Most Reverend Raymond G. Hunthausen, D.D.
Appointed Archbishop of Seattle, February 25, 1975
Retired August 21, 1991

Raymond G. Hunthausen was appointed Archbishop of Seattle on February 25, 1975. He retired on August 21, 1991.

Archbishop Hunthausen, born in Anaconda, Montana, August 21, 1921, embraced the challenges of the post-Vatican II Church. Known for his strong stances on peace and justice, Archbishop Hunthausen's leadership emphasized quality pastoral care for the people of the archdiocese. His dedication to inclusiveness brought the archdiocese into a new era marked by bold strides in ecumenism and multiculturalism. His views on war became a source of struggle for the archdiocese when he protested the use of nuclear weapons by withholding half of his income tax in 1982, prompting the IRS to garnish his wages. This incident, along with several other similar incidents, prompted an apostolic visitation in 1983 to investigate Hunthausen’s administrative and pastoral practices.  This process included the appointment of Auxiliary Bishop Donald Wuerl for two years.

Remembered as an outspoken advocate for the poor and the ignored, Hunthausen was also a great advocate for youth, urging improved catechesis in parishes and supporting Catholic schools despite falling enrollment.

Archbishop Hunthausen retired in 1991 and currently resides in Montana.

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