Lydia Kelsey Bucklin '15 serves as Canon to the Ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan. Lydia was formed from a young age in baptismal, collaborative ministry and works with communities in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in areas of redevelopment, formation, new expressions of faith communities, and baptismal ministry. Lydia also serves as Senior Advisor to the Mutual Ministry Initiative housed at Virginia Theological Seminary, a multi-year grant funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. to enhance theological education with the training and skills needed for today's church, in which the ministry of all the baptized is crucial. Previously, Lydia served the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa for 11 years, in the areas of children & youth, young adults, communications, evangelism, and new initiatives.
"Being formed at EDS in an integrated, distributive learning program provided me the opportunity to continue to serve my diocese and gain experience and wisdom in the field," Lydia shared. "EDS' focus on anti-racism and anti-oppression has informed every aspect of my life and ministry and I am grateful to now have the opportunity to work with other alums building community and honoring the EDS legacy and tradition."