Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2013 Issue | Page 9

from each other, and that we may listen to all with open
minds and hearts.  

Jonathan Irving
St. Paul’s, Richmond, Region IX
How did you get involved in
church ministry?
I have been involved in the
church since I was born. I
have been going to the same
church – St. Paul’s – all my life
and have participated in youth
programs there since I could.
Ever since I have grown and
matured to the point where I
can understand and appreciate
my religion, I have been actively participating in church and
church youth programs.
What issue in today’s world are you most passionate about?
Upon being educated in world issues, I have become
particularly passionate about the evils and consequences of
poverty. In my life, I have had the privilege of spending time
and developing friendships with impoverished and homeless
people. This has raised my awareness on the issue, especially
because I hate to see those whom I care about fall victim to
such a life as that of an impoverished homeless person.
What expectations, hopes or goals do you have concerning Council?
At the Annual Council in January I hope to further experience
and explore the way God acts through the Church and the
Diocese to make the church community what it is; not only
in terms of individual churches, but the Christian Church as
a whole. I also hope to gain the experience of what happens
and goes on within the Diocese in order to help me to further
understand and educate myself on my religion.

Conor Salter
St. Andrew’s, Richmond, Region X
How did you get involved in
church ministry?
I’ve been going to St. Andrew’s
since I was five months old.
Whenever I would see the clergy
[processional] cross I would ask
my parents if they could buy me
one. When I was nine years old
I carried that same clergy cross,
and have continued to be an
acolyte for my church. I’m also a
reader, on the church softball team, and running for vestry
this year.

What issue in today’s world are you most passionate about?
The issue I am the most passionate about is social justice. I
don’t like seeing people be treated differently just because
they look different or like different things from the white
upper middle class male. I don’t like when people are
hypocritical on this issue either. I have friends of all kinds. They
are black, Latino and gay before they are “not mainstream,”
and I firmly believe they should be treated equally.
What expectations, hopes or goals do you have concerning Council?
I hope that by going to Annual Council I will pick up some
rare experience as a youth delegate. I’m excited to meet
new people with common interests, and to discover how
the whole process works. Both of my parents, Steve and
Karen Salter, have been the regular delegates, and I am very
intrigued by the process.
Brad Bush
St. Thomas’, Orange, Region XV
How did you get involved in
church ministry?
My involvement comes from
basically growing up in the
Episcopal Church. I started
service as early as I could, by
becoming an acolyte, and I went
on to become a crucifer. At the
present time, I am serving as the
youth member of the vestry at St.
Thomas’. As the youth delegate
for Region XV, it was a great honor to participate in the
election of a bishop for our diocese.
What issue in today’s world are you most passionate about?
I am most concerned about our stewardship in today’s
world. We must be better stewards of our resources in
almost every aspect of our lives. We need to conserve the
resources of our earth but we also need to live within our
means. There is nothing more evident than the runaway
spending in government today. We must begin to live within
our means and conserve the resources that God has given us
so that generations to come will continue to benefit from our
earthly abundance.
What expectations, hopes or goals do you have concerning Council?
I look forward to Annual Council to meet with other youth
delegates and discuss the issues facing our young people and
how the Church can continue to impact their lives.

Other youth delegates nominated to date include Richie
Gannon, Region I; Tyler Isbell, Region II; Emma Wright,
Region III; George Bowerfind, Region VI; and Piper Shifflett,
Region XI. t

Winter 2013 / Virginia Episcopalian

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