The Rev. Michael Sniffen was ordained on September 15, 2007. He joins the staff of St. John’s Lattingtown after serving three parishes in the Diocese of Newark as Seminarian, Director of Youth and Family Ministry and Assistant to the Rector.

Heavily influenced by process and liberation theology, Michael understands the gospel of Jesus Christ to be a prophetic word of freedom, reconciliation and radical welcome in a world fraught with division and oppression.

Asked what the primary work of the church is in our time, Michael says, “to preach good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives and set at liberty all those who are oppressed! This is the essence of Christ’s redeeming work as it is captured in Luke 4:18-19. The proclamation of this message and the actions to follow are the work of the body of Christ in this broken world.”

Among Michael’s spiritual disciplines are – sailing, theater, music, corporate prayer and the exercise of a good sense of humor!

Michael holds a B.A. from W.V. Wesleyan College and a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University. He is a candidate for Ph.D. in Liturgical Studies. A member of the American Academy of Religion, Michael has won awards in Pulpit Oratory and Manner, as well as pastoral leadership and innovative ministry.

He also happens to love Harry Potter.