he enters retirement, Craig will continue his weekly Wirth Watching series on ABC4 and teach at the University of Utah. He will remain connected with the Diocese, volunteering on projects related to the Indian Schools and other initiatives.
Reflecting on his career, he expressed profound gratitude. “I have been so very blessed to have served three bishops and the Diocese of Utah these years. The memories and opportunities have been a journey of discovery and joy. I leave inspired and grateful, with a career capstone under Bishop Spiegel’s grace-filled episcopate.”
There will be a public reception for Craig’s retirement at the Episcopal Retreat & Conference Center at 75 S. 200 E., Salt Lake City on the evening of January 10th. More details to come.
