Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jay (yes, spelled like a boy which is why I’ve been specifying my pronouns since 1970). I am a cradle Episcopalian, meaning I was born and raised in the Episcopal Church (TEC), even attending Episcopal middle school and high school. Now, 4 or so decades later, I am a student of theology, who is also in Year 3 of Education for Ministry (EfM). All of which means that I am writing here with absolutely no expertise or authority beyond my own lived experiences and broad reading interests.
My opinions are my own and are not necessarily that of my church. I say this because I know there are places where I do not agree with the official positions/statements of the TEC, let alone the Anglican Communion. Further, one of the joys of being Episcopalian is that we don’t have to check our brains at the door in order to participate in worship or live our branch of the Jesus Movement. In other words, unless I am quoting them directly, I don’t speak for any other Episcopalians either. I also want to be very clear: I am not a member of the clergy or I actively pursuing ordination at this time. Please stop asking. Religious orders might be another thing, I am still discerning that.
Why a stream/newsletter about faith?
For starters, my religious education, specifically with the Episcopal Church, is more extensive than that of many Episcopalians. I grew up in the church during times of considerable change and, regardless of how pissed off I have been at various clergy, leaders, or parishioners over the years, my faith and love for the Episcopal Church remains a constant. This affords me a somewhat unique perspective on the church and what it means to be Episcopalian. A perspective that is somewhat absent in the public discourse of faith in the first half of the 21st century (if it wasn’t, the most common question from new members and spiritual but not religious folks after Bishop Budde’s sermon on 21 January 2025 would not have been surprised versions of "that’s what Episcopalians believe?")
Building on that, I am a theology nerd whose idea of heaven (personal paradise, not God’s Biblical Kingdom) is an endless library with good coffee, snacks, and comfortable seating, where I can pursue intellectual rabbits in perpetuity then discuss my findings with others having similar interests and intensity. Think the Oxford Movement with significantly greater diversity (and perhaps, less fiction, though certainly fewer orcs as I’m a vampire, dragon and cozy mystery girl myself). Research is one of the great loves of my life (seriously, the For Further Reading sections of textbooks are actually just shopping lists, right?) so be prepared for lots of citations and affiliate bookshop links. Your subscription to this stream/newsletter basically helps keep me in good coffee and notd.io in business so thank you!
A Jesuit has described my practical theology as remarkably consistent, mostly sound, and highly accessible. I don’t know that I agree with that but you can judge for yourself as we go forward. I will say that my theology is incomplete and subject to change based on my continued learning (which means any comments or conversations may be used in my writing—you’ve been warned).
My goal is to continue growing my faith (and yours!) while delving into my Episcopal roots on this shared journey. I do hope you will join me along this path of the Jesus Movement.
A prayer for guidance
Direct us, O Most High, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.
(BCP p. 832)