Bishop Greg Kelly Prepares to Leave Dallas Diocese for Tyler
Last December, Bishop Greg Kelly, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, received a life-changing phone call from the U.S. representative of Pope Francis. The call changed everything, Kelly said, and all his plans were put on hold.
"I was just a regular auxiliary bishop, doing my normal work in the Diocese of Dallas," Kelly said in a Thursday interview. "All the other plans just evaporate after that."
Kelly, 69, will be installed as the new Bishop of Tyler on February 24, replacing Bishop Joseph Strickland, who was removed by Pope Francis in 2023. Kelly is excited for his new assignment, but he will miss the people of Dallas, where he has served for 43 years.
A Steep Learning Curve
Kelly expects the position to come with a "steep learning curve," as he is new to the diocese and must quickly get to know the people, the priests, and the deacons. "I’m coming in as a newcomer. So I really need to just try to understand and listen and formulate what’s gonna be the best way to lead," he said.
A Theological Stance on Immigration
Kelly enters this role amid tensions between national Catholic leaders and the U.S. government over immigration. When asked about navigating this climate, Kelly highlighted a Bible verse that says those who serve "the least of these" are serving God. "That’s not a political stance; that’s a theological stance," he said. "Jesus has identified himself with those who are suffering, and it doesn’t come down to checking their papers first to see if they’re people we can help."
A Servant’s Heart
Bishop Edward J. Burns, head of the Diocese of Dallas, praised Kelly’s service, saying, "From the very beginning of my ministry here, Bishop Kelly has been a steady and reliable source of wisdom and encouragement." Burns noted that Kelly will be deeply missed, but that he has a "servant’s heart" and will lead the people of God in the Tyler diocese with great faith and love.
Details of the Installation
The public is invited to the following events:
- Evening Prayer: 5 p.m. on February 23 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler
- Mass of Installation: 2 p.m. on February 24 at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center in Tyler (attendance by ticket only, with tickets distributed by each parish)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Bishop Greg Kelly’s background?
A: Bishop Kelly was ordained as a priest in Dallas in 1982 and has served in various roles in the Diocese of Dallas, including as a pastor, chaplain, and in administration. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the University of Dallas and a bachelor’s in philosophy from the same institution.
Q: What is Bishop Kelly’s stance on immigration?
A: Bishop Kelly believes that serving "the least of these" is serving God. He emphasized that this is a theological stance, not a political one, and that it is not about checking papers first to see if someone is worthy of help.
Q: What is the significance of the installation of Bishop Kelly as Bishop of Tyler?
A: The installation marks a significant change in leadership for the Diocese of Tyler, which has been led by Bishop Joseph Strickland, who was removed by Pope Francis in 2023. Bishop Kelly’s installation is seen as an opportunity for a fresh start and a new approach to leadership in the diocese.
