p r a x i s

News from Hartford Seminary • December 2009 • Vol. XXI • No. 3

dialogue in the Classroom and in the Kitchen The presence of international students at Hartford Seminary is well-known. They bring so much to the classroom with their on- the-ground insight into interfaith dialogue. What is less well-known is how much they bring to the on-campus community of students who live in Hartford Seminary housing. Continued on page 7

Hartford Seminary Expands Campus: Page 3 Fulbright Scholar Nancy Roberts Welcomed Named as Trustee must follow the tenets force for Project of Islam. He plans to Streamline, a national research the issues that collaborative effort of Muslim groups face grantmaking and grant- in countries like the seeking organizations United States where working to improve they are the minority. grant application and reporting practices, Before coming to study and the Hartford Area in the United States, Neighborhood Support Samy was an editor and Collaborative. senior Shari`ah (Islamic Hartford Seminary’s Law) researcher at Roberts is a past The opportunity both Board of Trustees has Islamonline.net, where unanimously named board member of the to study interfaith he wrote for the Ask the Foundation Center dialogue and to live it Nancy Roberts, Scholar-Living Shari`ah president of the in New York and was every day in a multi- Department. He a founding board faith community has Council prepared fatwas, legal for Philanthropy, member and past brought Samy Metwally rulings for people living chair of the Forum of to Hartford Seminary. to the Board. The in the West, answering appointment is effective Regional Associations Samy is a Fulbright their questions. His immediately. of Grantmakers, Visiting Scholar from research involved has served on two Egypt, studying for consulting with Muslim Roberts was appointed national initiatives a Master of Arts in scholars in the West. President of the of the FORUM, Connecticut Council New Ventures in Islamic Studies and One benefit of his study Christian-Muslim for Philanthropy, a Philanthropy and program, Samy says, is regional association the Effectiveness Relations. He will be in to improve his ability Hartford for two years. of grantmakers in and Accountability to respond to legal Connecticut in 1991. Initiative as co-chair. Samy explains questions by being more Prior to this post, she She also served on that he chose to highly educated. managed the Howard the coordinating and Bush Foundation in come to Hartford Samy has had a long- committee of the World . Seminary because he standing interest in Wide Initiative for is very interested in education. He received Grantmaker Support interfaith relations Roberts currently a prize for placing serves as a member (WINGS) in Manila. and wants to enhance second in Egypt at peace, tolerance and of the national board Roberts, who lives in the high school of Al- Plowshares Institute, West Hartford, CT, is acceptance in multi- Azhar and went on to faith communities. based in Simsbury, a member of St. John’s study Islamic Studies CT. She is a member Episcopal Church. He wants to reduce the in English at Al-Azhar of the advisory task lack of understanding University. so many people have After university, he an interfaith iftar, a about religions other became a translator for collegial discussion than their own, and Al-Falah Foundation for Cover Photo: among visiting scholars, narrow the gap between Translation, Publication Students at a president’s reception Hartford Seminary cultures. He seeks “to & Distribution, and community events promote peaceful co- translating 10 books by – all helping bridge the Front row, left to existence among those well-known scholars who follow different gap in understanding right: Teresa Mueller, and thinkers. He Namduk Hwang, and enhancing peaceful faiths and are of appreciated the Craig Phillips, Muhta- co-existence. different cultures.” opportunity to be in di Mun’im. Middle contact with scholars on row, left to right: Lady Samy hopes to continue With his engaging smile Mandalika, Mumina his studies to earn cross-cultural and multi- and his enthusiasm, Kowalski, Acmad Ma- a Ph.D. and then faith issues. Samy models the carimbang, Hüseyin Seminary motto of Kurt, Mustafa Boz. become a professor in Samy lives on campus preparing peacemakers Back row, left to the United States or in Seminary housing. Egypt. His particular locally to promote peace right: Ezekiel Baba- He finds the interaction gario, Ibrahim Long, globally. field of study is how between people of Mehmet Az, Awad Muslims adapt to the different faiths exciting Abdullah. (Photo by jurisprudence of a and enriching. He Nick Mumejian) country in which they has participated in are the minority yet

Editor: David Barrett Reprint and copy information: Ar- you plan to reprint or photocopy would like more information about Phone: 860/509-9519 ticles may be reprinted if full credit any part of Praxis. Letters to the Praxis or about Hartford Seminary, Fax: 860/509-9509 is given to Hartford Seminary and editor are welcomed. If you would please contact David Barrett at E-mail Address: [email protected] the author, if bylined in Praxis. For like additional copies of this issue Hartford Seminary, 77 Sherman Designer: James Baker our records, please inform us if of Praxis or back issues or if you Street, Hartford, CT 06105.

2 Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s On November 12, Hartford Seminary officially ex- Hartford Seminary panded its campus and classroom space with the dedication of the Martin and Aviva Budd Interfaith Expands Campus Building. More than 50 trustees, President’s Council members, corporators, faculty, staff, alumni/ae, stu- Demonstrating its commitment to interfaith understanding in theological education, dents, and friends attended. President Heidi Hadsell Hartford Seminary has expanded its campus moderated the dedication program. Also speaking and classroom space with the acquisition of was Martin Budd, shown here with his wife Aviva property at 60 Lorraine Street for the creation Budd. Students Minlib Dallh and Rabiha Ozdemir of the Martin and Aviva Budd Interfaith spoke on their experiences at Hartford Seminary. Building.

President Heidi Hadsell announced the acquisition, saying that it will serve our students, providing increased space for the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations and also additional classroom space and a long-needed lounge.

“I am pleased that, through the generosity of Martin and Aviva Budd, the Seminary is able to make this purchase,” Hadsell said. “This expansion reflects our commitment to further implement our vision of theological education in which interfaith dialogue is a critical part.”

The new Budd Interfaith Building is located 60 Lorraine Street next to the Seminary’s campus on Sherman and Lorraine streets. “Even in difficult financial times, Hartford Seminary remains vibrant and able to improve its service to students and the community. This new interfaith building will help us provide the best possible educational setting for our students,” Hadsell said.

Martin Budd, former chair of the board and long-time trustee, and Aviva Budd have made a generous donation for the purchase of the building, which was built in 1959.

“Relations between Christians and Muslims may be the most important issue of this century.” Heidi Hadsell Budd notes. “The Seminary, in its small way, has been focused on this issue perhaps longer than any other United States institution. Support for the Seminary’s effort in this regard seemed to me compelling. I hope this purchase will further the Seminary’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, which is so important today.”

The Budd Interfaith Building will house the faculty and staff of the Duncan Black Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations along with other faculty and programs, including:

• The Building Abrahamic Partnership Program Martin and Aviva Budd • Faculty offices for Yehezkel Landau, Faculty Associate in Interfaith Relations, and Miriam Therese Winter, Professor of Liturgy, Worship, Spirituality, and Feminist Studies • Classrooms and seminar space • A student lounge • A prayer room • Archive space for The Muslim World journal • Space for visiting scholars

The building at 60 Lorraine Street previously housed the Christian Conference of Connecticut and the Capitol Region Conference of Churches, which have moved to new locations. Minlib Dallh Rabiha Ozdemir

Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s 3 distinguishing vitality across all of As Vitality characteristics FACT2008’s vital signs. of today’s vital of American congregations appear Clarity and distinctness to be well within a of identity, vibrant Congregations congregation’s control worship, openness – such as openness to change, ability to Declines, to change, clarity of manage conflict and purpose, attentiveness diversity and excellence to new members, in programming Opportunities and appreciation of are some of the volunteers. We also big challenges that for Change Arise are gaining a much stand along the path more refined sense, to congregational Congregations in United States. The as evidenced in revitalization identified America, as a group, survey updates results FACT2008, about the in earlier FACT surveys continue to struggle, from surveys taken in distinct predispositions and still evident in facing declining 2000 and 2005, and is of clergy leadership in FACT2008. attendance at worship, the latest in CCSP’s vital congregations.” eroding financial series of trend-tracking But in addition, health, waning spiritual national surveys of U.S. According to FACT FACT2008 points to vitality and increasing congregations. surveys, between several more ordinary uncertainty about their 2005 and 2008 fewer and less dramatic mission and purpose. David A. Roozen, congregations report things at which Director of the that they are spiritually vital congregations At the same time, Cooperative vital and alive, that do well, according some congregations Congregational they have seen worship to the report. Two have shifted to a Studies Partnership attendance growth of examples: hospitality to contemporary style and Professor of 2 percent or more, or newcomers and support of worship that has Religion and Society that they have a clear of lay volunteers. catalyzed growth, and at Hartford Seminary, mission and purpose. Congregations with other congregations said that, “There is a Just 19 percent say their greater spiritual vitality have benefitted from tendency to believe current financial health are more likely to focused leadership. that congregations is excellent, down from extend invitations are captive to their 31% in 2000 (and note: to new persons to These findings are demographic and the FACT2008 survey become involved in illustrative of the cultural contexts. pre-dates the market new person classes, to conclusions drawn in To the extent this collapse that began late take leadership roles the first look at the new is true the broad in 2008). The down- in worship (reading, Faith Communities based erosion of tick in vitality holds singing, taking up Today 2008 survey vitality in America’s across faith families. offering, etc.) of American congregations over and to become involved congregations: “It is a the past eight years Nevertheless, in a social ministry. story of concern, but evidenced in the according to FACT2008, These congregations also a story of hope. FACT2008 survey Oldline Protestant also are more likely It is the story of an suggests an erosion of congregations confront to provide training emerging, persistent religious receptivity in a special challenge. for volunteers and and broad based the broader American Their memberships recognize their service. downward trend in social-cultural milieu. are significantly older congregational vitality. than for any other faith The First Look But it is also a story of “But this is only a family. In fact, in nearly report was written by pockets of vitality that part of the story six of every ten Oldline Roozen, director of the are suggestive of the because the belief in congregations a quarter Seminary’s Hartford potential for moving contextual captivity is or more of participants Institute for Religion forward.” only partly true and, in are 65 or older. This Research. fact, research suggests is nearly twice as The Cooperative that it has become great as for any other A link to view the Congregational less true over the past family and nearly three report is available at: Studies Partnership quarter century. As the times as great as for http://fact.hartsem. (CCSP) conducted FACT2008 findings Evangelical Protestant edu/products/index. the FACT2008 clearly demonstrate congregations. One html. survey and analyzed there remain unfortunate corollary questionnaires from pockets of vitality of a congregation’s age 2,527 randomly sampled among American structure: the more congregations of all congregations, seniors, on average, the faith traditions in the and many of the lower a congregation’s

4 Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s at which he presented a Heidi Hadsell traveled be published in KTA’s paper on Paul’s letter to to Geneva in September journal. Kim gave a the Philippians. for the second meeting public lecture entitled of the Planning “The Transformative Steven Blackburn Committee for the Day Power of King accompanied President of Prayer and Action David and President F a c u l t y Heidi Hadsell on a for Children sponsored Obama” as a Seminary N o t e s visit to the Vermont by the Arigatou Educational Outreach home of Former Dean Foundation. Closer event on Nov. 4. His Wim Bijlefeld and his to home, she spoke at second book, Identity Efrain Agosto was the wife Ineke this past “Leveraging Faith: A and Loyalty in the David guest preacher for summer, where the Forum on Connecticut Story, was reviewed at the 45th Anniversary four discussed Islamic Faith-based and the Society of Biblical Celebration of the Studies, Christian- Neighborhood Literature’s annual Barbara Ann Roessler Muslim relations, Partnerships,” meeting (November 20- Memorial Presbyterian Arabic language sponsored by the 24) in New Orleans. Church in San Juan, instruction, fundraising, area Conference of Puerto Rico, on August and seminary Churches; U.S. Rep. Yehezkel Landau 5 - 9. In September, he administration – all John Larson, D-1st co-led the worship appeared on a Spanish- over a delectable lunch District, and the service and preached language radio program prepared and served Connecticut Council a guest sermon at the in New Britain to by Mrs. Bijlefeld. As for Philanthropy. Presbyterian Church promote the Hispanic part of the Seminary’s Hadsell discussed of Rensselaerville, NY, Ministries Program. continuing series of the importance of in August. In October, Agosto also offered contributions to the preparing peacemakers. Landau delivered the the invocation at the journal The Progressive In October, after keynote address at Leadership Greater Christian, Blackburn traveling to Geneva to an interfaith dinner Hartford Polaris submitted an article attend a Globethics. at Drew University Awards banquet, held at entitled “Titanic net Board of Directors in Madison, NJ, co- the Hartford Club. In Christianity” which meeting, she was at sponsored by the October, he preached dealt with the impact of Georgetown University university’s Center at the 47th Anniversary the current Recession with several other for Religion, Culture, Service of the Christian on the church at faculty members to and Conflict and the Tabernacle Baptist worship. Also in the attend the conference, Interfaith Dialogue Church in Hamden. area of publications, “Between Us and You: Center of Newark and He also participated Blackburn reviewed A Global Agenda for participated in a board as a presenter in for the American Change,” organized meeting of the Stimulus a major national Library Association’s by Common Word. Foundation, a division conference, “Reading Choice Magazine the Hadsell, along with of Paulist Press that Scriptures, Reading recently released Professor Ingrid publishes volumes in America: Interruptions, “Arabic Manuscripts: Mattson and Professor the field of Jewish- Orientations and a Vademecum for Yehezkel Landau, Christian relations. Mimicry among U.S. Readers.” Both was a panelist at a He also offered a Communities of Color,” Blackburn and fellow Connecticut Council Jewish perspective held on October librarian Marie for Interreligious on Scripture in Prof. 15 - 17 at Claremont Rovero were guests Understading- Mahmoud Ayoub’s Graduate University in of the Loomis Chafee sponsored event, course on “Major California. On October library this past fall as “Embracing the Themes in the Bible 19, he was part of a state part of a continuing Other: How Religious and Qur’an”; joined higher education board investigation into People of Peace Can Heidi Hadsell and accreditation visit to St. library software. Transform Differences Ingrid Mattson on an interfaith panel at Thomas Seminary in Over the summer, and Build Bridges of Beth El Temple in West Bloomfield. Agosto also Kelton Cobb wrote Understanding.” She Hartford, offering hosted the fall semester theological articles attended the annual lessons from the meeting of the Hartford for the Feasting on the conference of the “Dialogue in a World of Consortium of Religion Word series of Bible American Academy of Difference” course that Professors, which met Commentaries being Religion in Montreal in they are co-teaching at the Seminary on the published by WJKP, November. this fall; and conducted evening of October and several public Uriah Kim wrote a Bible two interfaith training 29. On October 31, he forum articles on study resource on the sessions for faculty, attended the Annual religion and politics for Book of Joshua for the staff, and students at Leadership Banquet of the website Patheos. PC(USA) magazine Mt. Holyoke College the Muslim Coalition com. He continues as Horizons, which will in South Hadley, MA. of Connecticut. In editor of the journal appear in its November/ At the end of the November, Agosto Conversations in Religion December 2009 issue. month, Landau led attended the Engaged and Theology, and gave a He presented a keynote the Monday Morning Scholars Conference, lecture on the legacy of paper at the Korean Chapel worship at the hosted by the Louisville Calvinism as part of a Theology Association’s Seminary, delivering Institute in Kentucky, public event sponsored annual meeting on a homily on “Building and the Annual by the Seminary in October 26. The Spiritual Equity,” Meeting of the Society observance of the paper is entitled “The and facilitated a of Biblical Literature, 500th anniversary of Third Way for Korean workshop in West held in New Orleans, John Calvin’s birth. Churches” and will continued on page 6

Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s 5 continued from page 5 Partnerships, as well as Conference held at History of Religions to make a presentation Georgetown University in America, a book Hartford on Jewish and at the Georgetown in October. At the on leadership Share Israeli identities for University Common Seminary, he gave a slide the Lead and one on 15 “Young Emissaries” Word conference. In presentation on Monks geography Engineering from Israel who are addition, Mattson & Sufis: from Anatolia Earth: The Impacts in a one-year program delivered lectures at the to the Balkans. of Megaengineering sponsored by the University of Northern Michot’s research on Projects. He attended Jewish Federations of Iowa, Northwestern Avicenna’s Almahad the Faith Communities Southern New England. University, Humber in 17th Century Today conference In November, Landau College (Toronto), England has now been in Chicago in spoke at a conference Temple Beth El published in English August, the Religion at Harvard Divinity (West Hartford) and and Turkish. Pursuing a Newswriters conference School honoring was interviewed for twenty year old project, in Minneapolis in Professor David Little, the Chicago public Michot has started a September and who is retiring from the television program “30 new series of French organized two panels HDS faculty; taught Good Minutes.” translations of spiritual and presented a paper on an afternoon class writings by the great the ways megachurches at UMass/Amherst From July to the end of Syrian theologian Ibn are influencing the focusing on issues of law October, Yahya Michot Taymiyya (d. 1328). The shape of religion in the and justice in the Israeli- gave various lectures three texts published United States at the Palestinian context; and and seminars in the so far are (1) Jesus is Society for the Scientific teamed with Professors U.S. and in Europe. He alive; (2) Cupping and Study of Religion Miriam Therese Winter spoke of Ibn Taymiyya, Love of Money; (3) The meeting in Denver and Yahya Michot for an Islamism and the Sharî‘a Day of ‘Âshûrâ’. They in October. He was Educational Outreach in the Understanding can be read on www. prominently featured event on “Beyond the Islam and Muslims muslimphilosophy.com. in a new documentary Linear Lens: A Focus on Seminar Series entitled the Alpha and Spirituality.” organized at the Special On September 24, the Mega which had an Operations Command Wayne G. Rollins and exclusive showing at This fall, Ingrid Mattson (SOCOM) in Tampa, his wife Donnalou the Seminary. He is joined her colleagues FL. At ’s made a Power finishing up work on a Yehezkel Landau and Department of Middle Point presentation new portal website for Heidi Hadsell teaching East Studies, he gave a on “Egypt: Then and the Lilly Endowment at the Dialogue in a lecture on Avicenna’s Now” at the Asylum www.religioninsights. World of Difference Almahad in 17th HIll Congregational org and hosted a class. She also helped Century England: Church in Hartford, major conference prepare the Macdonald Sandys, Pococke, Digby, commenting on the of the organizations Center for transition Baron, Cudworth et historical, religious, affiliated with the portal into the new Budd alii… He participated and socio-political in Durham, NC, in Interfaith Building, and in the International dimensions of their October. In October, he was pleased to receive Colloquium on the trip to Egypt in January also spoke to a gathering a significant donation Ascension of the Soul: of this year. On of synagogue leaders in of furniture from well- Literature and Arts, November 23, Rollins New York City about known philanthropist 1433-1650 in Nicosia, chaired a session of the the lessons they could and Ethan Allen CEO, Cyprus, with a paper Psychological Biblical learn from the success of Farooq Kathwari. on The Ascension of Studies section at megachurches. Macdonald Center the annual meeting the Soul in Classical Miriam Therese Winter’s faculty and staff are of the Society of Islam: from the Mi‘râj music continues to excited about their Biblical Literature of the Prophet to the be used widely in the transition to the new, in New Orleans, also Mevlevi Heavenly USA and beyond. spacious building responding to papers Mills, via The Bird of Recently, her signature around the corner from by Bas van Os from Avicenna. During a song, “Joy is like the the current Macdonald the Free University of weekend in Litchfield, Rain,” was published Center. Mattson Amsterdam on “The CT, he was one of the in the new hymnal received a number Role Jesus Played in animators of The 2009 of the Presbyterian of important guests God’s Narrative” and by Casagrande Institute for Church in Taiwan, in to the Macdonald Andrew Village from St. Interfaith Conversation: Chinese; “Ten Lepers” Center this fall, John University of York, A Change of Climate and “The Wedding including a delegation United Kingdom, on and gave a seminar on Banquet” were sung in from the French “Psychological Type and Climate Change from Hebrew by more than Ministry of Justice Biblical Interpretation an Islamic Perspective. 700 children in a festival who were interested In Hartford, Michot among Anglican Clergy.” in learning about the performance in Israel, took part in the First which was recorded on Islamic Chaplaincy Scott Thumma Imam Ali Conference CD/DVD; American Program. She traveled spent much of the organized by the Leprosy Missions in to Washington, DC, summer finishing Jafaria Association of Asia produced a DVD for a number of several chapters Connecticut and gave a for use in churches and consultations, including on megachurches public lecture on Imam by Leprosy Mission as an advisor on the for edited volumes Ali in Sunni Muslim International that Interfaith Taskforce including The New Tradition. He also included “Long Road of the White House Encyclopedia of Southern participated actively to Freedom” and Office of Faith-Based in the Common Word Culture, The Cambridge and Neighborhood continued on page 7

6 Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s continued from page 6 “Father, They Will Be Done” while filming a hospital in Nepal; and her CDs continue to sell in the Catholic Bookstore N e w S t a f f in Singapore. Winter Nicholas Mumejian, a Ph.D. student at Hartford spoke at a community Seminary, is the new Student Services Assistant, gathering at the working with Director of Academic Services and Franciscan Center Registrar Karen Rollins. Nick also is resident for Urban Ministry in assistant for campus housing. Nick is an ordained downtown Hartford in Baptist minister born and raised in the South. He is October and gave two married to his best friend, Virginia, who has been his major presentations constant support as he pursues his Ph.D. in Islamic at the Call to Action studies. They moved up from Durham, N.C., where National Conference Nick completed his M.Div. at Duke University. Nick in Milwaukee in and Virginia live on the Hartford Seminary campus November, where she with their dog, Paisley. When not at the Seminary also shared the story of doing all sorts of work, Nick ministers at Central Ludmila Javorova as part Baptist Church in downtown Hartford. of a documentary film on women’s ordination Vicki Farrell is the new Database Coordinator in the Roman Catholic and Development Associate, working with Chief tradition. She joined Development Officer Jonathan Lee. Prior to coming two of her faculty to Hartford Seminary, Vicki was a Foundation & colleagues for an Government Development Officer at WETA (a evening focused on public television and radio station) in Arlington, interfaith spirituality VA. She has been doing grant writing and other in Novermber development consulting services on a contract and completed a two- basis since moving to the Hartford area 2 ½ years volume yearbook ago. Vicki has a Bachelor of Science in Business representing all 404 Administration from Rochester Institute of graduates of the Technology. She lives in Avon, CT, with her husband, Women’s Leadership three sons and two dogs and attends the Church of St. Institute for archival Timothy in West Hartford, CT. use.

DIALOGUE continued from page 1

Muslim woman from Turkey, a Muslim woman from Iran, a Muslim woman from the U.S. and a Christian woman from the U.S. We have had interesting conversations in the kitchen or dining room.” Lady lives in a house on Sherman Street, across the street from the main Attending a reception for international students were, left to right, Mehmet Az, Acmad Macarimbang, Muhtadi Mun’im, Richard Meier building, and Meliani Murtiningsih. in one of four homes that house students and Lady Mandalika faculty. Nicolas Mumejian, overshadowed is the of the past. A decade who moved from unique community that Next door is a home ago, Hartford Seminary North Carolina to resides on campus. that houses five men, primarily rented its enroll in the Ph.D. a Muslim from Turkey, housing to staff and the program and who lives This community a Christian from public. on campus, recently consists of Christians, Indonesia, a Muslim wrote, “Many who may Muslims, and Jews from the Philippines, a Over the past half- read this know of the from all over the Christian from Nigeria, dozen years, the excellent education world. Despite the and a Muslim from the number of faculty that the Seminary religious, cultural, and United States. living in Seminary offers. The diversity ethnic differences, we housing has increased The on-campus of the student body peacefully coexist.” along with the shift community of students along with those who to student housing. If Lady Mandalika, a is both a recent instruct us are a gift. you look at photos of student from Indonesia, development and a Yet what is sometimes classes in the 1940’s and says, “I live with a return to the Seminary continued on page 9

Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s 7 Nettleton, by the done their work, Discovering, Reading, way, was not only a preserving ancient hymnodist, but also wisdom so that it and Having an Impact a revivalist. And that could be discovered in is where our Hebrew another age that would Bible scripture lesson be more receptive they may give us some comes in today. Most to its contents. A insights as to why of us know the story very important the Pastoral Union of quite well. By the book had been saved Connecticut ensured time of King Josiah, for subsequent that before the first much had been lost, generations. That student enrolled at the theologically speaking, is one of the roles of Theological Institute among God’s people. theological libraries – of Connecticut in East The Davidic kingdom to transmit the old, old Windsor, there would had been torn asunder stories that speak of be theological books by civil war, and many God and God’s people. for them to discover, of the tribes had to read, and to use in become, effectively, If we fast forward a order to have an impact apostate. Even the few thousand years – in upon those whom they southern kingdom, fact, the scene in the would touch through By The Rev. Steven where the Temple was Book of Revelation their ministries. Blackburn, Ph.D. located, was falling is still an unfulfilled future prophecy – we The Little School away in many respects Scriptures: II Kings find an instance of of the Prophets, as from the true religion 22:3-13; Revelation 5:1- when nobody can this institution was of their forebears, 10; Qur’an 19:51-58 read a very important popularly known in Abraham and Sarah, scroll. No one is This morning I would the mid 19th century, Isaac and Rebecca, worthy. No one has like us to think about was financed in its Jacob and Leah. the capacity. No one books – by which I early years, by and But then, King Josiah has been properly mean more than the large, through the decided that it was prepared for the task traditional codex proceeds from the sale time to literally clean of understanding it. that is not even of a theological book house, and a discovery It’s not that no one 2000 years old, but – Asahel Nettleton’s was made in one of the can access the correct also scrolls, eBooks, Village Hymns for dustier corners at the database; it’s not that cuneiform tablets, Social Worship, Temple. Ancient words no one can operate a DVDs, microfilms, published in 1824. on an old scroll that microfiche reader; it’s Kindle, videotapes, Nettleton collected had been left in neglect not that no one can cassettes, and so just the right balance and disuse came to decipher some ancient on – just as I would of traditional hymns light. And within a script. Rather, it’s a like us to think about from England with short time, revival was question of being up to theological libraries some new-fangled underway. the task. In the words – by which I mean tunes and verses from of the Apocalypse, not only institutional the United States. The Countless works of only one “who has collections such as result was the first theology, of literature, conquered” can read our holdings here at commercially viable of philosophy, of many the scroll. Hartford Seminary, – nay, successful – other fields of endeavor but also personal hymnal in this country. have been lost to the In a violent apocalyptic theological libraries The Pastoral Union ages, whether through setting, of course, (which we may have as offered Nettleton neglect, fire, war, or conquering is physical pastors, theologians, a professorship at good old-fashioned – and often graphic. academicians, or simply the Theological book-burnings. The We know that pools as believers), digital Institute, and while destruction of the great of blood are part of databases, manuscript Nettleton formally library in Alexandria, the scenery of this archives, even Google declined the offer, he Egypt, is not just a portion of Christian Books. For this is supported the new singular event: history scripture. For those of Theological Libraries educational endeavor tells us that more us open to something Month, which is a time by his preaching, his than once was the other than a literalistic to reflect upon why, presence, and his library in Alexandria, interpretation, for example, Hartford treasure. Egypt, destroyed by however, conquest can Seminary had a library rioting, pillaging, and represent fulfillment So in a sense, when – established in 1833 – calculated mischief- of one’s potential, it comes to Hartford even before there was making. Fortunately, in mastery of oneself Seminary, the phrase a Hartford Seminary at Josiah’s Jerusalem one and one’s field of “in the beginning was all, established in 1834. scroll of the Law, or at endeavor. It can be the Word” carries least a portion of it, part of an educational Our three scripture more than a double had been saved. Some process which can be lessons for today – meaning. That word scholars think the either evolutionary, or from Judaism, from was not just the printed scroll in question may revolutionary, in re- Christianity, and word of theological have been the Second forming, in re-creating, from Islam – help us treatises, but the word Law, or Deuteronomy not only one’s mind-set to reflect upon the as sung in hundreds of as we call it. Somehow, but also one’s heart- role of the book, and congregations in the someone, somewhere, set. For Christians, the library, in our new Republic. religious lives. And at sometime, had continued on page 9

8 Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s DIALOGUE continued from page 7

Left to right, are Helena Rijoly, Reem Ezolly, Sharareh Esfandyari, and Rabiha Ozdemir Ezekiel Babagario talks with Nick Mumejian. “Everyday as I head for the journey that awaits me, I walk down the stairs of my apartment. In doing so, 1950s, you see international students standing aside I descend by my unique set of neighbors. First I pass their United States colleagues. Today’s photos of a Jewish man and then a Muslim couple on the first students offer similar diversity. floor. As an ordained minster I am often reminded of the red letters I often repeat at church, ’Love thy Acmad Macarimbang is a Muslim student from neighbor as thyself.’ the Philippines in the International Peacemaking Program. For Acmad, he is learning to adjust to the “My wife and I are blessed with a unique opportunity customs not only of Christians but also of other here at Hartford Seminary; we live in a house that Muslims. truly is an ’Abrahamic Sandwich.‘ I am privileged to live above two of the wisest minds and kindest “I am adjusting to living with Muslims from other souls, Yehezkel Landau and Mahmoud Ayoub, who beliefs and cultures. It is hard to live with people both [as faculty associates] continue to teach me in of the same faith who have different cultural even the simplest of ways. I came to seminary with backgrounds, because they might practice Islam in a desire to learn about those who have by many ways that may not be Islamic in my perspective and been labeled ‘enemy,’ and yet here I find them as my in my tradition,” Acmad says. neighbor.” He adds, though, that “living and studying at “My experience living amongst these fellow children Hartford Seminary where people of different of God.” Nick says, “has taught me more than what religions come together is a Wow! When people a class or book could; it has taught me that when from some parts of the world are fighting because put into practice, the simple yet profound words of of religious differences, Hartford Seminary is a Christ, to ’love thy neighbor,‘ we truly can conquer reminder and example that there is room to live all things. Perhaps John Lennon was right: surely we together as one community.” can work it out. And thus has been my experience so Nick Mumejian lives in a three-unit house known as far.” the Ecumenical House, an appropriate name as he Hartford Seminary supports faithful living describes his living environment: in a pluralistic, multi-faith environment. Its housing embodies its commitment to dialogue, supplementing its academic program.

DISCOVERING continued from page 8 the ultimate re-form, a theological book, that An encounter with or librarians, accept the re-creation that is scripture, can have on the very important with grateful thanks aimed for, is to become those who discover, books of our faith will the gifts so graciously more and more like and hear, and receive inevitably move us given in our theological Jesus, seeking to be with open hearts and as the full import of collections. In them worthy to read the very open minds. These what God has had to is the reflection of important books that books should have an say to us – and to our minds both ancient have been preserved for impact not just on our ancestors as well as our and modern upon the us, the very important minds, but also on our descendents – dawns eternal truths which, books that re-tell the outlook, governing our upon us. we believe, can lead old, old story. For interaction with those to the salvation of the what good is it to save around us. No wonder a created order. something that no one theological library The Qur’anic examples can truly appreciate? was considered so Amen. are those of Moses, foundational, not only The Islamic scriptures his brother Aaron, here at Hartford, but Steven Blackburn is take us back again Ishmael – Abraham’s throughout the ages Library Director and into the past, showing first-born – and Enoch. and in times and places Faculty Associate in that truth, in whatever When they receive so remote from our Semitic Scriptures at form, is bound neither revelation from God, own. May we all who Hartford Seminary. by time nor by culture, they are so profoundly find ourselves in this He offered this sermon but is universally moved that they fall place, whether we during chapel services applicable. The Qur’an to the ground and be students, faculty, on Monday, October 12 shows the impact that weep in prostration. administrators, staff, to recognize Theological Libraries Month.

Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s 9 A l u m n i /a e N o t e s live and learn. She and Hartford Seminary, Bradenton, Florida. Linwood E. Blackburn her husband Robert, Juanita worked for the The granddaughter of and Johnsie M. B.D. ’59, M.A. ’60, Dean, Dr. Charles G. Madeline Slay Parlin, Blackburn both stayed in the area, as he Chakerian. who attended the graduated from the served Central Baptist Kennedy School of Kennedy School of and Memorial Baptist The Rev. King T. Hayes, Missions, found her Missions in 1943, reports churches in Hartford. BMP, ’83 and Seminary grandmother among the their daughter-in-law Corporator, retired in “lost alums” and wrote Barbara. They returned The title of Minister 2007 after 31 years as describing how, after to their home state of Emerita was bestowed Pastor of Shiloh Baptist graduation, she and North Carolina in 1972, on the Rev. Jean Cook Church on Albany her minister husband, and later retired there. Brown, M.A.’93, on Avenue in Hartford. Still Elwyn, worked as Mrs. Blackburn died in November 22, 2009 by active in the community, missionaries in China 1998; Mr. Blackburn in the Universalist Church Pastor Hayes’ “Historical from 1918 through 1933. 1999. of West Hartford. Profile of Fifteen Black Churches of Hartford, Lucy Wong, M.A. ’60, Ingrid Bostick, BMP Marion Fields enrolled Connecticut” is available met her late husband, ’94, is no longer a lost in the Kennedy School in the Seminary Library. William Wong, B.D. alumna, but living in of Mission with the class ‘58, M.A. ’59, while Raleigh, North Carolina, of 1950, intending to Ardyth Johnson, M.A. both were at Hartford and eager to keep up follow a life-long dream ’68, writes “I have Seminary, she in the with Seminary news. of being a missionary. recently retired from the Institute of Church But before she could active ministry and am Social Service. When Details of the life of complete her degree, now living in Northern William was called to the Wade Boyle, M.Div a family illness took Wisconsin.” Congregational Church ’70, were provided her home to Lebanon, in Pomfret, Connecticut, by the Rev. Andrew Connecticut. After The Rev. Dr. Bela after serving in Terwilleger, B.D., M.Div marriage, children and a Kalumbete, D.Min. Westminster, Vermont, ’70, of Lexington, teaching career, Marion ’03, traveled from his and their children Kentucky. Wade died realized her deferred home in Nairobi to were old enough, Lucy on October 3, 1993 at dream when she and attend the International returned to school the age of 48. While her husband, David, Conference for at the University of studying at Hartford became missionary Theological Educators Connecticut, receiving Seminary, Wade heard teachers in Taiwan in in Sopron, Hungary this a Masters degree in a radio broadcast about 1980, where they stayed past October. He sends special education in naturopathic medicine for 10 years, years they his greetings to Hartford 1969. She taught in that and the course of his both describe as the Seminary staff and field for many years, life was changed. Wade “best years of our lives.” students. and continues to live in received his degree and Despite the interruption Woodstock Valley and went on to medical in her education at The Rev. Dr. Joseph attend the Church of the school and a career as a the Kennedy School, Krasinski, D.Min. Good Shepherd there, naturopathic physician, Marion says her time ’89 and Mr. James R. where her husband was an educator, author, and at Hartford Seminary Hughes were married pastor until his death in associate publisher of was “key” in providing at St. Peter’s-Trinity 2007. Medical Herbalism. the tools for successful Church in Thomaston, missionary work. Connecticut, on June 27, The Rev. Robert W. Audrey Casstevens, 2009. Pastor Krasinski Wright, M.A. ’55, B.D. ICC, ’60, began her time Juanita J. Hart, M.A. became rector of ’60, served churches at Hartford Seminary ’53, reports that she put St. James Church in in West Suffield and as the resident nurse at her Seminary degree to Danbury on September Woodbury, Connecticut, McKenzie Hall, before work professionally as an 19, 2009. before retiring from the her program involved Administrative Assistant Franklin Congregational her at the University of at First Church of Florence M. Leduc, Church. He continues to Connecticut School of Christ, Wethersfield, in M.A. ’90, former be a volunteer chaplain Social Work on Albany the Caring Ministries Administrative Assistant at Backus Hospital in Avenue. She recalls Department for 15 at the Macdonald Center Norwich, where he visits the presence of many years, and personally for the Study of Islam patients every day he is international students as a caregiver for five and Christian-Muslim not out of town. making the old campus family members. During Relations, has relocated such a unique place to her years of study at from Connecticut to

10 Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s The Rev. Dr. Evan Johnson: A Life in Ministry

By Jonathan Lee Russell Henry Stafford and President James Approaching a half- N. Gettemy—a loud century since his statement that the graduation, The Rev. modern era had arrived, Dr. Evan Johnson, B.D. embodied in “no more ’60, recalls his time at overstuffed furniture Hartford Seminary with in Victorian parlors but crystal clarity, relating clean, sparse lines.” a lively story filled with vivid images of faculty, Raised in a fundament- fellow students, and list family, Evan recalls Dr. Johnson is picured with his class. He is in the middle row, moments that shaped bringing his Scofield third from the right. his life as a Methodist Bible—full of notations Striding down the with an old sermon in pastor in Connecticut of “airtight” Old aisle, Potter turned hand, and showed Evan and Massachusetts. and New Testament and boomed, “This is a story he told about connections—to the the day the Lord hath a U.S. soldier in the Johnson’s military class of Old Testament service began with made!” in such a loud South Pacific who had Professor Moses Bailey, voice that a woman near penned a poem with most of 1945 as an a devout Quaker who enlistee in the Army Air the front clapped her the concluding line, “shortly thereafter hands to her ears. “… and he also made Corp. The next four suggested that ‘perhaps years at the University the stars.” Potter was the connections in On another Sunday, moved; Johnson never of Maine (Orono) your Scofield aren’t so Evan attended a earned him a degree forgot the moment, or trustworthy’.” “psychic research” event the affirmation that in Music Education, at the Burnside Avenue and a teaching position Johnson also recalls mystery lives, even Methodist Church for those who move in Central Maine. In highly respected Dean in East Hartford (a 1950, with the Korean Alexander Purdy, through life with great popular topic in the confidence. War expanding, he another Quaker, who, late 1950s). This event re-entered the Army like Bailey, would featured the well Evan, along with his by securing a position open each class with known psychic Arthur three closest friends, with the U.S. Military a moment of silence; Ford, and to Evan’s Hank Green (“if you Academy Band at West Peter Berger, “brilliant, amazement, there in need a crank, call Point (Trumpet/Cornet but with a coolness to the audience was Dean Hank”), milkman Section), 1951 – 1954. evangelicals” like Evan; Potter. Potter left to Charles McEwan, and Following discharge homiletics professor go home when the Hartford Courant he returned to school Chalmers Coe, “ramrod lecture was over, but at employee David Hall teaching to lead the straight, thin, athletic, an informal gathering (all B.D. ’60), joked East Hartford High who preached with at the parsonage about being the “Four School Band. He also a strong voice and afterward, Arthur Horsemen of The obtained a position in gestures carved out Ford was blindfolded, Apocalypse” during the Hartford Symphony of the air, meticulous and “channeled” the their time in the old Orchestra, in the in his preparation, late, former Hartford Gothic buildings that trumpet section. leaving no doubt to his Seminary Dean Tertius were the Seminary meaning or intent”; Van Dyke. Van Dyke campus. Their friend- But persistent intima- Steven Callendar, who tions of a “calling” to told Arthur Ford to “tell ship was a pivotal spent time “teaching us Rocky it’s OK here” and part of the Seminary Christian ministry to read scripture aloud would not be silenced, gave a mysterious clue experience, with each not as a dog-fight”; for the Dean: “…and bringing individual especially when an old and Homer Lane, college friend, The Rev. he also made the stars” perspectives to shared the coordinator of (Gen. 1.16). experiences. Henry Wyman (B.D.’56) fieldwork (and father of asked bluntly, “Why Robert Lane, B.D. ’52), Arriving back on Evan describes the aren’t you in Hartford who “had been enough campus, Evan went Seminary as having Seminary preparing for miles in the parish to to the Dean’s house “congenial relationships the ministry?” Within offer valuable counsel.” and rang the bell. with sensitivity to” months, with wife, Potter answered the parishes that were June, and two young But it was the self- door, reported that being served by daughters, Evan was described “Old Dean,” he found the lecture students, and that the enrolled in the HTS Rockwell Harmon “interesting.” Upon administration did its class of 1960, and was Potter, who made the hearing Evan’s report best to support and, at appointed as Student greatest impression, just on Van Dyke, Potter times, advocate for the pastor of the Enfield, in his “Churchillian” told the seminarian to student ministers. The CT, United Methodist presence alone. One wait in the foyer and faculty were relaxed Church. Sunday Dean Potter slowly, methodically, and approachable, “not was guest preacher at Evan came to Hartford walked upstairs, where tweeds”—which might the Enfield Methodist he remained some have been expected in during the transition Church, Evan’s student between President minutes. He came down that day. ministry setting. continued on page 12

Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s 11 EVAN JOHNSON ontinued from page 11 In Memoriam

In the August edition of Praxis, the obituary for the Rev. Lawrence E. Dunn erroneously listed his year of graduation as 1950, not 1962. This was noticed by his friend and classmate, Dr. Donald Helms, B.D. ’62, who wrote with further reflections on “Ernie.”

“I was saddened to learn from the August 2009 issue of Praxis of the death in February of the Rev. Graduating in 1960, Evan continued serving in Enfield, leading in the Lawrence E. (Ernie) building of a new church in 1963-1964. From 1967 through 1991 he held Dunn, B.D. ‘62, of pastorates in Brockton, Newton, and Milford, MA, before retiring in 1991. Greenville. S.C. Always involved in and outspoken about politics (“rather the opposite of what President Stafford told us to do”), Evan “marched more miles than I Ernie entered Hartford can remember for peace,” and remains deeply committed to social justice, from Wesleyan [and] particularly most positions of his own Methodist church. was a great friend in seminary. We were Evan and his wife, June, a former biology teacher, live at Seabury Retirement classmates and dorm- Community in Bloom-field, where their daughter, Karen, is Director of mates -- sharing many Human Resources. Younger daughter Kathryn is an ordained Methodist classes over the three pastor and Executive Director of the Methodist Federation for Social years and almost every Action in Washington, D.C. meal in the all-school commons. We had an ongoing friendly arm-wrestling rivalry for three years, partly Alumni visits reveal faithful lives, because my alma mater unexpected connection had been Amherst. It was always a draw since On a recent trip to Jacksonville, Florida, President Heidi Hadsell and he was right-handed Chief Development Officer Jonathan Lee looked up three Hartford and I’m left-handed. At Seminary graduates, and heard fascinating stories not only of Seminary Hartford, he, Jane experiences of years ago, but of full and faithful lives since graduation. (Idleman) Smith (who In DeLand, the two visited Mrs. Marguerite Lawn, whose extensive has recently retired and colorful knowledge of Seminary history soon made sense when she from the Hartford explained she is the daughter of beloved Old Testament professor Moses faculty), and I were Bailey. Among many fond recollections, Ms. Lawn described growing easygoing competitors up on the old campus, meeting Duncan Black Macdonald, and, in a 2002 for academic address, hearing Andrew Young’s praise of her father as a formative figure honors. At graduation, in his commitment to peace. Ms. Lawn graduated from the Hartford Ernie won the Hebrew School of Religious Education in 1945. (Old Testament) prize awarded by our In 1982, the Rev. Dr. Ben New, while serving Trinity Church in Shelburne esteemed professor Falls, MA, completed his D.Min. under the exacting eyes of Jack Carroll and mentor, Moses and David Roozen, who were at the time embracing a new level of stylistic Bailey. We separated excellence for project reports. Ben’s work, “The Pastor’s Management to different parts Role,” is a study of planned change in a local congregation. Still in the of the country at Seminary Library, at 300+ pages, the study reflects the depth of Ben’s graduation and to research (and reporting). Ben was raised and ordained as a Southern different countries Baptist, met his wife, Mary Helen, an Episcopalian, and was authorized by thereafter. Our paths, the in 1969. Over lunch in The Villages, FL, the unfortunately, never group discovered that the News’ son, Mark, was a seminary classmate of crossed again. Jonathan Lee. During the preceding And in Penney Farms, FL, Heidi and Jonathan visited Ivan and Gloria senior year, Ernie was Kurtz. Ivan described his year of S.T.M. study at Hartford Seminary the President of the in 1968 as an “important transition time” which set the course for his Hartford Seminary ministry from then forward. He was mentored in part by the Rev. Continued on next page Nathaniel Guptill, Minister of the Connecticut Conference, which had its offices (as it still does) adjacent to the Seminary campus. The Kurtzes spent time doing ministry in Panama, as well as a year of study at the Bossy Ecumenical Institute in Switzerland -- which Heidi would later direct.

12 Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s In Memoriam continued from preceding page In Memoriam Foundation student Andover Newton North Stonington, before to get a seat.” body. I still have a Theological School, revitalized church He was one of the photo somewhere from and the University curriculums, developed founders of Asamblea the Hartford Courant of Connecticut. As a seminars on marriage Permanente por los of him and me shaking young seminarian, he enrichment and Derechos Humanos/ hands as the gavel was mastered the lost art church stewardship, the Permanent passed. Those were the of playing the musical and often served as Assembly for Human days of lunch counter saw. While looking pastor to the pastors. Rights in 1976 together sit-ins (including for an accompanist on After completing his with Raul Alfonsin. picketing Kresge’s in piano, he knocked on work with ABCConn The Assembly and downtown Hartford) a professor’s door and in 1977, Alex became Gattinoni were tireless and arrests because met his future wife area minister for voices against the citizens, including and love of his life, the American 1976-1983 military Hartford students, Sarah Schade Elsesser. Baptist Church Junta responsible refused to evacuate Alex and Sarah were of Massachusetts, for the disappearing the streets during wed a week before working with 63 of almost 30,000 cold-war air-raid drills. his ordination in July churches in Western people. In December The Hartford Courant 1943, and they went on Massachusetts for 1983 Raul Alfonsin ran the story with the to make joyous music whom he served as was democratically undercurrent that the together during 64 a resource person, elected president of student leadership years of marriage, until consultant, and Argentina, and one of at the Seminary her death in December spiritual adviser before the first actions was to was passing from 2007. Alex’s Christian retiring in 1983. After create the CONADEP majority into minority ministry began at moving to Penney (Comisión Nacional hands. I’m pleased Liberty Street Baptist Farms in 1992, Alex de Desaparición de to see that Ernie Church in Meriden, continued his ministry Personas/The National lived through January where he served as in different ways, Commission of the 2009. He was able to pastor for four years working with Habitat Disappearance of see that what he, as a before becoming pastor for Humanity, serving People). He chose 10 student, did in the late of the new Shroyer as chaplain at the distinguished people ‘50s and early ‘60s has Road Baptist Church nursing-care center for the Commission. been writ large on the in Dayton, OH in 1947. and singing with the One was Bishop Carlos national scene with The church enjoyed Shuffle-Aires. Gattinoni. One year President Obama. much growth under later, the Commission Alex’s leadership, A former parishioner produced a landmark Hartford has lost a fine and he left at the end of Carlos T. Gattinoni, report, “Nunca Más” alumnus and our nation of 1955 to become ’40, Richard Perugorria (Never Again). Emma has lost an outstanding director of Christian of Visalia, California, Gattinoni, another human being.” education for the Ohio contacted the Seminary Hartford Lost Alumni, Baptist Convention. in response to a “lost was his wife. In 2007, The Rev. Alex H. In that capacity, alumni” listing and in celebration of the Elsesser ‘47, an Alex’s achievements provided a biography Centenary of his American Baptist included developing of the former student. birth, there were many minister who served in two year-round youth “Carlos T. Gattinoni celebrations, such as Ohio, Connecticut and camps from the was born in 1907 in giving a public square Western Massachusetts ground up. In 1960, Junin, Argentina, his name, and a rally at more than 40 years, with the family having and, after Hartford the Central Church in died July 14, 2009 grown to include four Seminary, pastored Buenos Aires. Again, at home in Penney children, Alex returned several churches in standing room only, Farms, FL. He was to Connecticut to Argentina and Uruguay. but not with him in 91. Alex was raised become pastor of He was Senior the pulpit. There are in Milwaukee and Community Baptist Pastor of Central many mentions of him developed lifelong Church in Manchester, Methodist Church in in the Internet, both electrical skills at where an effective Montevideo, Senior in English and Spanish, Boys’ Technical and outreach program Pastor of Central the majority about his Preparatory High again generated Methodist Church work in the Assembly School. Instead of steady growth. A stint in Buenos Aires, and for Human Rights and pursuing an electrical as chairman of the then a Bishop of the in the CONADEP.” engineering degree, Connecticut Baptist Methodist Church in Alex followed a path Convention’s camping Argentina from 1969 Mr. Gary M. Klose, to the ministry at program led to his to 1977. The Rev. B.D., M.Div. ’70, died Rochester (NY) becoming minister of Gattinoni died in 1989. on November 23, 2000 Theological Seminary. Christian education “I attended Central in Texas at the age of A consummate for the American in Buenos Aires in the 56. No details were lifelong learner, Baptist Churches mid 60s, and if you provided. he graduated from of Connecticut in arrived on time, you 1965. In that role, risked to be standing. in Middletown, Alex helped expand People used to go to Hartford Seminary, Camp Wightman in church 30 minutes

Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s 13 2 0 1 0 January Intersession a n d W i n t e r/ S p r i n g S e m e s t e r A rts of ministry Ministry in a Multicultural World Mondays, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., beginning Jan. 25 (10 weeks) Hartford Seminary’s January Intersession will run This course explores an invitation to discipleship from Monday, January 11 through Friday, January rooted in serving others and will focus on ministry 15. The Winter/Spring 2010 semester will run from in everyday life – in the home, at work, out in the Monday, January 25 through Monday, May 3. The community as well as in communities of faith, and Seminary’s courses are open to the public and in the world beyond. It is designed for those who carry three graduate level credits. Individuals who feel called to ministry and to service, but not to do not wish to take courses for credit may apply formal ordination. We will examine what ministry to take courses as an auditor. Many classes fill up means from a variety of perspectives and cultivate quickly, so participants are urged to register early some basic ministry skills for practical application. to ensure a place in their courses of choice. For Miriam Therese Winter, Professor of Liturgy, Worship those enrolled in a three-credit course, the cost is and Spirituality and Director, Women’s Leadership $1,680. The non-credit audit fee is $575 A special Institute and Benjamin K. Watts, Faculty Associate in audit fee of $385 is available for: those who are the Arts of Ministry and Senior Pastor, Shiloh Baptist age 60 and older, persons 55 and older receiving Church, New London disability income, graduates of Hartford Seminary degree programs or the Certificate of Professional Ministry (cooperative M.Div.), donors of $250 a year or more, Hartford Seminary Adjunct Faculty, and up ETHICS to three specially designated members of churches Global Ethics that participate in the International Peacemaking Program of the Seminary. There is a limit of one Thursdays, 3:50 p.m. – 6:50 p.m., beginning Jan. 28 (10 course per academic year to receive the special rate weeks) Learning to live together is the challenge of except persons age 60 and older, for whom there is our age. This course explores the resources in and no limit. across traditions that can help us confront this challenge. In addition to exploring the work in To register, please contact the registrar’s office at this area of Hans Küng and the World Council of (860) 509-9511. Her email is [email protected]. Churches, this course looks at how these attempts To see specific course syllabi prior to the semester to arrive at a Global Ethic might be applied to or learn more about Hartford Seminary and its predicaments facing humanity in the 21st century. faculty, visit our website, www.hartsem.edu. Heidi Hadsell, Professor of Social Ethics and President, Hartford Seminary January intersession Introduction to Islamic Law Addiction and Spirituality: Dealing with Holes in the Soul ONLINE, beginning the week of Jan. 25 This course will provide a critical overview of the Monday, Jan. 11 through Friday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. history and practice of Islamic law. Ingrid Mattson, (Make-up day: Jan. 16) Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian Muslim This course will examine the largely Relations unacknowledged and sorely underexamined epidemic of addiction in the United States. A wholistic, pastoral overview of ministry to persons H istory with addictions will be presented through reading, presentations, research and dialogue in and outside Women in 19th and 20th Century the classroom. Persons engaged in religious America: Religion and Reform leadership and service of all types, including pastors, Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9:20 p.m., beginning Jan. 27 imams, chaplains and the regular congregational This course will provide students with an overview member who cares and gives care will be interested of 19th and 20th century American religious history in this important course. The Rev. Dr. Laurie Etter, with a particular emphasis on women’s roles in C.S.M., Adjunct Professor of Arts of Ministry and reform movements such as abolition, temperance, Chaplain, York Correctional Institute and suffrage. We will also address the various ways women’s piety and spirituality was made manifest, including their involvement in prison reform, Religion, Conflict, and Peacemaking women’s and children’s health issues, Sunday School

reform and the rise of institutions of social service. Monday, Jan. 11 through Friday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mary Coleman, Adjunct Instructor of History (Make-up day: Jan. 16) • Monday, Jan. 11 through Friday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Make-up day: Jan. 16) This course will explore the paradox of religion as a source of division and conflict, on the one hand, R eligion and society and of peaceful aspirations and compassionate, Religion in New England: sacrificial service on the other. Theoretical Socio-Historical Perspectives approaches to this paradox, drawn from the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, will Thursdays, 7 p.m. - 9:20 p.m., beginning Jan. 28 be supplemented by practical case studies, with Despite great change over time, New England’s particular attention given to the Israeli-Palestinian- religious culture has always been at the heart of Arab dispute over the “Holy Land.” Yehezkel Landau, one of America’s strongest regional identities. This Faculty Associate in Interfaith Relations course will examine the evolution of New England religion socially and historically, starting with the Protestant Standing Order of colonial days, through Continued on next page

14 Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s Hartford Seminary • P r a x i s Continued from preceding page political, cultural, and religious disputes that are the epic contentions of Protestants and immigrant raging in our times. This course will identify and Catholics, to the complexities of the present day, in examine some of these concerns in Judges and which the historically dominant groups are weaker, reflect and engage them with issues that need our the religiously non-affiliated (the so-called “Nones”) utmost attention today. Uriah Kim, Professor of are more numerous, conservative Protestants are Hebrew Bible reviving, and global flows of migration are bringing “new” religious bodies to the scene in some strength. Andrew Walsh, Adjunct Professor of Religion and Visiting T heology Assistant Professor of History and Religion at Trinity Readings in the Shi’a Tradition College. Mondays, 7 p.m. – 9:20 p.m., beginning Jan. 25 Women, Religion and the This seminar will examine the Shi’ite tradition from within. Mahmoud Ayoub, Faculty Associate in Islam and Future of USA Churches Christian-Muslim Relations ONLINE beginning the week of Jan. 25 Setting the context for on-line discussion of The Triune God in Christian Life women in the future of USA congregations and Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. – 6:50 p.m. beginning, Jan. 28 denominations, the course will begin with a brief This course explores what contemporary Christians overview of women in world religions. Attention will mean when they say that God is triune. After be focused on the history of women’s participation reading classical Trinitarian theologies from and leadership in American Christian churches over Gregory of Nyssa and Augustine, students will the last two centuries, to stimulate a discussion of read and critically discuss modern descriptions of what themes and trends might be predicted for the st divine triunity (e.g. Schleiermacher, Barth, Rahner) 21 century. The differences among and between and contemporary lines of thinking (e.g. process, women and men in the membership and leadership liberation, feminist and womanist). Marcus Elder, of Catholic, mainline liberal Protestant, and Adjunct Professor of Theology and Ethics evangelical conservative Protestant denominations will be explored to better understand the present Classical Islamic Philosophy reality and possible future of churches in the USA. Adair Lummis, Faculty Associate in Research Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. beginning Jan. 26 This course explores the evolution and main Strength at Any Size: debates of Islamic philosophy (falsafa) from the Exploring the Qualities of great translation movement of ancient Greek texts Large and Small Congregations under the ‘Abbâsid dynasty (8th-9th centuries) until the golden age of inter-disciplinary intellectual, Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 16, scientific and spiritual debates under the Mamlûks April 13 and May 4 of Egypt and the Mongols of Iran (13th-14th Half of US churches have fewer than 100 attenders centuries). Yahya Michot, Professor of Islamic Studies but half of all attenders are in very large churches. and Christian-Muslim Relations What is to be made of this? Congregations of all sizes have distinctive strengths and weaknesses, but exactly what are these and can their strengths Worship & Spirituality also be their detriment to reaching new persons? Using recent national surveys of congregations, this Holiness in Time and Space: course will explore the issue of size and its effect A Jewish Approach to Spirituality on congregational life. Attention will specifically be Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. – 6:50 p.m., beginning Jan. 27 paid to the role of a church’s size in relation to issues The Jewish people are called to consecrate both of commitment, growth, and spiritual vitality both time and space, the two pillars of a this-worldly in the national surveys and in a local congregational spirituality. After an introduction to Jewish identity context. Scott Thumma, Professor of Sociology of Religion and vocation, the focus will shift to the Sabbath and other holy days in the Jewish calendar. The metaphysical dimension of these holy times will S cripture be examined along with the behavioral norms and New Testament Survey rituals associated with the festivals. Next, the sacred dimension of space/place/land will be addressed, Tuesdays, 7 p.m. - 9:20 p.m., beginning Jan. 26 with specific reference to the “Holy Land,” This course introduces students to the study of the Jerusalem/Al-Quds, and Hebron/Al-Khalil. Yehezkel origins of Christianity by means of its canonical Landau, Faculty Associate in Interfaith Relations literature, the New Testament. We will undertake a historical study of the New Testament documents, The Essential Writings of seeking to understand their plan, origin, purpose and Howard Thurman content within their broader historical and cultural context. Efrain Agosto, Professor of New Testament and Thursdays, 7 p.m. – 9:20 p.m., beginning Jan. 28 Academic Dean This course is a study of the major writings of Howard Thurman, the mystic, prophet, poet, Reading Judges for Our Time philosopher and theologian, who promotes the idea that out of religious faith emerges social Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 16, responsibility. Benjamin K. Watts, Faculty Associate in April 13 and May 4 the Arts of Ministry and Senior Pastor, Shiloh Baptist Framed between the narratives of the conquest of Church, New London­­­ the establishment of monarchy, the book of Judges gives conflicting accounts of how ancient Israelites came to occupy the land. There are other issues in the book that need attention in light of ideological,

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Here are the IPP students for this academic year:

Ezekiel Abdullahi Babagario, Kaduna, Nigeria Ezekiel serves as the Public Relations Officer of the Muslim-Christian Relations Committee in Kaduna. Formerly a youth advisor in the Nigerian Air Force teaching pluralistic religious worldview, he continues to work in the community. Ezekiel looks to Hartford Seminary to study Islam and interfaith dialogue to position himself to be a leader in interfaith understanding in his community. He says that his Christian faith calls him to teach interreligious tolerance.

Acmad Macarimbang, Philippines The IPP students for this academic year (from left): Acmad Macarimbanq, Lady Mandalika, Ezekiel Babagario Acmad serves as legislative staff at the House of Representatives in the area of Muslim and Mindanao Affairs. He is an active member of The International the As-Sabiyah, an organization of students Peacemaking Program: from the Institute of Islamic Studies. Together with other organizations at the school, Acmad 2009-2010 Students conducts symposiums and forums about Islam and about the importance of the Memorandum of The students enrolled in Hartford Seminary’s Agreement between the Philippine Government International Peacemaking Program come from and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. overseas settings in which there is interreligious conflict. They spend an intensive year studying Lady Mandalika, Jakarta, Indonesia interfaith dialogue and leadership, and leave with the Lady is engaged through study and action in skills and knowledge to be interfaith peacemakers at understanding the intersections of women, home. biblical studies and interfaith work. As a member of the Institute for the Empowerment of Practical In addition to their formal studies, the students are Ministry and Contextual Theological Studies embedded in a local faith community where they in eastern Indonesia, she facilitates encounters experience American religious culture firsthand. through trainings and workshops with local They also participate in programming led by congregations and Christian and Muslim activists. Intersections International in New York City, As a member of the Light of Peace in Jakarta, Hartford Seminary’s partner in the program. Lady set up a pluralism education program for youth. Upon completion of the required 18 credits, IPP students receive a Graduate Certificate in either Funding for the International Peacemaking Program Interfaith Dialogue or Islamic Studies and Christian- is generously provided by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Muslim Relations. Carpenter Foundation, the David E. A. Carson and Sara F. Carson Fund, and Intersections International.