Kevin Thew Forrester
Kevin Thew Forrester, is an Episcopal priest, theologian and meditation teacher. He holds three advanced degrees in theology: an MA and PhD from The Catholic University of America, and an MTS from The Church Divinity School of the Pacific, where he specialized in liturgy and bioethics.
Thew Forrester's focus is meditation, soulwork, liturgy, writing and teaching. He is a certified teacher of the Enneagram in the Narrative Teacher since 2006. He received certification from the Integral Institute in 2005. He is a student of the Diamond Approach since 2006, and he has been practicing meditation for about 25 years. He learned the spiritual practice and technique of sitting from Zen Buddhism and received the name "Genpo" (“universal wisdom”) from his Buddhist teacher. Much of his spiritual work and writing has been an exploration of Christian Mysticism of East and West (drawing upon Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, Theresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, David Steindl-Rast, the Hesychasts, and others), and the integral role of the contemplative and meditative life in the soul's journey.
In January of 2007 Thew Forrester founded and became the Director of The Healing Arts Center of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where he was the halftime Rector. The HAC offered weekly meditation, yoga, Enneagram classes, workshops on the Dances of Universal Peace, as well as hosting spiritual teachers.
In addition to being the halftime Rector of St. Paul's in Marquette, Thew Forrester was also the quarter-time Rector of Trinity, Houghton, and the quarter-time Ministry Developer at St. John's in Negaunee, congregations comprising The Lake District of Northern Michigan.
Thew Forrester has authored several books, including, Beyond My Wants, Beyond My Fears: The Soul's Journey into the Heartland; and, My Heart is a Raging Volcano of Love for You: Liturgical Explorations. More of his writings and resources may be found at Essential Living: For the Soul's Journey, https://kevingthewforrester.blog/. He is also a contributing essayist for ProgressingSpirit.com, on such topics as Christ, Eucharist, Embodiment, and Learning.
As he continues to explore the interconnection of soulwork and liturgy, Thew Forrester has come to understand that the question we need to ask ourselves is whether any particular text is a Wisdom text – does it have the capacity to foster the soul’s growth or unfolding, helping her to realize that she is an utterly unique expression of Being that is boundless love? If not, the text isn’t suitable liturgical material. For liturgy – no longer appropriately understood as the worship of a distant tribal deity – is essentially itself a spiritual practice, wherein we gather together to experience becoming embodiments of Being in the present moment.
In 2009, Thew Forrester was elected bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan. He was not confirmed in his election, due to the challenges his participation in Buddhist meditation and liturgical exploration posed for some leaders in the Church. He continues as an active writer, meditation teacher, and soul worker, as a priest in the Episcopal Church. He and his wife currently live in the Pacific Northwest.