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During this time of COVID-19 there have been three (technically four but two were celebrated on the same day three hours apart) Ordination Eucharists in the Diocese of New Westminster> In order to get to know the new diocesan clergy I distribute a questionnaire and if the newly ordained deacons would like to answer and participate they may do so. No expectations, totally up to them.

The Reverend Brynn Craffey was ordained by Bishop John Stephens on June 12, 2021. He is currently studying at Vancouver School of Theology and he is a student intern at St. Thomas, Vancouver.

Many thanks to Rev. Craffey for his participation:

In 50 words or less please describe how you came to faith?

After a long estrangement from Christianity, by chance I found myself at St. Benedict’s Table in Winnipeg, on June 12, 2016, the day 49 mostly queer-identified people were killed at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Fl. The priest’s deeply moving tribute to the tragedy’s victims, followed shortly in the service by a beautiful, open invitation to Christ’s table, persuaded me to receive the Eucharist for the first time in nearly 50 years. This experience led me to VST later that year, and eventually to Salal + Cedar and ordination.

Was there a particular moment or experience that signaled that you were being called to ordained ministry, or was it a gradual development? 

A gradual development culminating in a lightning bolt of certainty when I attended the ordination of two friends, Alecia Greenfield and Jonathan Odile-Pinkney, to the transitional diaconate in June 2019.

How would you describe the discernment process, what surprised you, what challenged you? 

What surprised me most is what a community endeavor it is. Which is both wonderful and crucial, in my opinion, given that effectively serving God in the church depends on an ability to integrate into and lead from within community.

Describe your theological education? Do you think it has prepared you for ministry? 

My theological education has been a mix of ordinary and extraordinary. The ordinary keeps my feet on the ground, while the extraordinary inspires me go above and beyond and dream big. As for being prepared for ministry, my life has taught me that God always surprises. How does one prepare for the unexpected? My best guess is by staying present and being flexible.

Although it’s very early days, how would you describe your ministry style?

My style is very much to think, “outside the box,” although at the moment I’m still engaged in learning the actual parameters of this particular box!

Are there any individuals you'd like to mention who have inspired, supported, guided you in your journey?

Many individuals have and continue to inspire me! Among them, Laurel Dykstra, Elizabeth Mathers, John Smith, Michael Batten, Amanda Ruston, Harry Maier, Jim Hatherly, Caitlin Reilly Beck, and many, many more friends and community members.

Which passage from scripture best illustrates your call to ministry?

Depends on the day you ask! At the moment, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Gal 5.22

 How do you see your ministry developing over the next five years? 

Many fewer term papers to write and textbooks to read! More actual work in community on issues related to LGBTQ2S+ affirmation, reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and action on the rapidly worsening climate emergency. 

 Is there anything you’d like to add?

My deepest thanks to the many people who have welcomed and supported me into this wonderful community.

IMAGE: The Reverend Craffey with Bishop Stephens, June 12, 2021