Growing up in Northern Ireland, Anglicanism often felt more like a gang than a religion. It wasn’t just about where your family went on Sunday; it was as much a part of your identity as having red hair, an aptitude for maths, or a brother on the rugby team. We had five churches in our…
A People of One Book
“I want to know one thing—the way to heaven…Let me be homo unius libri [A man of one book]. Here, then, I am, far from the busy ways of men. I sit down alone: Only God is here. In his presence I open, I read his book; for this end, to find the way to…
The Feast of St. Francis: A Rookie Anglican Guide
Perhaps it’s the novelty of bringing pets to church, but the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4th, is surprisingly popular amongst Anglicans. Indeed, it is as ubiquitous as statues of that “Little Poor Man of Assisi” in gardens. Francis, in fact, has maintained astonishing popularity across many Christian traditions and beyond for over…
St. Aidan and the Legacy of Lindisfarne
Aidan and his companions knew the value, in imitation of Christ, of recharging our physical and spiritual batteries. It goes against the world’s mindset but is vital to our existence in Christ.
Saint Francis in the 21st Century
The Rule of Saint Francis for regular people belonging to a secular order, known as the Third Order, was first penned in the early 13th century. Third Order Franciscans work their jobs, raise their kids, and live into the Franciscan ideas of generosity, love, and prayer while surrounded by, and participating in, the world around…
Silence and Centering Prayer
I’ve been a priest for 12 years and love being steeped in our rich, Anglican tradition. This year I’m doing a spiritual direction certificate and writing a monthly journal right here where I’ll be exploring how the spiritual disciplines can be a gift for our ancient-future church. Always first and forefront in my mind is…
