Date: May 20, 2025
When I first came to VTS, I felt uprooted, not just from my old communities, but from the habits of being involved in civic life beyond a school setting. As much as I loved throwing myself into theological studies and learning more tools for ministry, I missed the chance to use those skills in practice, and to connect with the work of God outside of the walls of the church.
Since starting as a Saint Nicholas Fellow at the beginning of 2025, I’ve been grateful to find ways of connecting with the broader Northern Virginia community through Virginians Organized for Interfaith and Community Engagement (VOICE). VOICE is an interfaith organizing coalition that works on various issues, including affordable housing advocacy. I have also embraced the opportunity to practice the skills of reflection that I’ve learned at VTS in a way that allows me to engage God’s call to do justice here and now.
One specific experience that has been formative has been getting to meet with city leaders, including the mayor, and speak at a city council meeting in favor of zoning changes and funding for affordable housing in Alexandria. This was my first time participating in this type of conversation and advocacy, and although it was a bit nerve wracking speaking in this context (very different from preaching!), it was an excellent opportunity to both gain experience and confidence in this type of work.
I am excited to continue my work as a fellow at the Saint Nicholas Center for Faith and Justice, especially in helping connect the VTS community with our neighbors. Moving forward, I am hopeful that the work we are doing with VOICE on affordable housing can become more directly connected to VTS, including through potential affordable housing construction on some of VTS’s underutilized property.
Gabriel Oakes
Saint Nicholas Fellow
Postulant for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia and M.Div. student at VTS planning to graduate in 2026.