The Rev. Tory Moir
Why do you feel called to serve the Church as a Deputy to General Convention?
After serving as a Deputy at this past 80th General Convention, I feel more called than ever to this ministry of the wider Church. This House of Deputies was younger and more diverse than ever, and as a young LGBTQ clergy-person I was inspired to hear the voices of my peers uplifted in our Church’s leadership. Our particular way of governance can feel slow and even ponderous to some, but I love the deliberation with which we prayerfully move forward together as the Episcopal Church. If re-elected, I will be happy to represent Colorado in the House of Deputies in Tennessee, where we will continue important conversations about the future of our Church, including how we support lifelong Christian Formation, our ongoing work towards Beloved Community, and the future of liturgical reform.
What life experiences and/or training can you offer as a resource to the Church?
Aside from my experience as a parish deacon, priest, and hospital chaplain, I have served as a youth worker and minister for many years. I also have a wide variety of experience in advocacy and education, primarily in the area of LGBTQ identities and inclusion, but around immigration and disability justice. My ongoing theological education in pastoral and practical theology is intended to be of service to the wider church.
Describe your ministries, participation and experience in the Episcopal Church.
I am a priest raised in Colorado and currently serving as a hospital chaplain in Boulder. I am also a student in the Joint Doctoral Program for the Study of Religion at the Iliff School of Theology and University of Denver. For the last year, I have served as a member of the Administration Committee of our diocese. I have also worked with the Colorado Episcopal Service Corps, and through my work with Welcoming Every Body have supported parishes to more thoughtfully welcome LGBTQ siblings in Christ. My experience since finding the Episcopal Church has been one of welcome and support for my gifts and ministry. It is my joy to give back in service.
What aspects of our corporate life or issues facing the Church today hold particular interest or importance to you?
I am most interested in the creative ways we can re-imagine the role of the Episcopal Church’s resources and the ministries of the General Convention and its officers to better serve the Church of the present and future. Of particular concern is lifelong Christian formation, the building of communities beyond and in addition to the traditional parish setting, and the alienation of younger folks from the institution of religion. I hope to participate in creating resources, liturgies, and support for us to reach out authentically in love to anyone who needs us.
How will your participation as part of the deputation enhance the life, mission and ministry of our diocese?
The first gift I offer is my love of Jesus and his Church; despite its many human imperfections, I remain convinced that our particular form of Christ’s Church has a powerful witness to speak to our current troubled circumstances. I hope that the members of my current deputation would attest to the passion and optimism that I bring to the work of governing our church. I bring my whole self to all of my work, and this work is no exception. If re-elected, I will work to connect our diocese with the ongoing work of General Convention, and to include as many in our state as I can in the work of any interim bodies or legislative committees on which I might serve.