Rev. Karen Ward

During the month of February Salt House celebrates Black Church history and the immeasurable contribution of our siblings of African descent, both past and present, because Black history is our history. Today I get to honor my mentor and friend, the Reverend Karen Ward. Karen is a pioneer in the Church, always venturing further into God’s mission in the world.

I first met Karen in 2003 when she arrived in Seattle by way of Chicago to plant a new mission start called COTA or Church of the Apostles. She invited me to come work with her developing creative liturgies and helping to establish what would become the Fremont Abbey. Our first collaboration was to throw a big midnight easter vigil party on Capitol Hill, with live bands and DJs, labyrinths and prayer installations. She showed me an expansive vision of the Church that was wild and full of possibility. Along the way she would teach me about the radical grace of God revealed in Jesus, about the priesthood of all believers, about the human paradox of simultaneously %100 saint and sinner. She articulated a theology that I was hungering for. I remember asking her, “Where’s this theology come from?”

“Oh, it’s just Lutheran Theology man.” She forgot to mention that I was now a part of the Lutheran Church – ELCA.

It was not always easy for Karen. She struggled through many roadblocks in church planting and made it possible for other fresh expressions in the Northwest and the U.S., like Church of the Beloved, House For All, and even us, Salt House. She continues to push the boundaries of what church can be in Portland Oregon, and I’m grateful to be able to honor today, my mentor and friend, the Reverend Karen Ward. This is good!