Shannon Bramblett Burke ’25 Called to Church of the Resurrection, Centerville Utah

The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Centerville is preparing to welcome the Rev. Dr. Shannon Bramblett Burke, Class of 2025, as its new priest, following her upcoming ordination. Currently serving as a transitional deacon, Burke brings a deep commitment to education, social justice, and inclusive ministry to her leadership role at Resurrection.

Burke’s journey to Utah began with her family’s Air Force ties—her husband’s final duty station was at Hill Air Force Base, and the couple chose to retire in the area to support their children’s flourishing lives. “Utah is home,” she says simply. “We stayed because our kids were thriving here.”

Her spiritual path has been equally rooted in transformation. Originally raised in the Baptist tradition, Burke found herself drawn to the Episcopal Church through a desire to serve those on the margins. “The theological constraints of the faith tradition I grew up in just would not hold my evolving understanding of the divine,” she explains. “I feel a real sense of call to stand with those who find themselves othered—by sexuality, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.”

In addition to a PhD in Policy, Planning and Administration in Education from the University of Maryland, College Park, Rev. Dr. Burke holds a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Seminary and a Diploma in Anglican Studies from Bexley Seabury. Her discernment process began at the Cathedral Church of St. Mark in Salt Lake City, where she worked in youth ministry and outreach to seniors at The Point who have experienced homelessness. “That was the place where I began to function in a way that pointed me toward life as a cleric in the Episcopal tradition,” she says.

At Resurrection, Rev. Dr. Burke sees both challenge and opportunity. The parish, like many others, has faced declining attendance since the pandemic. But she’s undeterred. “I believe Christ is active, present, and working in this place,” she says. “Even though maybe there’s not a lot happening, that can be a blessing. We’re not caught up in extraneous work—we’re focused on what really matters.”

She’s particularly inspired by Resurrection’s outreach programs, including the community dinners that draw as many as 200 people each month and the Circles Group dinners for children experiencing poverty. “There are ways to thicken those connections,” she says, “to listen to the Holy Spirit and see where this parish is called to serve.”

Rev. Dr. Burke’s part-time role will include 20 hours per week, with flexibility for pastoral emergencies. In the interim, Resurrection continues to receive support from retired clergy and lay Eucharistic ministers authorized by Bishop Phyllis Spiegel. Deacon Ranee Hollinger will remain in her current role. Looking ahead, Burke hopes to deepen Resurrection’s relationships with neighboring faith communities, including LDS, Catholic, and Orthodox congregations. She also envisions more youth engagement, possibly through a summer mission trip and collaboration with Camp Tuttle.

For the Rev. Dr. Burke, the beauty of the Episcopal church's liturgical worship is central to Resurrection’s identity. “Sacramental life is beautiful,” she says. “We have bread, wine, water, oil—objects that remind us of who we are. These new creations in Christ.”

Her message to the broader community is simple and profound: “You will be seen. You’ll be welcomed. And we hope to get to know you and love you. You’re invited to be fully a part of who we are here—no matter who you are, no matter where you come from.”

Episcopal Church of the Resurrection is located at 1131 S Main Street in Centerville, UT