Who We Are
The Fellowship of Saint John Muir is a radically inclusive, ecologically focused wild spiritual community in the lineage of the Wild Church movement. This means, among other things, that we are committed to worshipping outdoors, both in AND with nature all the time (even during the winter). It also means that nature is not simply a meeting place or a backdrop for our worship, but an ac
tive and sacred participant alongside us. We acknowledge the sacred interconnectedness of all beings and our mutual dependence on one another and the Earth for our survival. We also believe that significant work needs to be done to bring our relationship with the Earth back into balance, and that starts with re-integrating our physical presence into the natural world. In another sense, we are seeking to voluntarily reclaim our (diminished) place within the web of Creation, and not as rulers atop an ecological pyramid. We are rooted in both Celtic and Anglican/Episcopal expressions of the Christian faith, but strive to be a community open to all spiritual paths and beliefs. For that reason, we do not refer to ourselves as a church, but as a spiritual community of individuals in fellowship with one another and the natural world. We also strive to make our liturgy ecumenical and accessible, drawing from many different sources and perspectives. Often referred to as a prophet of conservation and the patron saint of the American wilderness, John Muir holds a distinct legacy in our nation’s history. But did you know that the Episcopal Church, among numerous other religious traditions, actually recognizes John Muir as a minor saint with his own feast day? Though not an adherent of Christianity in his adult life, Muir is recognized by the church as an inspiration for preservationists and his life’s work stands as a powerful testament to the majesty and beauty of God’s creation. Muir was a seminal figure during his time, but also a deeply flawed and, at times, contradictory human being. Acknowledging his many shortcomings, we nevertheless claim Muir as our patron saint – an individual whose writings, actions, and legacy all point us toward a more expansive and ecologically-grounded understanding of the divine within all of Creation. His prophetic voice carries us out into the natural world, echoing a deep yearning to connect with and worship our Creator in a direct, unmediated manner. In Muir’s own words, “All the world seems a church and all the mountains altars.”
