Pastor David Wilkinson

Welcome to our website, and welcome to this brief introduction to the theology, spirituality and vision for St. Francis in the Foothills.

I have been the pastor of this congregation for thirty years. Being pastor of this progressive and open congregation has been the greatest blessing of my entire ministry, which spans 43 years.

I am a 1970 graduate of The School of Theology at Claremont, California, with a Doctor of Religion degree. I am a seventh generation United Methodist Minister, dating back to my Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather, John Wilkinson, who emigrated to Canada from the Lake District in England in approximately 1835. I am happily married to Susan Wilkinson, with five children and eight grandchildren.

To know more about me and St. Francis it would be best to communicate what I believe. It forms a substantial part of the ministry and direction of this beautiful church.

If you are in the Tucson vicinity we would welcome a visit from you.

In Love and Light
Dr. David Wilkinson

WHAT I BELIEVE

1.I believe there is one “FORCE” in the Cosmos through which I live and move and have my being. That “FORCE” is the creator and sustainer of all life and all creation. I often call that Force “God.”

2.I believe in the inseparable Oneness of God and all humanity, and that this Oneness can be experienced day by day.

3.I believe that Jesus of Nazareth was a full human being who awakened to this “oneness” and demonstrated what it means to be fully human.

4.I believe that I, like Jesus, am created in God’s image, and that I am created to fully “awaken” as did Jesus…and other great persons of faith throughout history.

5.I believe that the Kingdom of Heaven is in our midst, and that my purpose is to awaken to this Kingdom through removing the blocks to my awareness.

6.I believe that salvation is not solely a Christian phenomenon, but is a free gift to all.

7.I believe that the Bible is not the end of the revealed Word of God. The Word continues to be made flesh in the activities of each day as I live responsively to God’s presence.

8.I believe that service to others is the highest activity to which one can aspire.

9.I believe that there are solutions to world hunger, homelessness and war, and I am dedicated to bring about the invitation to Peace on Earth and goodwill to all creation.

10.I believe that all people have a right to respect and justice, living lives of wholeness, love and oneness. This requires that no one should suffer any deprivation of basic human rights: life, liberty, happiness.