Presiding Minister

Walter L. McFadden, or “Walt” as prefers to be called, is the founder of Saint Brendan’s Church, and serves as its voluntary Presiding Minister.

Walt was ordained in 1999, and has served congregations of the Liberal Catholic Church, the International Council of Community Churches, and the United Church of Christ.

Saint Brendan’s Church was founded to provide an alternative model of spiritual community.  About Saint Brendan’s, Walt has this to say:

“Saint Brendan’s represents the rediscovery, in our time, of an ancient spirituality which combines the best of both our Christian and pre-Christian spiritual heritages.  In a day and time when people are increasingly insulated and cut off from creation, we are in desperate need of a way of life that reconnects us with God, who is not only transcendent but fully immanent and accessible in creation—including in the hearts of our fellow human beings.  God is here—among us and within us.  It is our task in this life to foster an awareness of that divine presence and allow it to shine through us and continue its mission of redeeming all creation.  Saint Brendan’s is an experiment in what it means to believe in and share radical grace within the context of community.  At our altar, all are welcome to come and experience the presence and embrace of Christ, our brother and true soul friend.”

Walt’s breadth of knowledge of traditional Christianity as well as esoteric schools of thought make him a valuable resource for the spiritual seeker.  He comments:

“Too many people today find themselves in quite a quandary.  On the one hand, they long for a church that is open to spiritual ideas that are usually rejected by orthodox Christianity.  On the other hand, Christian imagery, ritual, and mythology form their spiritual frame of reference and are still deeply meaningful to them.  Yet they find that most churches or spiritual centers that offer the openness they seek shy away from anything resembling classic Christian imagery, ritual, and mythology, while churches that do offer those things fail to offer the freedom of spiritual thought and inquiry for which the seeker longs.  People should not have to choose between one or the other.  Saint Brendan’s embraces both ways, and in so doing fulfills a profound need for people today.”

On a more personal note…

Walt’s favorite therapeutic pastime is tropical gardening.

Walt is a fan of quality tattoo artwork and sports some excellent examples on his person, which you may view along with their interpretations at this link:  Walt’s Tattoo Gallery.

Walt holds membership in the fraternity of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the Theosophical Society in America, and the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids.

Walt receives no remuneration for his services to Saint Brendan’s Church, preferring to earn his living by secular means.