As Anglicans, we are inheritors of an approach to Christian faith that is rooted in scripture, tradition, and reason. What do LGBT Episcopalians offer to that approach? Our retreat, "Kindle a Flame of Sacred Love" A Weekend of Spiritual Renewal" invited conversation and shared theological reflection on the gifts of“Kindling Frames of Sacred Love”.
Our guest presenter, The Rev. Thomas Brown, Rector of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Brattleboro, VT, led gay and lesbian persons and other interested individuals in exploring, renewing, and strengthening their spiritual experience and journey. The Rev. Thomas Brown who was born and raised in Michigan, began his spiritual journey in the United Methodist Church. Discovering the Episcopal Church in 1992 led him to The Divinity School of The Pacific in Berkeley, CA and culminated in his ordination to the priesthood in the Cathedral in Kalamazoo in 1998. Father Brown is chairman of the Diocese of Vermont’s deputation to General Convention and serves as the ecumenical officer of the Diocese of Vermont. In the general church he has served as the secretary to the Joint Nominating Committee for the Selection of the Presiding Bishop (2003-2006) and currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on the Structure of the Church.
Using the hymnody of Charles Wesley, John's gospel, and drawing from the works of Martin Smith and James Alison, the Reverend Thomas Brown provided a three day retreat at the Gray Center touching on the topics "Jesus, the Kindler of love: The Grace of Inclusion", "Trembling to its source: The Grace of Blazing", and "Guard the holy fire: The Grace of Coming Home".
O Thou who camest from above
The pure celestial fire to impart
Kindle a flame of sacred love
On the mean altar of my heart!
--Stanza 1 of O THOU WHO CAMEST FROM ABOVE (The Hymnal 1982, #704)
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.”
-- Ephesians 2:19-20
It was indeed a weekend of SPIRITUAL RENEWAL for all.
