Author Archives: David Burrows
About David Burrows
David Burrows is a priest of the church, currently serving in parish ministry within the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, a place he has called home for the past fifteen years. He consistently engages dialogue and action with the wider community through creative outreach projects. Cycling, kayaking, writing, and driving fast cars are distractions in his life.Power and Weakness; Respect, Authority, and Responsibility
Leadership within the church community is tough. It can be no better in any area of business, education, politics, or industry where leaders are about serving and caring for the responsibility to which they have been entrusted. Continue reading
Epiphany—Responsibility of Revelation
We must take seriously the words which we offer and promote, and how these words may dishearten and dismay, further alienating persons from the community of faith, and God who sustains us in Christ Jesus. Continue reading
Roads of Joy and Pain
I have been uprooted and set down in different cultures and communities. There is a great amount of adventure and excitement in this; there are also measures of sorrow and pain for family and individual. Continue reading
Room in the Boom? No Fixed Address…
We must be a church that models openness and innovation within a community framework. We should remember that our roots are in a child who had no fixed address, who was given a manger when there was no room in an inn. Continue reading
In, or of the World
Many in the church lament this reality, and regularly I hear the concerns and comments of members of our faith community. I hear people say, “Sunday is no longer sacred,” and, “If only it were like the good old days.” While there are times that I lament the size of the population of the gathered at the main liturgy on a Sunday, (usually a week in January or February when we have an especially bad storm), I lament more the tendency for congregations to be inward looking and self serving. Continue reading
Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones?
The actions we undertake as the community of faith are not futile, nor self serving. When we engage in prayer and action, the barriers we may perceive can help us in fact, to move through the calamity and claim our place in God’s world, as we partner with God to address the states and situations that cause us grief and terror. Continue reading
Symbols of Position and Power: Authority Masks or a Just Life?
I hold a position of authority, respect and influence. It is held in the name of others: spouse, children, friends, bishop, parish, colleagues, community. No matter what symbols may be present in my life and ministry, I must breathe justice, love, and humility. Continue reading
Silence… whispers… tales
I have always been fascinated with ancient history. One of the most intriguing bits of research I explored while completing my undergraduate degree was examining whether people in ancient societies had the abilities to read silently. Did all texts have to be read aloud? Continue reading
Passion
This month, in our province, in fact, in my hometown of Conception Bay South, again I witnessed the destruction of lives and of community safety due to the murders of Julianne Hibbs and Vince Dillon. Continue reading
Bless me, father
This week I read with interest the article in The Telegram concerning the annual celebrations commemorating St. Francis of Assisi at the Anglican Cathedral, incorporating the blessing of the animals. While reading the article, my youngest daughter asked why we did not attend and have our dog, Brodie, blessed. I paused for a moment, reflecting upon my reasoning for our absence at this annual occasion. Continue reading
