Toward a Hedge-Priest ministry in the Anglican Tradition

Over the past few years, I have been connecting with people outside of the traditional denominational institutional "Box". Some of them are atheists, New Agers, and Druids, etc. Some still feel a connection with Christ Jesus but not with Church. Some have said I am the only Christian (and even priest) they have ever felt comfortable with. I even have a dear friend (an atheist or agnostic) who refers to me as her priest! She often tells people that, "My priest says that I'm a Pagan!" -which is both a kind of joke between us but also an expression of endearment.

Hedge-Priest: It seems I am becoming somewhat of a "Hedge-Priest"!!! lol

This term usually takes on the definitions of a: rustic, outlandish, sometimes uneducated or illiterate, poor, mean, itinerant vagabond priest, without benefice or home, but one authorized to perform the Rites and Sacraments of and by the church. For those who know me...See any resemblance? haha

However, I've also heard that the term Hedge Priest is also a variant of the terms Hedge-Witch or Hegde-Druid. A Hedgewitch, has traditionally been seen as a shamanistic person who can cross the “hedge” or boundary between this world and the other. The Hedgewitch is usually a solitary practitioner, but may be attended by assistants. Her main function is as mediator between the spirit world (the Divine) and people. She may also work as a herbal healer and midwife.

The term has also been applied to John Ball, an English Lollard Priest (c. 1338[1] – 15 July 1381), who was part of the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. According to Wikipedia, "He is said to have gained considerable fame as a roving preacher — a "hedge priest" without a parish or any cure linking him to the established order — by expounding the doctrines of John Wycliffe, and especially by his insistence on social equality" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ball_%28priest%29).

Hmmm. Well, I'm just a simple Christian Priest but I do have a certain spiritual affinity and connection with both the Celtic Christian tradition and the Contemplative/mystical/monastic expressions of the Gospel and church history; and I am very interested in Inter-Religious/Inter-Spiritual dialogue. As an Anglican Priest (albeit a more Contemplative one), I love both the more traditional (Rite One) and high church expressions but also feel a much more earthy rustic spirituality-which unfortunately the institutional aspects of the church too often get in the way of.

My ministry, small though it may be, does seem to be moving more and more outside the hedge of traditional parish ministry; providing friendship and Spiritual Direction with people wherever they are in their journey.

Some of these changes are a result of my own spiritual growth process; together with certain guiding theological principles. One of these was the difference between the Roman and Celtic Model of Evangelism. The book, "The Celtic Way of Evangelism: How Christianity Can Reach the West...Again" by George G. Hunter III, addressed and confirmed certain principles I was learning by personal or mystical insight.

In the Roman Model, the Gospel was preached primarily within the boundaries of Roman civilization and culture. The Gospel was proclaimed, if one accepted it, then one could be made a member of the church. It was a Belief before Belonging system. However, in the Celtic Model, the Gospel was taken outside the boundaries of language, civilization and culture; and was shared openly with people at the crossroads of life. It was a Belonging before Belief system.

Together with the spiritual principle of the Anamchara (or Soul-friend tradition, a borrowed druid practice), who would come alongside of people and walk alongside of them in their spiritual journey in Christ, offering spiritual counsel through spiritual friendship; not just ministry from a pulpit or lectern. and its much more personal and earthy.



Yours,

The Rev. Father Jerry "Aidan" Hix, O.S.C.