Thank you for sharing your journey to the Anglican Church of England. I, too, am an Anglican -raised Episcopalian, worshipped with Orthodox, Lutherans, Mennonites and now sing in choir at Methodist Church but I do have a seminary degree from Trinity Anglican Seminary that used to be Trinity School for Ministry. At my age - now 92 - I'm still writing and now rewriting my book Following Jesus - focusing on what is happening to American Christianity and NAR's impact on decisions made in this administration -such as God ordained bombing in Iran. See my substack, Trust Terry.
David, I'm grateful for this report of your life stage. I came to know you through articles you wrote that were distributed by Religon News Service and later Baptist News Global (for which I write sometimes on United Methodist matters). Then I followed you to this Substack, because I found your ethical writings to be solidly Christian in contrast to others who would bend the gospel message to the political zeitgeist. I grieve that your voice, so true and authentic, will be absent from America's public discourse, but I fully understand and endorse your life choices (not that you need my affirmation, but perhaps I need to say it). Your scholarship has opened my mind and my heart to Christian faith that transcends all denominational boundaries, and I rejoice that you've found a spiritual home in the Anglican tradition. May God continue to bless you and all you do in the service of the Three-in-One who is Love.
David, I don't know why, but this post brought tears to my eyes. I have read many of your books and use Morning and Evening Prayer. Honestly, I'm envious. If I didn't have so many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren here in the States I would probably do what your are doing. As an ex evangelical I haven't found a home church in this tiny town of 1000. But people like you give me hope. Enjoy every minute of the rest of your earthly life. Have you heard of Sarah Clarkson? You may enjoy her writing...especially, "Reclaiming Quiet," where she writes from England.
Thank you for sharing David. Rootedness in a church tradition and working locally resonate with me as well. There are some lovely inclusive Anglicans in England like Rev. David Runcorn. They have a private FB group and a website called Inclusive Evangelicals: https://www.inclusiveevangelicals.com
Ah… the Cotswolds! I’ve been there. My niece is there now. “I want to live here!” … was her response and ours. Thank you for this very personal word… I’ve been honored to interview you several times on my podcast, and I thought I knew most everything about your story… but wait, there’s more. Your journey, from the very start, has been an inspiration to me. You’ve given me and many others permission to ask our questions, come to our own conclusions… It’s not only the scholar in you, but the pastor. At this stage in both of our lives, weary of the culture wars, the worship wars, the battles over orthodoxy, and the hijacking of evangelicalism by pseudo-biblicists who want to convince us of the “sin of empathy” - it’s enough to make a pastor weep. You’ve well earned your place in those lovely neighborhoods with thatched cottages, market squares, and ancient stone churches with bell towers, altars, and quiet, peace-filled prayer chapels. Your pastoral heart is a gift to the Cotswolds, the Church of England, and to us. That includes me.
I am so very grateful for your pastoral heart and your scholarship regarding the queer community. Your writing was essential assistance with the coming out of a beloved autistic transgender child in my family. I will always be interested in your life, both professionally and personally. On a work assignment, I lived for nearly two years in Thame, Oxfordshire, near the Cotswalds. I loved the area so it gives me joy to think of you living and serving there.
I trust you remember me as an "older" student at McAfee. I graduated in 2010. Since 2012, I have been a member of the Episcopal Church, and the Cathedral of St. Philip. You may remember that I was a Baptist all of my life until 2012--first a member of the SBC, then CBF. When I joined the Episcopal Church, it felt like coming home, even though I have the utmost gratitude for ALL the Baptists gave me. I met my husband, got married, and raised two sons at the same large Baptist church in Atlanta. My ancestors came from the British Isles. It feels like the Anglican Church is "in my genes." I am thrilled to see you in Anglican vestments. I was ordained in that same CBF church, but now I serve the wine at Communion almost every Sunday. I serve a senior community founded by my church as a volunteer chaplain. I just love thinking of you in the Cotswalds. We had a very short visit to the Cotswalds in 2015. Keep writing these updates. And thanks so much for who you are. I still brag on you as a professor I had in 2007!
What an amazing journey you have had and are going through. I always enjoyed your talks at Towne View. Your writing and messages have helped me personally in so many ways, especially since this last election here in the states. I envy you and your move to England. I have family there and with all that is taking place here daily, the move across the ponds looks more and inviting. I was a Catholic convert. I've desired often to return but being gay and married to a man doesn't bode well with the RCC. We do visit the local Episcopal church occasionally. Keep writing please. I always gain something good from your messages. Love you.
Thank you for your heart and your work. I hope you know how much you mean to us, especially as you invest in those of us who are still early on in ministry and trying to figure out how to proceed from here. We're cheering you on!
As I read this we are traveling to St. Louis for the annual CBF gathering. I have admired your ethical teaching and your humility for quite some time. I have to admit to being a bit envious of your current life and location! How joyful to find the perfect spot for your newest and best self to live and serve! Ah, that we all might find just such a space! Please keep on inspiring us and challenging our old minds and practices. I thank God for you.
David, we have never met but I am a great admirer. I have read two of your books (need to read more!), viewed several of your sermons on YT and read many of your thoughtful and insightful homilies and posts
I can't say that I agree with others in this thread who find this news encouraging. Honestly, I'm bummed. But I do understand. This statement in your post: "The decision of US voters to return Donald Trump to office in November pretty much put a stake through my heart and almost an absolute end to my ability, interest, and sense of calling to address US public life. One reason for the part-year move to England is found there. US public life is alien to me now. Everything that I had to say to try to prevent where we have gone, I said, to no avail." was just so sobering to me. I know you are not asking for my or anyone's approval and I agree -- you don't need it, but it is still disheartening. Sorry.
I often listen to the annual Mark Twain prize for American humor and I am reminded that two of the winners (David Letterman and Conan O'Brien) have both quoted a comment attributed to Twain: "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.” By that, this decision demonstrates you are a patriot, no doubt.
I am grateful for the technology that will still allow me to hear your voice.
Greetings from St Thomas' Anglican, Stourbridge W Midlands. Just a little North of you. Thank you for your personal update. My book group of recovering evangelicals studied your very helpful book 'Changing our Mind' about 2 years ago.
I used to worship at All Saints Pasadena (in the time of Ed Bacon) and I think you gave us there some memorable talks in the Rector's Forum several times. I'd love to pop down to the wonderful N. Cotswolds one Sunday to a service or presentation some time. My wife's uncle was Vicar in Sevenhampton many years ago so we know the area.
Does this mean we can look forward to watching you soon solving murders in the quaint countryside parish?
P.S. I preached in Father Brown’s church on Sunday morning. It is pictured in this post.
That’s right, Merle, I expect much crime solving in my future.
You will certainly need a bike for the task.
For the record, I fully support this. British cozy mysteries are my jam.
I was literally wondering the same thing
Thank you for sharing your journey to the Anglican Church of England. I, too, am an Anglican -raised Episcopalian, worshipped with Orthodox, Lutherans, Mennonites and now sing in choir at Methodist Church but I do have a seminary degree from Trinity Anglican Seminary that used to be Trinity School for Ministry. At my age - now 92 - I'm still writing and now rewriting my book Following Jesus - focusing on what is happening to American Christianity and NAR's impact on decisions made in this administration -such as God ordained bombing in Iran. See my substack, Trust Terry.
David, I'm grateful for this report of your life stage. I came to know you through articles you wrote that were distributed by Religon News Service and later Baptist News Global (for which I write sometimes on United Methodist matters). Then I followed you to this Substack, because I found your ethical writings to be solidly Christian in contrast to others who would bend the gospel message to the political zeitgeist. I grieve that your voice, so true and authentic, will be absent from America's public discourse, but I fully understand and endorse your life choices (not that you need my affirmation, but perhaps I need to say it). Your scholarship has opened my mind and my heart to Christian faith that transcends all denominational boundaries, and I rejoice that you've found a spiritual home in the Anglican tradition. May God continue to bless you and all you do in the service of the Three-in-One who is Love.
David, I don't know why, but this post brought tears to my eyes. I have read many of your books and use Morning and Evening Prayer. Honestly, I'm envious. If I didn't have so many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren here in the States I would probably do what your are doing. As an ex evangelical I haven't found a home church in this tiny town of 1000. But people like you give me hope. Enjoy every minute of the rest of your earthly life. Have you heard of Sarah Clarkson? You may enjoy her writing...especially, "Reclaiming Quiet," where she writes from England.
Hi, Linda! :)
Hey, Amy! 😀
Thank you for sharing David. Rootedness in a church tradition and working locally resonate with me as well. There are some lovely inclusive Anglicans in England like Rev. David Runcorn. They have a private FB group and a website called Inclusive Evangelicals: https://www.inclusiveevangelicals.com
Such heartfelt eloquence! Your words have always challenged me to think and change. I wish you well on the next stage of your journey.
Blessings on this part of the journey from an academic/Episcopal priest who bids you warm welcome.
Playing catchup and just read this post in full. Oh, David, I just love it all.
Ah… the Cotswolds! I’ve been there. My niece is there now. “I want to live here!” … was her response and ours. Thank you for this very personal word… I’ve been honored to interview you several times on my podcast, and I thought I knew most everything about your story… but wait, there’s more. Your journey, from the very start, has been an inspiration to me. You’ve given me and many others permission to ask our questions, come to our own conclusions… It’s not only the scholar in you, but the pastor. At this stage in both of our lives, weary of the culture wars, the worship wars, the battles over orthodoxy, and the hijacking of evangelicalism by pseudo-biblicists who want to convince us of the “sin of empathy” - it’s enough to make a pastor weep. You’ve well earned your place in those lovely neighborhoods with thatched cottages, market squares, and ancient stone churches with bell towers, altars, and quiet, peace-filled prayer chapels. Your pastoral heart is a gift to the Cotswolds, the Church of England, and to us. That includes me.
I am so very grateful for your pastoral heart and your scholarship regarding the queer community. Your writing was essential assistance with the coming out of a beloved autistic transgender child in my family. I will always be interested in your life, both professionally and personally. On a work assignment, I lived for nearly two years in Thame, Oxfordshire, near the Cotswalds. I loved the area so it gives me joy to think of you living and serving there.
I trust you remember me as an "older" student at McAfee. I graduated in 2010. Since 2012, I have been a member of the Episcopal Church, and the Cathedral of St. Philip. You may remember that I was a Baptist all of my life until 2012--first a member of the SBC, then CBF. When I joined the Episcopal Church, it felt like coming home, even though I have the utmost gratitude for ALL the Baptists gave me. I met my husband, got married, and raised two sons at the same large Baptist church in Atlanta. My ancestors came from the British Isles. It feels like the Anglican Church is "in my genes." I am thrilled to see you in Anglican vestments. I was ordained in that same CBF church, but now I serve the wine at Communion almost every Sunday. I serve a senior community founded by my church as a volunteer chaplain. I just love thinking of you in the Cotswalds. We had a very short visit to the Cotswalds in 2015. Keep writing these updates. And thanks so much for who you are. I still brag on you as a professor I had in 2007!
Dianne Otwell
thank you Dianne, I remember you well!
What an amazing journey you have had and are going through. I always enjoyed your talks at Towne View. Your writing and messages have helped me personally in so many ways, especially since this last election here in the states. I envy you and your move to England. I have family there and with all that is taking place here daily, the move across the ponds looks more and inviting. I was a Catholic convert. I've desired often to return but being gay and married to a man doesn't bode well with the RCC. We do visit the local Episcopal church occasionally. Keep writing please. I always gain something good from your messages. Love you.
Thank you for your heart and your work. I hope you know how much you mean to us, especially as you invest in those of us who are still early on in ministry and trying to figure out how to proceed from here. We're cheering you on!
Thank you so much, dear Amy. I have such deep love and respect for you and your family. I look forward to my next visit to Austin to see you all!
As I read this we are traveling to St. Louis for the annual CBF gathering. I have admired your ethical teaching and your humility for quite some time. I have to admit to being a bit envious of your current life and location! How joyful to find the perfect spot for your newest and best self to live and serve! Ah, that we all might find just such a space! Please keep on inspiring us and challenging our old minds and practices. I thank God for you.
David, we have never met but I am a great admirer. I have read two of your books (need to read more!), viewed several of your sermons on YT and read many of your thoughtful and insightful homilies and posts
I can't say that I agree with others in this thread who find this news encouraging. Honestly, I'm bummed. But I do understand. This statement in your post: "The decision of US voters to return Donald Trump to office in November pretty much put a stake through my heart and almost an absolute end to my ability, interest, and sense of calling to address US public life. One reason for the part-year move to England is found there. US public life is alien to me now. Everything that I had to say to try to prevent where we have gone, I said, to no avail." was just so sobering to me. I know you are not asking for my or anyone's approval and I agree -- you don't need it, but it is still disheartening. Sorry.
I often listen to the annual Mark Twain prize for American humor and I am reminded that two of the winners (David Letterman and Conan O'Brien) have both quoted a comment attributed to Twain: "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.” By that, this decision demonstrates you are a patriot, no doubt.
I am grateful for the technology that will still allow me to hear your voice.
Greetings from St Thomas' Anglican, Stourbridge W Midlands. Just a little North of you. Thank you for your personal update. My book group of recovering evangelicals studied your very helpful book 'Changing our Mind' about 2 years ago.
I used to worship at All Saints Pasadena (in the time of Ed Bacon) and I think you gave us there some memorable talks in the Rector's Forum several times. I'd love to pop down to the wonderful N. Cotswolds one Sunday to a service or presentation some time. My wife's uncle was Vicar in Sevenhampton many years ago so we know the area.
Many thanks, again!
Well done, Alastair. Let me know if you do travel there.