On January 27, 2024, the Rev. Steven Tomlinson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Leadership and Administration at Seminary of the Southwest, was ordained into the priesthood by the Rt. Rev. Kathryn M. Ryan, Bishop Suffragan, Diocese of Texas. The service was offered at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Austin, TX, and included a sermon by the Very Rev. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, Dean and President.
“To be so emphatically anointed with a community’s love is a commission to share that love on their behalf with those God draws to you,” said the Rev. Tomlinson. “People at the service who don’t attend church described the spirit present as ‘hopeful, what our world needs now.’ I’m already drawing inspiration for ministry from the hope poured out on us at St. James’ that day.”
“The ordination of Steven Tomlinson on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul at St. James Church was extraordinary,” said the Very Rev. Kittredge. “Like St. James’ rector, the Rev. Eileen O’Brien said, it was ‘like Easter for us.’ The parish showed such warm hospitality to guests from all walks of life and in everything displayed the gospel. Seminary of the Southwest is so proud of and grateful for Steven’s ministry.”
In addition to continuing his duties as a faculty member at Southwest, the Rev. Tomlinson will serve as priest-in-charge at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Columbus, Texas, one of the oldest congregations in the diocese about 90 miles Southwest of Austin. The Rev. Tomlinson and his husband, Eugene Sepulveda, already had roots in the area.
“The church is close to Eugene’s family’s farm in Cat Spring, so we were already attached to the community, and the church is generously teaching me how to be the pastor they need,” said the Rev. Tomlinson.
Watch the full ordination service below:
