Victoria Julia Law Bell (she/they), future M.Div
| Bio |
Before I am anything, I am myself, beloved Child of God.
Hello! I’m Victoria Law Bell. Human. Wife. Mom. Daughter. Friend. Lover.
I live in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities with my husband, James. We’ve been married since August 2021. Together we have a cat, two dogs, two beautiful earthside boys, and an angel baby we miss every day.
I’m currently a seminarian at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, pursuing a Master of Divinity. On track for graduation in May 2026. Also a candidate for Word and Sacrament with the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
My ministry interests include: chaplaincy, queer commentary, expansive language for the divine, strengthening relationships, building community, and themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and grief.
In the free time that I get, I enjoy going to the park with my family, going out for dinner with friends, getting into the water any way possible, baking gluten-free desserts, reading, coloring, playing Sims4, and engaging in naps as a form of resistance.
| Where I’ve been |
I’ve been a lot of places - physically, emotionally, and metaphorically. I’ve held a variety of jobs. My education background is like a basket of mismatched socks. I’ve lived in 1/4 of the Midwest states. I’ve visited four continents.
There’s been love and loss. Good relationships and bad ones. Trauma and joy. I’ve lost friends, two pregnancies, and loved ones. I’ve been angry at God. I even left the church for a handful of years.
| Where I am |
Through my seminary experience, I was introduced to the concept of a “working theology.” I love this because the idea of “working” implies that it’s not stagnant, things are constantly changing. Yes, I have some core beliefs. I also have things I change my mind about. My current working theology has helped me connect my values and my concerns about the church to the Bible. This working theology, coupled with the never-ending life experiences associated with being a human being, has helped me to grow in my faith and deepen my relationship with my higher power, God.
Currently, I’m feeling called to blogging about my experiences as a seminary student, what I’m learning about, and how I’m being both comforted and challenged in my faith. In the spring of 2022, I completed my first unit of CPE as a chaplain intern. And every day, I am working towards intentionality and being present in the now - not pulled too far in the past or pushed too far in the future.
| Where I pray to be |
Through my experiences, I want to “lift the curtain” on what it means to be a “person of the cloth.” I want to share about the highs and the lows. The things people might not think about. I want to engage in discussions about faith and spirituality. And I want to answer some of the questions I’ve had on this journey. If I can make one person feel less alone or confused, I’ll consider this adventure a success.
After my experience with my first unit of CPE, as well as my journey with infertility and my second miscarriage, I am feeling called to explore a ministry centered on grief and loss. I also feel called to provide education and action steps on how to be more inclusive and expansive communities. I call congregations to fund programs and events for people who have historically been turned away, dismissed, or persecuted by religion, without the intent being conversion or getting people to join the church.
