The Rev. Anita Braden will join the diocesan staff as Canon to the Ordinary on Monday, June 17.
Braden is currently the Chaplain of St. Margaret’s School, which is an all-girls Episcopal boarding school, located in Tappahannock, Virginia. She is in the final stages of obtaining her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary, and she desires to complete the process by 2020. The title of the thesis is yet to be determined, but it will focus on the disciplines of educational leadership and christian spirituality.
Braden brings to her new position experiences with large and small parishes in Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she served on the diocesan staff as the Urban Missioner from 1999-2004.
“The first thing that struck me about Braden was that she wanted to talk about Jesus and her love of Jesus,” said Bishop Reddall. “She has a reputation as a faithful and fiery preacher, and she brings us a commitment to lifelong education and formation, including leadership with the Daughters of the King (a women’s ministry program) and Happening (a youth program). Finally, she exhibits the gift of a listening presence, which is the foundation for her skills in conflict resolution and pastoring. All of this together will make her an excellent Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Arizona.”
Braden shared, “I am thankful and excited about being in ministry with the Bishop of Arizona and the people of the diocese. May the Spirit of the Lord guide us with His wisdom in reflecting the love, mercy, and compassion of Christ to all people.”
The Canon to the Ordinary serves as the Deployment Officer for the diocese, an Intake Officer for Title IV (clergy misconduct cases), the first responder to congregational conflict, and is the Program Director for the Best Skills Best Churches nonprofit leadership program with ASU.
Bishop Reddall is extremely grateful for the advisory committee that assisted with interviewing candidates and making the decision: The Rev. Rick Wilson, Canon Janet Beason, and Canon Cathy Black.
