Stephen Blackmer
Stephen Blackmer on Forests, Faith, and the Priesthood of the Earth
Stephen Blackmer
Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
2025
“There’s a time to transform policy—and a time to transform presence.”
In this episode of Reflections on Religion and Ecology: Yale Alumni Speak from the Field, Stephen Blackmer—forest conservationist, Episcopal priest (now former), and founder of Church of the Woods—joins host Tali Anisfeld for a deeply contemplative conversation on trees, prophecy, and spiritual communion with the Earth.
After decades in forest policy and environmental advocacy, Steve followed a calling into ministry—bringing with him the wild, sacred urgency of the woods. From building an off-grid chapel in rural New Hampshire to reimagining what church can be, his journey embodies the priesthood of place, silence, and soil.
In this episode, we explore:
– Why Steve left traditional priesthood
– The prophetic and priestly paths in a climate-shifting world
– How trees reflect divine mystery in Christian tradition
– What communion with the Earth actually feels like
– How we move from “fixing the planet” to being in relationship with it
Stephen Blackmer on Activism and Spirituality: Transforming Policy and Presence
Stephen Blackmer
Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
2025
Stephen Blackmer reflects on the shift from external activism to internal transformation in his journey as a forest conservationist turned priest. In this clip with interviewer Tali Anisfeld, he shares how true change requires not just new policies, but new presence. A call to anchor activism in the sacred. Watch now and reflect on how your presence—grounded and sacred—might be the most powerful form of activism you carry.
Stephen Blackmer on Communion with Earth and Direct Encounter with the Divine
Stephen Blackmer
Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
2025
In this moving conversation with Tali Anisfeld, Stephen Blackmer reveals how his experience of the divine became inseparable from his connection to the land. He describes Earth not just as creation—but as sacred presence. Pocket wetlands, silence, and trees become altars. A testimony of faith lived outdoors. Watch now and remember: the divine might be closer than you think—just one barefoot step into the wild.
Stephen Blackmer on the Importance of Trees in Christian Tradition
Stephen Blackmer
Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
2025
Trees aren’t just part of the scenery—they’re sacred symbols woven into the heart of Christian theology. In this conversation with Tali Anisfeld, Stephen Blackmer unearths a forgotten lineage: from Eden’s Tree of Life to Christ’s crucifixion, trees carry deep spiritual meaning. A re-rooting of faith in creation. Explore this clip and rediscover the sacred story that’s been standing tall all along—rooted in bark and branch.
Stephen Blackmer on the Prophetic vs. Priestly Path and Leaving the Priesthood
Stephen Blackmer
Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
2025
In a raw and reflective moment, Stephen Blackmer shares with interviewer Tali Anisfeld what led him to step away from the priesthood. He explores the tension between prophetic truth-telling and priestly care—and the cost of choosing one path over the other. A powerful insight into spiritual leadership on the edge. Watch this clip for a glimpse into the courage it takes to walk away from the role you thought was yours—and follow the call that truly is.