The Very. Rev. Michael Battle Leads Clergy Retreat at St. Christopher

Priests and deacons from across the diocese gathered at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center May 22-24 for their annual Clergy Retreat. The theme of this year’s gathering was “Living Ubuntu in a Violent World” led by special guest, the Very Rev. Michael Battle, Ph.D., who currently serves as the Herbert Thompson Professor of Church and Society and Director of the Desmond Tutu Center at General Theological Seminary in New York.

An Episcopal priest, chaired professor, author of 10 books, and sought-after speaker and retreat leader, Dr. Battle's ministry covers the globe and focuses on Christian reconciliation, human spirituality, and Ubuntu (the African worldview of community). He lived in residence with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa for two years (1993-94) and was ordained a priest in South Africa by Desmond Tutu in 1993.

Dr. Battle led thought-provoking sessions throughout the retreat that provided an opportunity for clergy to interact with the collegium and learn more about each other and the world around us. It was also a time for clergy to get to know each other, especially those who have joined our diocese since the last Clergy Retreat in December 2021, and hopefully find a little time for relaxation! There were walks on the beach, chats on the deck, and trivia game fun! Many thanks to the staff at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center who made the visit especially wonderful.

View an album of photos from the retreat on our Facebook page at this link.

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