I’m blown away with everyone’s kind words and good wishes on becoming an interfaith minister. Such support and goodwill… in the face of perhaps not even really understanding what an interfaith minister is and does it is really touching. And the truth is despite some incredibly intense and transformative training; mentally, psychologically and spiritually - alongside 33 courageous fellow pilgrims - I’m still working out what it means for me! What does it mean to be an ordained Interfaith Minister through the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation?
For me, for now, it’s about ministering to people of all faiths, spiritual pathways and none. I guess the most typical way this manifests is through crafting ceremonies, offering spiritual companionship and counselling…. and chaplaincy work at hospitals or hospices or prisons… but there are so many ways to take this…one of which is mainly unseen but can be radical nonetheless – and that is the I way I decide to be in the world; with my family and friends. Seen or unseen, I feel there is a huge need for people to feel a sense of connection, belonging, meaning and purpose.
I am at the very dawn of feeling into where the need is and what I’m being called to do. And at the moment that means, yes, I’m using the title Reverend. And that’s about me feeling into what it means to be in reverence for life. And yes, I’m absolutely completely and utterly human and completely ordinary and a work in progress and utterly fallible. Nothing special here at all. I still lose my patience with my children, get a bit sweary in traffic, struggle to sort out my recycling and have moments of doubt, fear and petulance. Ordination is about becoming ordinary. So much more to say about this.. but for now what I really want to say is a massive thank you from the bottom of my very full and joyful heart. Thank you for your faith … Faith that what I’ve done is good and worthwhile and valuable and has potential and is right for me!