Dear East Tennessee Episcopal Friends,
Earlier this year at our Diocesan Convention, I announced an intent to create a new Canon for Vocations. We are in a season with a growing number of persons in discernment for ordained ministry. We are also seeking to redouble our efforts to raise up more deacons in our diocese. It was our hope that a new Canon would be able to guide and deepen this work.
I am pleased to announce that the Rev. Claire Brown, Rector of St. Paul’s, Athens, has accepted my call to join our Diocesan Staff as Canon for Vocations. At present, this will be a half-time position.
I am grateful for all the persons who applied and were considered. There were several strong candidates, any of whom would have been great additions to our common ministry. In calling Claire, a gifted priest, who was raised up from this diocese and has served us in parish church settings, both urban and small town, and has also contributed much as a member of the Commission on Ministry, I am convinced that her gifts and our need now have found a good and right fit.
Please keep the Rev. Brown and her family in your prayers, along with the good people of St. Paul’s, Athens. Claire will be joining us as Canon at the beginning of 2027.
Peace,
+ Brian
Dear friends,
It is an honor to step into a new ministry role serving our Diocese, supporting your spiritual discernment and leadership development as Canon for Vocations in the Episcopal Church in East Tennessee.
Over the past several years, I have developed a deep passion for accompanying people as they discern God’s call. This passion has taken shape through encouraging lay ministry and community engagement as a parish priest, offering opportunities for learning and connection in the broader church, and supporting seekers, postulants, and new clergy as a member of our diocesan Commission on Ministry. I love equipping faithful people to be curious, thoughtful, and brave as they follow Jesus, and am deeply grateful for this opportunity.
Please keep me, my family, and the people of St. Paul’s, Athens in your prayers during this transition. I look forward to joining Bishop Brian’s staff and the work of diocesan ministries in the new year, and I can't wait to hear your stories and listen to God’s call together.
Rev. Claire Brown