The Open Door Congratulations to the Class of 2011!

The Open Door Congratulations to the class of 2011!

Inside this Issue 2 Message from the President 3 Commencement 2011 4 The Seminary’s Master of Arts Program: A New Alumnus and Two Students Share their Experiences 6 Grace Grows a Garden 8 Ministry behind Locked Doors: A BTS Student Finds Intrinsic Spirituality at the Cumberland County Jail 12 Ministry and Spiritual Poverty

www.bts.edu Message from the President

At the beginning of the seminary’s 2011-2012 year, I am making theological excited to tell you about some of the ways in which BTS is education more evolving. I’m also writing to thank you for your friendship accessible to those who and support on behalf of our unique place of spiritual may be marginalized formation and learning. by distance or time is a justice issue for us. Nearly 200 years ago, BTS came into being on the edge of a beckoning northern frontier. Today, we who form the Finally, as we develop seminary community also find ourselves approaching new plans for online courses, frontiers. Like many who have gone before us, we are we have initiated and venturing into a future that at times can seem frighteningly will further develop unfamiliar. Yet we journey with God and with a profound more flexible scheduling sense of trust in God’s guiding presence. of onsite courses, broaden our evening offerings, and expand options for This trust is reflected throughout our community by: intensive courses.

• Students who have the courage to explore and embrace Our former academic dean Dr. Glenn Miller will tell you a spiritual path as they engage in rigorous learning; that an essential characteristic of BTS over its history has been its “scrappy” nature. Our staff and faculty remain • Faculty who have hearts for teaching that engages “scrappy.” Our students remain dedicated and passionate. students’ highest capacities; Our alumni/ae are an enduring inspiration. And we thank • Staff who make uncompromising efforts in support of you for being part of this community, companions on a the BTS mission; journey of discovery, trusting in the God who promises us a future. • Alumni/ae who reveal the value of a seminary education, acting as agents of love, transformation, Peace be with you. and justice in church and community;

• Trustees whose visionary leadership sets a course for

continuing faithfulness;

• Churches that embrace the leadership of our The Reverend Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood alumni/ae and mentor our students. President On a personal note, this seminary has prepared me for service through the Master of Divinity program, shaping and forming me for Christian ministry and lifelong theological learning. BTS has also helped me to deepen my spirituality and has sharpened my ministry skills through the Doctor of Ministry program. On the cover: The Class of 2011 (front to back, and left to With God’s help, we will continue to be a place where right): (1st col.)Timothy Hall, Ross King, Andrew Files, authentic spiritual formation occurs and where God’s ways (2nd col.) Charles “Chick” Carroll, Aaron French, (3rd col.) of justice and compassion inform all that we are, and all Chelsea Whipple, Peter Michaud, Angela Tarbox, Susan that we do, through whatever vocational choices we make. Cole, (4th col.) Pamela Nourse, Suzanne Roberts, Amanda Wagner, Heather Blais, (5th col.) Kathleen Martin, Petra Throughout our history we have been a school of Smyth, Phyllis Merritt, Barbara Chodkowski, (6th col.) opportunity, helping women and men find a way to Linda Brewster, Melissa Marquis, Bree Candland, Izzie respond to God’s call in their lives. We continue to work Radford-Nash, Kathleen Connelly. Jane Mary Frost (In to break down barriers to a theological education. Today, Absentia) we are exploring ways to dramatically increase options for accessing our courses. Online education is on our horizon. While online learning will offer convenience and flexibility, 2 Bangor Theological Seminary Commencement 2011 Bound by God’s far purpose in one living whole, BTS extends its warmest congratulations Move we on together to the shining goal to its 2011 graduates:

—from “Forward through the Ages,” recessional hymn Heather Blais Melissa Marquis Linda Brewster Kathleen Martin Bree Candland Phyllis Merritt Charles “Chick” Carroll Peter Michaud Barbara Chodkowski Pamela Nourse Susan Cole Izzie Radford-Nash Kathleen Connelly Suzanne Roberts Andrew Files Petra Smyth Aaron French Angela Tarbox Jane Mary Frost Amanda Wagner Timothy Hall Chelsea Whipple Ross King

We are so proud of you. We know you have accomplished so much already, and we can’t wait to see what you will contribute in the years to come. God bless you.

Commencement speaker The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr.

On Friday May 20, at Commencement 2011, 23 members of the senior class of 2011, Bangor Theological Seminary, were awarded their Master of Divinity and Master of Arts degrees. Presided over by President Kent Ulery and Academic Dean Richard Snyder; Senior Class Advisor and Dean of Students Susan E. Davies; Waldo Professor of Ecclesiastical History Dr. Glenn Miller; and Chair of the Board of Trustees, H. Lowell Brown, the commencement ceremony was enriched M.Div. graduate Linda Brewster proudly by the contributions of many individuals who spoke, played shows off her new diploma. music, sang, performed liturgical dance, read from the Bible in Hebrew, Greek, and English, and led prayers.

A number of special moments graced the short ceremony. Commencement speaker, the Reverend Dr. James A. Forbes, President of the Healing of the Nations Foundation, delivered a rousing address, “People of Faith, Speak Up,” in which he talked about the moral and ethical nature of choices about money for families, churches, and organizations, as well as municipalities, states, and nations. Dr. Forbes challenged the audience to live their faith in making financial decisions and in urging others to reflect the Gospel in allocating resources. “God is deeply concerned with budgetary deliberations and decisions,” he said. “What we do with the resources of the Members of the class of 2011 and BTS Choir sing earth is an expression of our commitment to God’s creation.” during the Baccalaureate Order of Service.

The Open Door - Fall 2011 3 The Seminary’s Master of Arts Program—

Becoming a Stronger the reality that moral Practitioner of Ethics common ground does exist among people from the various cul- by Peter Michaud, M.A., 2011 tures, religions, and In the spring of 2007, I faced yet another political perspectives of of many ethical concerns as an allied the world. Most of all, health professional. In a career that it has taught me that a had spanned more than 35 years, focus on connections incidents that raised ethical questions between people can seemed to be occurring more often, yield a common ground and, most of the time, I felt stymied necessary for creating as to what action to take, if any. As a ethical balance in most Christian from a Catholic tradition, I relationships. BTS has had a good beginning in the develop- through. I needed more instruction in not just instructed me in the concepts ment of my moral character and an order to have more confidence in the of ethics. The Seminary has helped ability to recognize right from wrong. principles I already possessed. me to be an ethical person. However, I did not have any defini- Even if I never develop a strong voice tive formal training in ethics, nor had BTS does more than train clergy; it to promote ethical thinking and be- I undertaken any in-depth reading in enables all its students to develop a havior for the many, BTS has taught that discipline. The missing piece was ministry of care, understanding, and me the value of being a good example a reliable cognitive ability that could justice. The Seminary has given me for the fw. With my redefined sense enable quicker thought and action and a deeper, more expansive knowledge of compassion, as modeled by BTS, also yield optimal resolution. I will that will help me develop an ability to I can now follow a better Christian readily admit that, in the midst of an advance ethical behavior and thought path with clarity and resolve. As an ethical challenge, I was often slow both for the students I teach and also alumnus, I feel honored and blessed to act due to the lengthy and burden- among the people with whom I work. to remain an ongoing part of the BTS some process of pondering what to do But my time at BTS has taught me community. or a lack of resolve to see an action the value of developing prudence of thought and action. It has taught me

A Mother’s Voyage my local UCC church. It always felt like a safe, welcoming, and by Molly MacAuslan, M.A. student, accepting place. interviewed by her daughter, Olivia Studying at BTS appealed to me Olivia: You were religious as a for a couple of reasons—first child, but once you got older, you because as an adult, I’d been didn’t seem to have as much inter- intrigued by the fact that religion est. What made you come back to seems to be integral to the human religion, and why have you gone experience—and yet religion is back to school? experienced and expressed in so many different ways around Molly: Good question, Liv! I the world and throughout time. wouldn’t have described myself as I wanted to have a fuller under- religious when I was a child, but I standing of a variety of beliefs did go to Sunday School until eighth church doesn’t seem to be relevant and traditions. Second, I wondered to so many of my family and friends, grade, and in high school I worked what had happened to the church of in the nursery on Sunday mornings and why the literalists control the my youth, why membership levels in message in our country today. and went to youth group Sunday the mainstream Christian denomina- evenings…so I was pretty active in tions have diminished, why the liberal

4 Bangor Theological Seminary —A New Alumnus and Two Students Share their Experiences

Olivia: What fascinates you most Seeking Dreams beyond What Seems Possible about what you’re learning? by Cherie Sukeforth, M.A. student make sense to me as I learned that, Molly: One of the things that I most within each book, there is evidence enjoy about BTS is that there are no For many years before beginning of more than one contributor writing “secrets,” no questions that are “off working on my Master Degree at with a similar, yet different under- limits” or unacceptable (sort of like at Bangor Theological Seminary, I had standing. I found that I could identify our house!). been involved in Biblical Studies. the Yahwist and the Elohist writers However, I always felt I needed to go and find the thread of each of the Beyond that, I probably shouldn’t be deeper, to find out what the story was writings, which were ultimately tied surprised, but I’ve been amazed by behind the scriptures as written. I en- together by a redactor. The Hebrew the depth and breadth of the mes- rolled in one distance learning course Scriptures became alive to me, and I sage of Christianity. When you’re from a reputable college and learned found a passion to wade deeper into in second grade, you learn a bit much. However, the lack of interac- what became my area of specializa- about math…and when you’re in tion between the professor, other stu- tion for the MA Degree. fifth grade you get some exposure to dents, and me was striking. I realized some more complicated concepts… I needed to learn in a community of Bangor Theological Seminary pro- and when you study calculus in high like-minded people where we could vides me and other learners with the school you’re thinking very differ- stimulate each other in thought and access to a community of wonder- ently than you thought earlier. It’s go deeper in meaning than I could do ful caring professors, mentors, and the same with Christianity—there are in isolation. other students who strive to partner so many facets to God’s message, to with each other and with God as we God’s relationship with His people. I The fall of 2009 found me attending journey together. I am so grateful to was stuck at the fifth grade level, as I BTS for the first time. I enrolled in everyone who creates this warm, car- think many people are. I’m not sure two Old Testament courses taught ing environment where I can stretch that there’s a better forum for learning by Michelle Ellis. Her love of He- my mind and where I am encouraged at a higher level than at seminary. brew Scripture was evident from to seek dreams beyond what I imag- Olivia: What have you learned, not the first class, and by the second ine is possible. only about the history of religion, week of classes I knew for sure that but about yourself? I was where God intended me to be. When I travelled to Guatemala with Michelle’s classes were always lively. the seminary last January, the most Molly: Another good question. I There was much discussion stemming important lesson I learned was that all suppose I’ve been surprised to find from what each of us was gleaning people are connected through God’s that I’m a Christian. from the texts, and we readily learned grace regardless of location—that the from each other and from Michelle. wholeness for which we all strive is Olivia: How do you make time for We were asked to stretch beyond made more complete in our aware- school and home life? what we thought we could do and ness of each other. I know that is also to seek original meaning within the true for the community that studies Molly: There are definitely days texts. Our eyes were opened to new at BTS and for those in the greater when I wish I had started work on understandings as we learned that community who continually support my MA at an earlier stage in life; before you can apply the message in us. We are all connected, and, without but I know I wouldn’t have had the a modern day context, you must first each other, what I and others have maturity to learn what I’ve needed to view the text within its original social gained by becoming part of the semi- learn at BTS at those stages. Having worldview. nary would not be possible. For that, I said that, I generally take only one am deeply thankful. class each semester so I can give the The world of the Ancient Near East responsibilities of each area of my began to unfold and, as it did, I began life the necessary time and energy to find that story which I had been each requires and deserves. seeking. So-called discrepancies within the Hebrew Bible began to

The Open Door - Fall 2011 5 Grace Grows a Garden “What is Grace,” I asked God. And God said, “All that happens.”—John of the Cross by Elizabeth Lowe, destruction, or M.A., 2010 accidents. It’s important to Welcome through point out that my open door. As this was not we walk, it is my a school for hope that my story exceptional will be a light for children, but the recognition of an ordinary grace in your life; K-12 school that it will remind system in a you to value your typical district. time spent at Ban- Each time we gor Theological lost a child, Seminary, wear- the faculty ing it like a robe, would discuss reaching back into the need for those deep pockets closure for the of wisdom and school com- compassion when and aversion toward my childhood munities, as well as for the towns- the road is rough; and that it will religion, and low self-esteem. But my people. deepen your awareness of your own pack also contained my strong desire potential to grow, to create, and to to serve as a deeply prepared and In one school property, there was minister for your own good and the competent chaplain. And, by the time an area on the grounds replete with good of God’s people. I graduated, I’d been transformed trees and grass, with space for a by theological education, by clinical flower garden, benches, and perhaps A Seminary Uses Grace pastoral education at Hartford Hospi- a fountain. This area started several and Grows a Woman tal and Maine Medical Center, and by teachers dreaming. We approached the BTS faculty’s confidence that, if town officials with a plan to create In May 2010, I walked out of Ban- I dug deep into myself, I would find I and care for a memorial garden at gor Theological Seminary having could do anything. A new and proud the site. Two of us planned to inte- completed a four-year journey filled sense of my own authority, outrage grate an age-appropriate curriculum with deep meaning and growth. For over injustice in the world, compas- on staying safe and grieving. Others several weeks, I came home from my sion and forgiveness, and new skills mapped out fundraising, the purchase hospital ministry in a kind of daze. had all become part of me. They of benches, and planting. Another I felt empty as I realized there was inspired a new feeling of confidence teacher had small cards printed with no paper due, no assigned reading that I could achieve goals I’d once phone numbers of local agencies who to complete, no mystics to examine, left behind. could be reached in emergencies. But just—no—more. That emptiness our ideas met with objections: “We stayed with me until, one day, as I Enter the Memorial Garden might need the area for expansion”; was digging out a new flower bed, “People might find this morbid.” The a voice inside me said, “If seminary Four years earlier, in 2002, I’d retired officials didn’t understand how much was for growth, then grow some- from a forty-year teaching career. My good was possible. After a while, we thing!” experience ranged from teaching six laid our dream down. year-olds to sixty-plus year-olds, and When I’d entered BTS, my backpack my greatest joys had come during the Fast forward. Three weeks after held the following: fear of authority, 26 years I’d taught teenagers. Over graduating from seminary, I came an unformed theology, anger the years, some of those students lost across yearbooks from my teaching their lives to abuse, illness, self- days. I flipped through them, looking

6 Bangor Theological Seminary at photos of children I’d once taught. me to plumb the depths of my being family to come, to rest, and to see. A light came on, and I remembered to recover my self-esteem and con- that “laid down” dream. I headed quer fear and anger. Another softened It has always been a delight for me outside and walked around my front my spiritual edges by introducing to discover that beauty has a way of lawn. Taking my time, slowly look- me to mystics I could relate to, such multiplying itself. Think of the times ing, I realized I was standing on holy as those of the Buddhist tradition, as you’ve noticed a young, flowering ground. The foundation for the Me- well as Rumi and Rilke. These teach- crabapple in the midst of evergreen morial Garden was under my feet. A ers are present in the garden. trees or a pussy willow in a small Buddhist Chaplain friend would help wetland. That is probably the work me craft text for a sign: “Wellspring Elders from the nursing home at of birds or the wind; however it is Memorial Garden: to the memory of which I minister now visit, alone or amazing, as I see it. This article can- all children who stayed as long as with children from a daycare. Folks not address the suffering of those who they were able.” from the Wisdom’s Women’s Center died, which perhaps was, most often, come and bring their friends. My avoidable. Yet, as I walk and talk with Fueled with hope, I reconnected with neighbors, as well as members of my the children, I feel the influence of my colleagues from years ago. We church, sit or walk in contemplation. their souls. Flowers grow lush and set aside two weekends in June to The garden is a blessing and a dream new species of birds come to nest. meet, plan, and plant—and the joy realized. I invite any of my seminary Goodness has a way of growing. began. With monetary gifts from graduation, I hired a landscaper Chaplain Elizabeth Lowe, to remove turf and to truck in endorsed by the Episcopal topsoil and mulch. We planted Diocese of Maine, ministers rose bushes and a Japanese to a 214-bed residential care Maple Tree. One friend gave a and rehabilitation center. She beautiful fountain containing a serves on the Team of the Pal- light that was visible at night. liative Care Initiative at St. My sister Mary drove from South Mary’s Regional Medical Cen- Carolina with a park bench. This ter, as well as on the Board outpouring brought to mind the for HIV AIDS. She is an active translation from the Aramaic in member of Integrity Maine, Prayers of the Cosmos: “Blest which works toward equal- are they who soften rigid places; ity for men and women of the in humus and in humor God is Gay-Lesbian-Transgendered- theirs.” Bisexual community. In this effort, she focuses on youth Grace Grows Goodness who are bullied and abused because they are suspected of I am grateful to all who made the being different. Memorial Garden a reality. Two Elizabeth Lowe (left) and Dr. Ann Johnston BTS professors in particular drove

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Please call Lesley Heiser, Vice President for Advancement, at 207-774-5212, ext. 202 or email her at [email protected] to let us know of the planned gift you have made, to request language that may be used in making a bequest in your will, or to discuss other planned giving options.

The Open Door - Fall 2011 7 Ministry behind Locked Doors: A BTS Student Finds Intrinsic Spirituality at the Cumberland County Jail by Linda Mawhorter we sang first one song, then another, surveillance. Some play cards to one was overheard to say, “Oh, it’s while away the time, others read In keeping with the holiday spirit, been so long since I’ve heard music.” books, exercise, watch a little TV. we wore Santa hats, felt antlers, or Some closed their eyes as they lis- They wash their hair and do their red and green. Our choir group was tened. Several softly joined in as we laundry. In that same facility, painted excited to be going Christmas carol- sang, “Silent Night,” one with tears in a utilitarian pale green on the inside, ing on a dark frosty night! Reverend his eyes. jail employees are also cloistered, Jeffrey “the Rev” McIlwain greeted including correctional officers, social us, prayed with us, and All the inmates sponta- workers, kitchen staff, nurses, admin- sent us on our way. With a neously applauded and One excitedly istrative assistants, and bailiffs. The little nervous laughter, we cheered after each song. noise level is always high, and the approached our destina- called out, As we began singing in light is harsh. tion with its windowless one pod, an older inmate corridors, which closed at “Look! with long gray hair, miss- Who are these inmates? They are one end with a loud clang Christmas ing teeth, and many tat- human beings, plain and simple. of a heavy door before toos, jumped up and went Why are they in jail? All have been the other end opened. carolers!”... to his cell. He got some- accused of wrongdoing. A few are We instinctively walked Several softly thing, wrote on it, and completely innocent, but because closer together as a Cor- passed it around. Every they can’t make bail and have not rectional Officer (CO) joined in as we inmate in that pod made yet been brought to trial, they remain accompanied us to each of sang, “Silent a point of signing what incarcerated, sometimes for months at three different pods at the turned out to be a Christ- a time. Some have been found guilty Cumberland County Jail Night,” one mas card in which they and await sentencing. If sentenced to in Portland, Maine (a pod with tears in thanked us, blessed us, serve time, they will then be trans- is an open area surround- and expressed their appre- ferred to a prison to complete their ed by two levels of cells). his eyes. ciation for our visit. The sentence. Some are in jail waiting for Inmates had not been inmates whistled, clapped, the Immigration Service to decide if notified of our arrival— and hollered their thanks they will be deported or not. Some one man behind swinging as we left each pod, after are housed awaiting federal transfer. shower doors, startled, quickly put a only about 20 minutes of singing in Because this is meant to be a way- big towel around himself, and tried each. We returned to the cold night air station between trial, sentencing, and to get to back to his cell with dignity with smiles on our faces, while they punishment, there is little available in intact. remained inside. That card remains the way of activities or rehabilitation pinned to the bulletin board in our programs, compared with the prisons. We clustered near the door. After the choir room as a vivid testimony to Here, most stays are measured in men were counted, the cell doors the memory of our ministry behind months, as opposed to prisons where opened with another loud clang, locked doors. the terms are in years. and the inmates quickly came out. They looked at us, and we looked Hidden and Waiting Prisons house inmate populations at them. They were men of varying that are subdivided into those requir- ages all wearing orange jumpsuits, Here, in a building in downtown ing low, medium, and high security. some of them persons of color in Portland that most people can’t see or In jail, the reasons for incarceration this very white state of Maine, many locate, hundreds of men and women range from immigration issues, minor with extensive tattoos. One excitedly reside. They share small cells and misdemeanors, and burglaries, to called out, “Look! Christmas carol- peer through thick windows set in drug charges, sexual assaults, and ers!” They eagerly looked over the heavy doors waiting to be released murder. They are all housed together, top level railing, filled the seats in the periodically from lockdown into the although there is a small higher se- open area below, and sat or stood on common area, where they have little curity unit reserved for those inmates the stairwells. Many smiled at us. As to do except remain under 24-hour who themselves need protection or

8 Bangor Theological Seminary for those who offend while that seeing just one person turn in jail. For some, this is a his or her life around makes first-time charge. Others al- his job worthwhile. The day ready have a lengthy crimi- he stops feeling that way is the nal record. day he will stop working at the jail. But he also cautions me Counsel and Kleenex against misty-eyed naiveté saying, “Always, always, remem- Reverend Jeff McIlwain ber that there are also so many is the jail chaplain and an victims who need someone to alumnus of Bangor Theolog- talk with.” ical Seminary (BTS). Few jails employ chaplains due Listening to Stories to a lack of resources, while most, but not all, prisons do The experience of singing car- hire chaplains. The Rev’s ols at the jail stayed with me. job is varied and endless. As The next semester, in the con- a volunteer with him for the text of a course on ministry at last ten months, I have seen Linda Mawhorter with Rev. Jeffrey McIlwain BTS, I decided to complete my how badly his services are practicum hours at the Cum- needed. He counsels inmates berland Jail. This provided the who are spiritually seeking and try- As he walks down the corridors, opportunity for me to visit at length ing to understand their own behavior inmates smile at him saying, “Hey with inmates. Here is what I saw and and motivations. He counsels those Rev, how’re you doing? Did you get heard when I looked in their eyes and dealing with anxiety, fear, shame, and my request?” He laughs back, “All listened to their stories. guilt. He gives practical advice to in good time, my man!” COs tease I saw many-faceted human beings some who want to know how to get him about his supposed misdeeds and who are also children of God. They back on track. He talks about God, warn me to keep an eye on him, while had regrets, often quite profound. but also about the importance of fam- he complains about Lily, his dog who They experienced loneliness, anger, ily, honesty, responsibility, faith, and likes to pee on the carpet at home. sadness, shame, and anxiety. They avoiding drug and alcohol addiction. Sometimes, COs pull him aside to worried about their future. Some alert him to an inmate who could use He coordinates the religious volun- expressed their desire to do the right his help or to discuss teers who participate thing and wanted to avoid returning a personal issue of in Bible studies and to jail or resuming their addictions. But he also their own, and he religious services. He Many also expressed love for their commiserates deeply. is constantly on the parents or caregivers, spouses, chil- cautions me against In his office, taped to lookout for Bibles, dren, pets, nature and the outdoors, misty-eyed naiveté the pale green cinder Korans, rosaries, and the color of the fall leaves, art, music, block wall with blue other religious materi- and their God and religious faith. saying, “Always, duct tape, is a big sign als to meet the needs that reads, “Thank you, of his diverse religious always, remember One widow reminisced with me about Rev!” It’s signed by a community. He con- her husband, who used to give her that there are also group of inmates. tacts imams, priests, or roses every day. She nursed him for so many victims several years until he died of dia- rabbis for those who On his desk rests betic complications. One man who need them. He helps who need someone a large box of soft worked as an outfitter described his inmates make calls to Kleenex instead of just to talk with.” enjoyment of horses; he was pleased family members in the a roll of harsh paper; to pass on his love of animals to his event of a crisis, relays he says inmates take daughter, who is now a veterinarian. news of family deaths, notice of it and ap- Another expressed his satisfaction at conducts funerals, and answers ques- preciate its availability for the tears seeing evidence of his construction tions about how to get married while that arise when he has brought them work on buildings around Portland. in jail. That just scratches the surface. into his office to deliver bad news. One relayed in detail his faith in a He feels for these people and says

The Open Door - Fall 2011 9 Ministry behind Locked Doors:

God of miracles, who healed his do not leave at the prison door. Racial Disparity Feeds back at a revival meeting. A woman a Vicious Cycle tearfully described to me how much Numerous books and articles detail it hurt to be called stupid because the statistics which tell part of the Since violent crime has, in fact, her English was poor, when she was story. Compared with the 300,000 gradually fallen, what accounts for fluent in three Eastern European lan- people incarcerated in the U.S. in the massive increase in the number guages. She prayed three times a day 1970, forty years later over 2.3 mil- of human beings behind bars? The in each language for her safety while lion are now incarcerated in Ameri- majority of convictions are related to in jail and for her release, ca’s federal, state, and local drug offenses prompted by the War which came soon. The U.S. prisons and jails. This is the on Drugs. Studies have shown that highest per capita incar- illegal drug use is fairly even across Beyond Statistics: has 6% of ceration rate in U.S. history. the economic and ethnic spectrum. An Intrinsic Spiritu- the world’s The U.S. has six percent of Yet, in some states, black men are the world’s population but ality incarcerated on drug charges at rates population holds 25 percent, one-quar- of 20 to 50 times higher than that Statistics bear out the facts but holds ter, of the world’s prison- of white men. Harsher sentencing that people in jail are often ers, the highest rate in the laws with mandatory minimums, poor, addicted to alcohol 25%, of world. Some counties in the “three strikes” laws, and elimination or drugs, unhealthy, under- the world’s U.S. now have one-third of of parole programs now lead to the privileged, under-educated their residents behind bars. incarceration of individuals who at or illiterate, and mentally prisoners, the The disparities between one time would have been fined or ill. Most are incarcerated highest rate inmates and the general sentenced to an alternative such as for nonviolent offenses. population are striking, community service. More youths are It is also clear that many in the world. as no other country in the being tried and sentenced as adults. have themselves been the world incarcerates such a Meanwhile, funds are being cut for victims of crime and abuse. high percentage of its racial programs addressing drug and alcohol Most of them made a mistake, large or ethnic minorities. We addiction. or small, which resulted in their imprison a greater percentage of our incarceration. Many express remorse, black population than South Africa Reviews show that whites use mari- while some do not. Most admit that did at the height of apartheid. Human juana and cocaine with the same or they have broken the law and should rights organizations have criticized higher frequency than persons of col- pay a price. Some only make excuses the U.S. criminal justice system for or. It is the increased policing in poor, or blame others. Is that so different violations of human and civil rights. urban neighborhoods that accounts from what you or I do? for the disproportionate incarceration The fastest growing segments of the of Blacks, Hispanics, and other ethnic In contemplating our criminal justice population being incarcerated today minorities for relatively minor drug system, terms might quickly spring include women and older inmates, possession charges. Sentencing laws to mind such as retribution, punish- those over 50 years of age. It is widen the disparity in incarceration ment, and control. Other concepts estimated that the latter will comprise rates still further. Cocaine provides such as love, respect, humanity, and one-third of the prison population one example. Current laws result in spirituality might not. The correc- by the year 2030. Older inmates are significantly lighter sentences for tions literature is replete with articles far more expensive to house due to conviction of possession of expensive about better methods of containment, health issues. Our prisons are rapidly powder cocaine, used typically by advertisements for durable prison fur- becoming some of the largest health- more affluent individuals, than does niture, and improvements in modern care providers in the country. There conviction of possession of cheap prison construction. One has to search is every indication that this trend crack cocaine. That fact plus these harder to find those that refer to the will continue. We spend $50 billion a uneven rates of policing reinforce intrinsic spirituality that inmates year for the direct administration and the racial disparity between those bring to their experience of incarcera- maintenance of our prisons and jails, who get a lesser sentence and those tion, their basic humanity and dignity, which takes an enormous economic who are incarcerated and labeled as and their hopes and fears which they toll on our society. felons.

10 Bangor Theological Seminary A BTS Student Finds Intrinsic Spirituality at the Cumberland County Jail

Studies of our prison-industrial One of the speakers at the 2011 BTS whether we can see it or not. Jesus’ complex show that housing first-time Convocation, Mr. Julio Medina, instructions are to find release for the non-violent offenders with hardened founded Exodus Transitional Com- captive and to help the least of these. and violent recidivists in jail or prison munity, Inc. in New York. Mr. Me- This could be one place for me to serves to criminalize the former. dina, an ex-felon, obtained a Master start. We must remember that the punish- of Divinity Degree while incarcer- ment to which the person has been ated at Sing Sing Prison. He thus Linda Mawhorter, a former physician, sentenced is loss of liberty. It is not experienced first-hand the difficul- is half-way through her journey to the degrading physical or sexual abuse ties inmates encounter in prison as M.Div. degree at the Portland campus while incarcerated, whether at the well as upon their release. He began of BTS. She, her husband, Phil, and hands of other inmates or even prison this organization to more holistically their four dogs live in Gorham. Linda employees, both of which unfortu- facilitate former prisoners’ reintegra- recommends the book, Good Punish- nately happen all too often. Many tion into society, access to meaningful ment: Christian Moral Practice and seem to feel that incarceration should jobs, freedom from addictions, and U.S. Imprisonment, as an excellent be as degrading as possible because continued education. Hearing his sto- resource on these subjects. If you “they deserve it.” We need to ask our- ry and visiting with him over dinner would like to contact Linda, you may selves what type of person this kind at Convocation was truly inspiring reach her at newmainer@maine. of treatment releases and furthered my interest rr.com back into society. Once “Most admit in prison ministry. labeled a felon, a person can lose the right to vote, that they have I now know first-hand to low-income housing, broken the law that multiple opportuni- to food stamps, to many ties for grace can arise types of employment, and should pay a in working with inmates. and to certain educa- price. Some only Yes, I have been warned tional grants. These that some can be ma- losses contribute to a make excuses or nipulative. But I have vicious and shame-filled blame others. Is joined in prayer with cycle that encourages those who requested it recidivism, the ongoing that so different and also with some who disruption of families, from what you or looked startled to be and increasing numbers asked. The moment of of children raised by I do?” prayer is one of vulner- single parents or placed ability for both the in- in foster care. mate and for me to share Linda’s four dogs Red, Bella, Sadie in the Spirit of God. I and Buddy (top to bottom). Religion and Prayer, asked one man, an admitted agnostic, if he would be interested in a prayer. Coping and Comfort He answered, “Well, if you want to.” Studies have shown that many I responded, “It’s not what I want but inmates bring to prison significant what you want that matters. There can spiritual and religious inner resourc- be comfort in knowing that someone es. Religion is cited by many inmates is praying for you, even if you don’t as their most important asset while yourself.” He thought a moment and incarcerated. T. R. Clear has defined then answered, “Well, in that case the real goal of religion in prison as I would like it. I would appreciate being “to counteract the tendency of that.” I could tell that he meant it. prisons to dehumanize people and I have been changed by my work in help prevent a further decline in their the jail and look forward to learning humanity.” and doing more. The Spirit of God is there, inside those human beings,

The Open Door - Fall 2011 11 Ministry and Spiritual Poverty by the Reverend Dr. David H. There is nothing left for me in this Lester, M.Div., ’87; D.Min., ‘94 world. I am plain exhausted from all the stress.” She then said words For several years, I knew first- no minister wants to hear: “I have hand the experience of earning a gun in my hand.” fifteen dollars per month too much to be eligible to qualify for Twenty minutes later, I opened the food stamps. Today, I find my passenger door to her car and got own past experience of economic in beside her. For what seemed like poverty reflected in the difficul- an eternity, we talked about her life ties of some of my parishioners and the incidents that had led her and many of my neighbors. Such to mental, physical, and spiritual is life in Maine and throughout exhaustion. We explored Joan’s re- our nation and world. The U.S. lationship with God and discussed Census reports that a staggering the power in her new recognition 43.6 million people, or 14.3% of that, on her own, she could do Americans, live in poverty. nothing. As the darkness of night became a spring morning, we At the same time, both scripture joined hands and prayed. Then, we and our experience in the world Dr. Lester and John Murphy set up a series of times to talk and speak to the prevalence of another pray again, and I put her in touch kind of deprivation. Spiritual pov- poor without also seeking to minister with a mental health professional. erty can be the most damaging form spiritually to them. As the person’s Over time Joan’s relationship with that poverty can take. We in ministry presenting crisis begins to recede and God continued to grow as she prayed can learn to discern expressions of he or she achieves some measure of on two truths: without God, she could spiritual poverty. We can prayer- stability, ministers should also gently do nothing; and with God, all things fully seek to be invited to minister explore whether the person’s spiritual were possible. to individuals who are expressing life is neglected or depleted or broken. deprivation of the spirit. And if we As in Joan’s case [Joan is not her real are invited to minister to them, we What does that brokenness look like? name], spiritual poverty can coexist can offer the pastoral care that can Something has happened or failed to in conjunction with other kinds of support them in seeking a restored happen that has caused the individual deprivation—economic poverty, a and renewed relationship with God. to disconnect from the personal rela- relational poverty within the family, tionship to which God calls each of and/or a poverty of health. But it’s not Often, spiritual poverty is not what us. This disconnection is more dam- necessarily the case that people who first catches our attention. When it aging than economic poverty. One endure economic poverty are spiritu- comes to ministering to the poor, who suffers in this way can some- ally poor. Very often, the opposite we tend to jump to providing time, times be heard echoing the words of is true. For example, in the spring talent, and/or resources to make sure Jesus: “My God, my God, why have 2011 issue of The Open Door, BTS the people in our church, community, you forsaken me?” students wrote of the tremendous nation, and world have access to a nu- graciousness and hospitality with tritionally balanced meal, a roof over The telephone rang at 2 a.m., startling which they were received by villag- their heads, fuel for their furnace, and me out of a deep sleep. On the line was ers in a poor, mountainous region of safety. Based on years of experience Joan, a four-time divorced mother of Guatemala. “We [the seminarians] working with the Church and social five and a long-term victim of domes- were thirsty, and ‘whenever you see service agencies, I can attest to the tic violence who had also been con- someone thirsty and give them drink, great value of providing a vulnerable victed of assault with a deadly weapon you are Christ to them’ (Matt. 25:40). person with these essentials. against one of her adult children. In We came to serve, yet found our- a tearful and quaking voice she said, selves in need and being served. They But it is insufficient to care for the “Dr. Lester, I have hit the bottom! [the impoverished villagers] were physical needs of people who are Christ to us.” 12 Bangor Theological Seminary Spiritual poverty, then, can stand alone. It can BTS Welcomes New Academic Dean exist in the midst of wealth and privilege and abundance. This is one of the paradoxes of our broken world. It can be hard to discern how to minister to an individual who seems spiritually poor, but also seemingly blessed in almost every other way. However, the need for such ministry exists. Ministers are called to represent the love of God to all, including to those who seem to have almost everything they need.

As an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Lewis has worked closely with judicatory leaders and congregations from mainline and Evangelical traditions. He contin- ues to consult with new ministry starts in the United States and Germany and to speak at retreats and conferences about the future of the church amidst the shifting sands of postmodern culture. His research interests are even broader: the various forms of 21st century ministry and their impact, actual and potential, on individuals, institutions, and society. Body art as spiritual expression, landscape metaphors for the spiritual Dr. Lester and wife Joyce journey, theology in film, the current preference for the spiri- Rev. Dr. David H. Lester, is a Pastor and mem- tual over the religious, and the potentialities of the spiritual ber of East Orrington Congregational Church imagination all culminate to feed Steve’s passion for exploring in Orrington, Maine, and currently serves on and charting the intense relevance of Christian expression in the Executive Committee for the Congrega- the 21st century. tional Christian Council of Maine. Through the Church and through Social Service Agen- Steve brings that passion to BTS. “I am inspired by this cies, Dr. Lester is known throughout Northern school’s legacy. Bangor Theological Seminary has served New England for his work and ministry with New England since 1814, preparing individuals for minis- the poor among us, paying special attention to try while endeavouring to respond to the changing needs of “poverty of spirit.” church and society. BTS in the 21st century balances diverse audiences seeking theological and spiritual education. Today, our community includes those seeking ordination for clergy roles, second-career persons seeking to engage pastoral ministry; younger students following a call to service, discovering spiritual gifts and discerning direction; spiritual seekers who have left organized religion in hopes of finding other means to spiritual fulfilment, and even the curious. BTS is rooted in a strong Christian tradition, yet we invite others to join us on our voyage of imagination and discovery into the heart of God, to embrace the mysterious and familiar, to appreciate the spiritual richness of beauty and awe, pilgrimage and seeking, imagination and creativity, mystery and holy ambiguity. This seminary is a wonderful place to be and also an ideal place from which we can navigate together.”

The Open Door - Fall 2011 13 In Memoriam Marvin Ellison’s 2010-2011 sabbatical leave The Reverend Gary R. Akeley, ’88 The Reverend Gary Russell Akeley passed away Aug. During the 2010-2011 academic year Professor Marvin 4, 2011. He was born Nov. 4, 1951, in Presque Isle and Ellison was on sabbatical leave in order to engage in a re- attended Fort Fairfield schools, the University of Maine search and writing project. He has now completed a book at Presque Isle, and Bangor Theological Seminary, from tentatively entitled Making Love Just: An Ethical Guide which he graduated in 1988 with his Master of Theology for the Sexually Perplexed, which will be published by degree. He was ordained as a deacon in the United Meth- Fortress Press late summer 2012. odist Church, and, in 1990, he became an elder. He served the communities of Pembroke, Columbia Falls, Orrington, Ellison comments: “These days sexual sin is far less about Strong, Salem, Westbrook, South Portland, Randolph and sex and far more about the misuse of power and exploita- East Pittston. Gary touched the lives of people throughout tion of vulnerability. Therefore, a consensus is emerging New England and beyond. about the necessity of redrawing the ethical map, but how should a contemporary Christian ethic of sexuality be The Reverend Dr. Deborah Hall Carney, ‘86 & ‘03 formulated? How might we help shift the discourse to em- Deborah Carney died Sept. 5, 2011, at age 62, after a brief phasize justice and love as the normative expectation for bout with cancer. Her family settled in Maine before the intimate relationships across the boards? Above all, how Revolutionary war. She held a Master of Divinity and a might we break with a sex-negative, patriarchal religious Doctorate of Ministry from Bangor Theological Seminary, framework and instead embrace the vitality of a justice- from which she graduated with academic honors, receiving centered spirituality that is women-friendly, gay-affirming, the G. Wayne Glick Award for Community Involvement. and multiracial and welcomes a diversity of perspectives Her doctoral work focused on the need for the church to with the power to name, invoke, and represent the sacred? include people with intellectual disabilities in the life of the congregation. She devoted her life to serving people “This book seeks to increase the reader’s skills and con- with disabilities and people who are disadvantaged. She fidence for engaging in this kind of liberating ethical was a member of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Brewer, deliberation and to explore the demands, as well as the where she served on the vestry and on the outreach com- opportunities, for embodying sexual justice. Each chapter mittee. She was a lay Eucharistic minister as well as a Eu- offers a way into inquiry by first posing a question and charistic minister. Deb was involved in many community then offering a response, all the while inviting readers to activities; she was active in the LGBT community; and she explore their own questions and enrich the conversation in wrote about sexual ethics. ways that will prove useful and even revelatory.”

The BTS Honor Roll of Donors In March Professor Ellison and his partner Frank Brooks, a licensed clinical social worker, traveled to New Zealand, July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011, is now available. where they both gave public lectures. Marvin lectured on This year, we are experimenting with making this his new book for the St. Andrew’s Trust for the Study of resource available online and also in print, by Religion and Society in Wellington, and he also presented request. If you would like to view this resource on- at St. John College, the Anglican seminary in Auckland. line, please simply go to the Alumni/ae and Friends During his sabbatical, Marvin also continued to chair section of our website, www.bts.edu, and click on Maine’s Religious Coalition Against Discrimination, Honor Roll of Donors, 2010-2011. If you would like which co-sponsored an educational conference with the to receive a color print copy, please email Lesley Center for Preventing Hate. Heiser at [email protected] or call her at 1-800-287- 6781, ext. 202.

BTS cares about all its friends and supporters and is extremely grateful for all gifts. We hope this new method of celebrating our donors will please you. If you have any comments or questions, please let us know. Thank you for your support.

14 Bangor Theological Seminary Alumni/ae Association Adopts New Mission Last spring, the Executive Committee of the BTS Alumni/ae Association held a strategic planning retreat to identify new leadership/service activities for graduates of the seminary and to craft a new mission statement. The following statement was adopted:

Responding to the Spirit, we create opportunities that celebrate and nurture alumni/ae and the Seminary.

Heartfelt Thanks to Kent and Meg Ulery

As many in our community know, Kent Ulery’s last day at BTS was June 30, 2011.

Bangor Theological Seminary offers deepest and warmest thanks to Kent and Meg for three years of leadership, friendship, and service. The seminary truly benefited from Kent’s stewardship and from his and Meg’s many gifts. We will remain grateful for the time, dedication, effort, insights, and prayers with which they graced us.

Kent and Meg have moved closer to beloved family members in the Midwest. We pray God’s blessings upon the entire Ulery family.

No Longer at Ease Now Available Who is God, who is not, and who Semitic, too puzzling, or appealing are the real American idols? Such to the lunatic fringe. However, Kent questions lie at the heart of Kent’s discerns in Revelation an unveiling new book, No Longer at Ease: Seven of the principalities and powers that Churches and the Empire. stake claims on virtually all contemporary institutions, with the result that Written for congregational use in adult idolatry plagues those who seek God Bible studies, Kent’s book focuses as much in the 21st century as it did in on Revelation’s letters to the seven the first century. churches, which deal with what it meant to act faithfully in the midst of The book is ten chapters in length the Roman Empire. Beginning each (perfect for a quarter of adult church chapter with a vignette of a contem- curriculum); the book concludes with porary congregation, Kent invites the discussion questions, a helpful map, modern reader to reflect on what act- and worship resources. ing faithfully means today as we find ourselves living in the world’s first borderless empire.

Revelation is a neglected biblical No Longer at Ease: Seven Churches and the Empire is book, ignored by those who deem it available in print and via Kindle from amazon.com too violent or who find it sexist, anti-

The Open Door - Fall 2011 15

Convocation 2012: Evolving World, Emerging Church January 9 – 11, 2012 Gracie Theater, Husson University, Bangor

Rev. Eric Elnes, Ph.D. Rev. Karen Ward Dr. Elnes is Senior Minister A dual Episcopalian and Lutheran- at Countryside Community ordained pastor who describes herself Church in Omaha, Nebraska. as Episcopal priest and missioner He received his Ph.D. in entrepreneur, Reverend Ward is a Biblical Studies from Princ- leader of the post-denominational, eton Theological Seminary emergent church movement. A former and served as Senior Pastor pastor and the current director of the of Scottsdale Congregational Episcopal Village, she provides train- United Church of Christ in ings that support communities seeking Scottsdale, Arizona (www. a renewed faith and a reinvigorated artinworship.com) from 1995 to 2008. He creates multi- sense of mission. sensory, experiential worship that transcends classification as “traditional” or “contemporary.”

Featured Musician, Chuck Marohnic, director of Music for Darkwood Brew.

Ms. Cassie Meyer Dr. Steven Lewis Ms. Meyer oversees curriculum at Dr. Lewis is Academic Dean at the Interfaith Youth Core, which Bangor Theological Seminary. convenes young people of different He holds a Ph.D. from St. Lou- identities for cooperative service is University and is the author and dialogue. She has taught at of two books. As an ordained Princeton Theological Seminary, elder in the United Methodist the University of Chicago Divinity Church, he has worked closely School, and McCormick Theo- with judicatory leaders and logical Seminary. She writes about congregations from mainline religious pluralism and interfaith and Evangelical traditions. cooperation. She holds an M.A. in American Religious He also consults with new ministry starts in the U.S. and History from the University of Chicago. Germany.

Parking will be freely available outside Gracie Theater; Special events Monday and Tuesday night; Alumni gathering on Tuesday. For more information vist www.bts.edu/convocation

Bangor Theological Seminary PO BOX 411, Bangor, ME 04402-0411