AED 2024 Board Election
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Priest Candidate
The Rev. Brendan Barnicle
Diocese: Western Oregon Present Employment: St. Francis of Assisi, Wilsonville, OR Current Ministries: Parish priest Current Church Assignment: St. Francis of Assisi, Wilsonville, OR Previous Position: St. Stephen’s, Portland, OR Education: JD, MDiv, DMin, ThM Prior Board Experience: Church Pension Group, CDSP, CareOregon, Conservation Voters of Oregon Skill Sets: Lawyer, financial analysis, accounting Question #1
How do you envision contributing to the AED Board? What are your special talents and gifts? In my recent two years on the AED board, I have worked to update its legal structure generally, and specifically, to update its bylaws. Going forward, I would hope to offer my legal background for other oversight and organizational enhancements. As a board member, I have shared my finance and investments experience to address the sustainability of the organization. In my academic work, I am developing new resources for providing pastoral care in extreme conditions, like pandemics and climate change, as well as financial and missional resources for our changing Church. I envision working with AED to refine those resources and develop additional resources to equip deacons to serve the changing needs of the Church. Question #2 What is your vision for the future of the Association for Episcopal Deacons? After the last few years, our world is facing an unprecedented amount of trauma. There are few institutions well positioned to aid in the recovery from trauma. The Church generally and AED specifically play a crucial role in journeying with people in their recovery from trauma. Institutions, communities and the planet have all experienced trauma, and we are called to help to repair that damage. Such missional work descends from a doctrine of God and salvation that results in provisions for all healing of all God’s creation. It also reflects an incarnation and embodiment of sacramental grace. Deacons have always been the hands and feet of Christ, and there is an opportunity and a tremendous need to offer new forms of healing ministry. AED supports healing for individuals, institutions, communities and the planet. The need for deacons has never been greater, and I hope to facilitate an expansive and transformative diaconal ministry. There is also a need for missional renewal as churches discern how they can respond to the current needs of the world and the invitation of the Baptismal Covenant. Because of deacons’ unique roles inside and more importantly, outside of the Church, they offer insights and perspectives that will be critical for such a renewal. AED can support deacons in all their roles in the Church, and by doing so, AED can expand the diaconate and lead missional transformation in the Church. |