A bit about Shawn…
I was born in Toronto and raised in a little town just north of the city; although I spent a lot of time “heading downtown” as a young person and exploring the rich cultural and linguistic diversity the city has to offer. I am a “cradle Anglican,” and have worshipped in the Anglican Church of Canada, the Church of England, and the Scottish Episcopalian Church. In part, this means that I have done a lot of liturgical cross-training and I am at ease in a variety of services.
I trained initially as a physicist and became a schoolteacher; I’ve taught science to people of all ages—from grade one students all the way to post-secondary physics and specialised community-based programs for older adults. During my first return to graduate school, I focused on the joyful messiness of learning to teach, and my academic career began shortly thereafter. I held posts at Ontario Tech University and Simon Fraser University, before taking a position at the University of Cambridge where I was Professor of the History of Science, Technology, and Education.
Although I have deeply enjoyed being a researcher and teacher, it was my work in relationship with others that has nourished me most during my career. Cambridge is somewhat unique in that, as a Professor, I had a certain number of students for whom I was responsible for “pastoral care.” This was deeply meaningful work that led me to take on increasingly complex academic leadership positions, particularly during the pandemic. I returned to Canada a few years ago and began to discern a call to ministry at St. Anselm’s Anglican Church whilst continuing to teach part-time for a number of universities.
Part of my seminary training includes experiences with the Mission to Seafarers and Christ Church Cathedral. The spirit of generosity and community one finds in crews of seafarers who come from all over the world is incredibly powerful. The complexities and opportunities of the various ministries and worship opportunities at Christ Church have been a wonderful way for me to explore my passion for parish ministry in different forms.
On a personal note, I am deeply connected with the Francophone community, alors les conversations en français seront bienvenues, car je parle français dans ma vie quotidienne! I have a visual arts practice and a sadly less frequent music practice. My biggest source of personal development outside of the Christian faith has been my lifelong practice of traditional martial arts, which I have practiced for over four decades.
At the heart of my faith is prayer and community-based relationships. I never cease to be amazed, and deeply moved, by the ways God works in the world and by the everyday acts of kindness we can witness if we engage with our local communities. As Rowan Williams once remarked – It is up to us to discern our response!
Shawn+
The Reverend Dr. Shawn Michael Bullock
