"I would ask that you please do all in your power to help answer Jesus’ prayer for unity, despite our differences."

Dear Dr. Taylor,

My name is Brad Landry and I serve as the rector at All Saints Episcopal Church here in Homewood. I am also an alumnus of Samford. We have a good number of Samford faculty and students who are members or attend our parish on a regular basis. I know you have taken the reins of the university at a difficult time, and you are in our prayers as you lead the Samford community.

I became an Episcopalian in college during a time I was unsure whether I could remain Christian while also being intellectually honest. The Episcopal Church has been a place of deep spiritual growth for me and my family. It is my deep conviction that what unites us as Christians is greater than what divides us. As one theologian of the Second Vatican Council has said “The walls of our divisions do not reach to heaven.”

There is a paradox in ecumenism: one could view the diversity of churches as a gift, which represents the uniqueness of God’s creation. One could also view denominations as the sad result of our divisions. I remember Jesus’ high priestly prayer that we all would be one as he and the Father are one.

I have been saddened and disturbed to hear that the Birmingham Episcopal Campus Ministries have been disallowed to engage in ministry and worship on Samford’s campus. I do not believe this serves the students and faculty well. I am not interested in demonizing any persons involved in this decision making process. However, I do hope that further conversation and opportunities for deeper understanding will take place. As a local Episcopal priest, I would be glad to be a part of these conversations how we can best serve Samford students, staff, and faculty. I would ask that you please do all in your power to help answer Jesus’ prayer for unity, despite our differences. If the walls of our division, indeed, do not reach up to heaven, may we continue to pray in the words Jesus taught us, “…on earth as in heaven.”

Grace & peace,

The Rev. Bradley J. Landry, Rector
All Saints Episcopal Church
110 West Hawthorne Road Birmingham, AL 35209