pra xis
News from Hartford Seminary • December 2005 • Vol.XVII • No.3
intensify the dialogue between congregational Francis studies – one of the Institute’s traditional strengths IN CONVERSATION Acquah, Research – and congregations’ perception and expression of from the sacred. Ghana, is Rev. studying Institute “Historically, the field of congregational studies Francis Islam and was dominated by sociological and organizational Christian- perspectives – congregations as organizations. Now Acquah Muslim Examines the Institute is attempting a more integrated and relations at with Alisa wholistic approach that fully appreciates the essen- Dzananovic Hartford tially theological character of congregations. They Seminary Practical are organizational entities, to be sure. But the this fall. social and sacred dimensions are so intertwined that multidisciplinary, dialogical forms of under- Q: What made you decide to Theology standing appear most appropriate,” David Roozen, study abroad? director of the Institute, said. By David S. Barrett Director of Public and Institutional Affairs The broadening of the research institute’s mandate prompted the hiring of James Nieman, who joined the faculty this fall as Professor of Practical The Hartford Institute for Religion Research Theology, and the shift benefits from the generosi- hosted a national conference in October on ty of those who honored Carl Dudley at the time “Theology and Congregational Life” as the first of his retirement from the Institute’s core faculty major public event to signal its new interest in with the establishment of the New Horizons in practical theology. Congregational Studies Fund. The conference, like the broadening of the Dudley directed the conference in his continuing Institute’s understanding of its mandate, sought to relationship to the Institute Continued on page 6
A: I decided to study abroad because my area of academic interest — a Ph.D. in Ecumenism with an emphasis on Christian-Muslim relations — is not offered by the univer- sities and seminaries in Ghana.
Continued on page 4 05 Annual Report
THEOLOGY AND CONGREGATIONAL LIFE CONFERENCE: (Clockwise, from upper left) Warren Dennis of New INSIDE Brunswick Theological Seminary and David Polk, retired editor of Chalice Press; Mary Brown Larson of Ledyard Congregational Church and Susan Holman, an independent scholar; Jeffery Tribble from the Center for Church and Black Experience of Garrett Evangelical Seminary and Phil Kenneson from the Ekklesia Project and Milligan College; and James Nieman and Ian Markham of Hartford Seminary. ing the two editors of the magazine, the university’s Center for Theology given us. I personally have that attempts to impose what many in News Dr. Ibrahim Abu-Rabi and Dr. Jane and Religious Studies. Kerr led the Law, Justice and chosen the latter interpreta- the West call “medieval” concepts on Smith,” said Heidi Hadsell, president Macdonald Center from 1988 to tion. I believe, in other very contemporary realities. They often & Notes of Hartford Seminary. 1996, when he left to join the words, that God has joined characterize Islam as a legalistic reli- University of Edinburgh, Scotland, as the Ethics of Love us in this sometimes uncom- gion–and this is not a positive designa- “The formation of the Advisory a professor in the University’s fortable relationship because tion–in much the same way that some By Alisa Dzananovic Committee will allow the Board to Divinity School. of the call that we separate- Christians have interpreted Jesus’ cri- provide additional perspectives,” By Dale L. Bishop Director of Relationships and Resources ly consider ourselves to have received tique of the behavior of Jewish authori- New Advisory Committee Hadsell said. Young Honored by United for Interreligious Understanding from God to witness to each other, to ties in his time as an indication that to The Muslim World Church of Christ The new committee will: 1) monitor admonish each other, and ultimately to Jewish legalism has been superseded by Hartford Seminary’s Executive In July, the United Church of Christ and evaluate the partnership with love each other. Christian love. Committee of the Board of Trustees recognized the ministry of The Rev. Blackwell, which publishes the jour- has formed an Advisory Committee Dr. Andrew Young, an alumnus of And not only do we witness to each I speak here as an admittedly imperfect nal, 2) oversee the commitment to to The Muslim World journal. Hartford Seminary, during its General other, we witness to, and in, the world, witness, but one who nevertheless publish special issues, and 3) advise Synod in Atlanta. and we witness within our own commu- attempts to report faithfully what he has The Muslim World is edited by the the Board and Academic Council nities. One of the essential components seen and learned from his studies and directors of the Seminary’s Duncan about the overall direction of the Rev. Young received his Bachelor of of this witness is that of telling the from Muslim friends, one who does his Black Macdonald Center for the journal. Divinity degree from Hartford truth–telling the truth confessionally best to tell the truth about his neighbor. Study of Islam and Christian- Muslim Seminary in 1955 and the Synod Kerr Takes New Post about our own shortcomings and telling The Islam of my experience is not the Relations and reaches subscribers in honored him for his distinguished David A. Kerr, former director of the the truth as well about our neighbors. unwieldy and unyielding monolith of 65 countries. The new Advisory work in the ministry and society as a Seminary’s Duncan Black Macdonald One of the Ten Commandments, a popular imagination in the West, an Committee will consist of at least two whole. Center for the Study of Islam and commandment that reverberates imagination that is, by the way, shaped trustees and two outside constituents, Christian-Muslim Relations, has been Rev. Young is known nationally for throughout the Abrahamic tradition, is in large part by popular media and by one of whom would be a Christian appointed to a chair as Professor in his work as a civil rights leader, for- the injunction that we are not to bear scholars who are ill-disposed to Islam or and one a Muslim. Missiology and Ecumenics at the mer United States Ambassador to the false witness about our neighbors. We careless in their work. are to tell the truth, as best we can per- “The importance and visibility of The University of Lund in Sweden. United Nations, member of the ceive it, about each other. What has emerged as a result of such Muslim World is growing and it will House of Representatives from Missiology and Ecumenics is part of carelessness or manipulative stereotyp- be wise to have two board members Georgia and mayor of Atlanta. the History of Christianity section in One of my mentors, the late Dr. Byron ing is, of course, inconsistent with the and two outside academics in assist- Haines, who was one of the initiators of rich tradition of Islamic legal theory and Ours is a world in which the largest the Christian-Muslim dialogue program practice. It fails to take into account the faith communities are comprised of peo- of the National Council of Churches in diversity of Islam, its different legal ple who call themselves Muslims or the United States, used to refer to the schools, the rigorous training of religious Christians. Our respective traditions are human tendency to see the interreli- scholars and the open debate that is an alike in that they both make absolute gious encounter as the encounter essential part of the training of an ‘alim. claims. We both believe that faith in, between the “ideal me” and the “real Islamic law is, in my own experience, and worship of, one sovereign God is you.” Too often, he was saying, we judge neither inert nor monolithic; it is both pleasing to God and a requirement ourselves on the basis of our ideals while dynamic; it is diverse; it is represented Shop at The Hartford for living a good life. We are both, in a we judge others on the basis of their by the open door, the open door of ijti- sense, “missionary” religions: both of us behavior. had, of inspired scholarly effort. consider the revelations that lie at the Seminary Bookstore heart of our faith to be “good news,” The gap between ideals and actual Further, when western Christians with and we invite others to share in that behavior, between the ideal me and the whom I have been in conversation have good news for the benefit of their own real you, leads to the development of asserted–again under the influence of Ordering is easy... Call our bookstore directly at (860) 509-9527 souls and to the benefit of God’s stereotypes. And we know that stereo- popular media “analyses”–that Islam is a or email [email protected] beloved creation. types abound in the realm of Christian- religion of merciless retribution and Muslim relationships. Stereotypes are so unfeeling legalism, I have been com- We have both learned –not all of us in powerful, so persistent and so destruc- pelled to remind them, or inform them, our respective communities, but proba- tive because they are more than wild that literally scores of times during an bly most of us–that it is highly unlikely flights of someone’s malicious imagina- average day Muslims invoke God with that we are going to be able to convince tion. They are not things that are just God’s two most frequently mentioned each other to become converts to our thought up. Stereotypes have power attributes. God is rahman and God is own tradition, whether that reluctance because they are based on the reality rahim. God is merciful and compassion- stems from genuine conviction or from that, as St. Paul put it, “we have all ate, and that mercy and compassion are our strong cultural backgrounds. sinned and fallen short of the glory of reflected in both the law and in the ful- We also, perhaps, realize that if it were God.” As much as we would like to fillment of prescribed religious obliga- moral to try to conquer each other mili- think that we consistently embody the tions. tarily–and I don’t believe that it would ideals of our religion, we have all been, at times, the “real me.” We have all At the same time, Christianity is often We’ll be happy to locate your books and ship them out the same day! be–if, in other words there were an characterized and caricatured as a reli- attempt to provide religious justification unwittingly and probably unwillingly Gift wrapping is available by request. contributed to the strengthening of gion that so focuses on the individual for a war between Christians and that the law, which is by its very nature Muslims, given the destructive capabili- someone else’s negative stereotype of our religion. corporate and societal, is left to the ties now available to human beings, state and its secular mechanisms. This is such a conflict would likely lead to The theme of this conference has to do true neither historically nor, I would mutual annihilation and would already with the interrelationship between argue, theologically. Historically, the be a symptom of spiritual annihilation. ethics, law and justice. There is, I will church has had its canon laws, which argue an essentialist tendency among carried full force in many Christian soci- Editor: David Barrett • Designer: James Baker We are, in other words, to use a phrase often applied to less than ideal relation- both Christians and Muslims to see each eties. Personal and family law are, for Phone: 860/509-9519 • Fax: 860/509-9509 • E-mail Address: [email protected] ships, “stuck with each other.” And we other in stereotypical ways when we the most part, derived from church law Reprint and copy information: Articles may be reprinted if full credit is given to Hartford Seminary and can regard that compulsory coexistence look at these fundamental concepts. still in many societies where there are the author, if bylined in Praxis. For our records, please inform us if you plan to reprint or photocopy any as either as a burden that God has Christians are tempted to see in the substantial numbers of Christians. Even part of Praxis. Letters to the editor are welcomed. If you would like additional copies of this issue of imposed on us or as a gift that God has centrality of Islamic law a kind of in the most secular of societies, like that Praxis or back issues or if you would like more information about Praxis or about Hartford Seminary, uncompromising rigidity, a legal inertia, of my own country, Continued on page 4 please contact David Barrett at Hartford Seminary, 77 Sherman Street, Hartford, CT 06105.
2 P RAXIS P RAXIS 3 Law, Justice, Ethics Continued from page 3 the United Acquah Continued from page 1 Q: What made you Q: What made you Q: What are your goals for your time spent 2005 States, what is decide to come to IN CONVERSATION decide to come to here? International considered to be secular law has grown out of church law and practice. Hartford Seminary? Hartford Seminary? Work-wise, I am here to learn more about The founding principle of the country, the very motive for its founda- Students A. I decided to come to the Seminary upon the recom- Ida the academic programs offered by the tion, is a religious principle, that all people are created equal by God, In February 2005, a mendation of my professor and friend, Julio de Santa Ana, Seminary with the purpose of possible future and Visiting which is another way of asserting a fundamental religious precept, which Nooraman small delegation from who taught me at Bossey Ecumenical Institute in Geneva. collaboration. I would also like to get a sense Scholars is that all of us, equally, are children of God, a precept shared through- Hartford Seminary with Alisa Dzananovic of the administrative model adopted by out the Abrahamic tradition. including Heidi Q: What program at Hartford Seminary are you enrolled Hartford Seminary that ensures the smooth Hadsell, Ibrahim Abu- in? functioning of its operation. This will be Christianity, despite what many Christians have made of it, is neither Rabi and Worth Loomis visited the Islamic INTERNATIONAL A: Currently, I am enrolled in the Seminary’s Graduate helpful as we are developing a MUIS acade- privatistic nor is it apolitical. When Jesus assured his followers that Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS). STUDENTS Certificate Program in Islamic Studies and Christian- my back home. The MUIS Academy aims to “whenever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am also,” he They came to find out more about Christian Muslim Relations. I also intend to continue with the centralize and streamline training and Rev. Francis Acquah was not simply praising the power of small groups; he was also insisting – Muslim relations in our country. The International Ph.D. program once I secure funding. resources for the Muslim community in Ghana that worship of God and the faithful carrying out of God’s will is incom- Islamic Religious Council of Singapore over- Graduate Certificate Singapore. Where opportunities arise, I’d plete if it does not have a quorum of more than one, that community is sees Muslim affairs in Singapore. Q: What are your goals for the time spent here? like to visit nearby Islamic centers and insti- an essential aspect of religion. Abdullah Antepli I am employed tutions and see how they can be useful mod- For Christians in contemporary society, and I would suggest for Muslims A: My goals for the time I will spend here are: Turkey as an execu- els for Singapore’s future Islamic hub. International Ph.D. as well, the compelling question is not whether they are to participate in • To strengthen my knowledge of Christian-Muslim rela- tive officer at the political order as people of faith, and on the basis of that faith; the tions, a topic very relevant to my work in Ghana Personally, I have definitely benefited from the Council Suendam Birinci question is how they should participate and what should be the content • To make the most out of the rich, diverse cultural and the Interfaith Study Visit to Syria, and as a follow Turkey of their participation. A further question, which pays respect to the real- religious environment offered by Hartford Seminary by: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. In the up to the Master of Arts ity of religious pluralism, is how shall the law be formulated in a way a) taking the classes and assignments seriously meetings with different religious leaders of February meet- that does not abridge the rights of those from other religious traditions, b) learning from others who have interesting and wonder- various faiths, one could see how these coun- ing the Gulsum Gurbuz people who are also striving to carry out the will of God in their individ- ful experiences and viewpoints tries make conscious efforts to nurture posi- Research and Turkey ual lives and in their own participation in society. A political setting c) engaging in dialogue with people of other faiths and tive Christian-Muslim relations. One of the Development Master of Arts that respects religious diversity, that is not secular in the sense that it cultures so that I can understand better my own major things that I took away from the trip Strategic Unit attempts to suppress religion, but rather interprets religious diversity as a d) learning more of the American society – its people, is the realization that a nation’s history can of MUIS in Tuba Gursul possible source of morality and spiritual strength, I would argue, can be culture, and history leave an indelible mark on its present day’s collaboration Turkey the basis of a faithful society. Such a setting places a premium on con- stands. Master of Arts with Hartford scious moral choice over against unreflective obedience. Contemporary Q: How do you think your studies at Hartford Seminary Seminary Christians may no longer strive toward the creation of a Calvinist will help in your work back home in your country? Sharing a “home away from home” in Fachrizal Halim designed a republic, or a Christendom united under the aegis of the church, but, if Hartford with women from various nations, Indonesia My studies at Hartford Seminary will help me in my work three-month- they are faithful, they are compelled to seek the realization of the king- faiths and social background makes my Master of Arts back in Ghana: long professional development program for dom of God here on earth, having before them always Jesus’ prayer that Dialogue course come alive. Our bantering two of its staff members. That’s what brought God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. The mode of that politi- I. As a minister of a church, I can use this program to help at the dinner table or over a cup of tea, Ayse Kaplan me here. My colleague, Alfian Kuchit, and I cal participation will vary, but its goal will be consistent. me educate members of the church on the need for dia- ranging from the Seminary to solving life’s Turkey have been here since September 9 and I logue, and how to engage in dialogue, with people of other big questions, emphasizes the need to find Master of Arts must say that I am enjoying every moment If law rests on the moral basis of ethics, its goal is the realization of jus- faiths, especially Muslims since the two dominant religions common ground, as well as to celebrate of my time here. tice, of right relationships between people in society, people in commu- in Ghana are Christianity (62%) and Islam (16%). diversity. Fatma Kaya nity. Laws that are not moored in ethics and that do not have justice as Q: What courses are you taking while you Turkey II. I will be able to facilitate the interreligious engagements Q: How do you think your studies at a goal can become the tool of the powerful to suppress the weak and the are here? Master of Arts poor. Our current international order, which reinforces inequality and of my church — the Methodist Church Ghana — and also Hartford Seminary will help you in your injustice, which entrusts lawmaking to those whose interests are not in contribute to the work of the Christian Council of Ghana I am auditing four courses: Religion, Conflict work in Singapore? Fatma Kilinc and Forum for Religious Bodies in Ghana in interreligious & Peacemaking; Dialogue in A World of justice but in the accumulation of wealth and power, is not an order at I will definitely share with my family, friends Turkey relations and cooperation. Difference; Islam in Contemporary Saudi Master of Arts all, but rather is the disorder of the survival of the fittest under the thin and colleagues in Singapore that dialogue is Arabia, Iraq abd Afghanistan, and Women’s veneer of a contrived legality. All people of faith are called to challenge the key to developing and maintaining a III. In view of the emergence of religious extremism and Leadership & Spirituality. Guat Kwee See this unjust status quo. positive relationship with members of other fundamentalism, my education at the Seminary will equip Singapore faiths, not only Muslims and Christians. But even justice is itself subject to the demands of the ethic of love–love me to educate and create awareness among the civil soci- Auditing these courses and taking part in Master of Arts Hartford Seminary has given me ideas on of God, love of God’s creation. Jesus, in consistently pointing out the ety, the government, religious bodies, NGOs and other discussions encourages the development of a how to cultivate interfaith dialogue. insufficiency of law that is not grounded in the ethic of love continually peace-building organizations on the need and how to keen sense of analysis and understanding of Abraham Wilar Hopefully, we can implement similar ideas in challenged his own co-religionists: “you have heard it said . . . but I say.” address these dangerous developments, which threaten the issues raised by the instructors. Not hav- Indonesia Singapore. Each time, he told his followers that they must go beyond the letter of societal peace. ing to worry about class assignments makes Graduate Certificate the law, that they must challenge contemporary understandings of jus- things a bit easier. I can see that an indivi- “Speak softly and sweetly. When your words tice in order to meet the exacting demands of divine justice, a justice IV. This course will enable me to join hands with other dual’s learning is further enhanced when one are soft and sweet, they won’t be as hard to Tubanur Yesilhark that is always tempered by God’s essential mercy and compassion. religious leaders in seeking ways of building peace and is ‘free to disagree,’ without being judged or swallow if you have to eat them.” - Germany advocating for justice in Ghana. misunderstood. Unknown Master of Arts It is important that we Muslims and Christians talk with each other about these things. Not just our co-existence, but our very existence, Finally, I wish to express my deep appreciation for the Q: What else are you doing here as a visit- Ida Iryanee Nooraman is a Visiting Scholar may depend on it. Ours is an age when people are realizing that humani- President of the Seminary, Heidi Hadsell, who is my former ing scholar? from Singapore. She works for the Islamic VISITING SCHOLARS director at the Ecumenical Institute in Geneva, and whose Religious Council of Singapore and together ty is, indeed, flawed, that people need that spiritual dimension that So far I have taken part in an 18 day long Huseyin Cakillikoyak efforts made it possible for me to be here. with her colleague, Alfian Kuchit, she is study- places humans above even the angels, that makes us children of God Interfaith Study Visit to Syria, Azerbaijan, Turkey ing at Hartford Seminary in the hope to build a and not self-interested competitors. I am convinced that our own tradi- Rev. Francis Acquah is one of two international students taking Georgia and Turkey. Currently I am visiting long-term relationship between the two institu- tions, with all their differences, have something to say to the contempo- part in the newly formed Congregational Relations Program. As Islamic centers and institutions in the Grace Davie tions. rary condition, that we can together point toward a world that is under a part of the program, Rev. Acquah and Abraham Wilar, from Greater Hartford area and I will perhaps visit Great Britain the sway of God’s justice, a justice that is founded on the ethic of love, Indonesia, also will spend time working and participating in some in Chicago. established by a God who is rahman and rahim, merciful and compas- local church activities. The Congregational Relations Program is Alfian Kuchit sionate. supported by a generous gift from David E.A. and Sara F. Singapore Carson. It has been established to promote peacebuilding in This paper was delivered at a World Council of Churches consultation with Zubeyir Nisanci countries affected by interreligious warfare and to encourage the Iranian scholars in Geneva in September 2005. Turkey participation of local congregations. Ida Nooraman Singapore
4 P RAXIS P RAXIS 5 even want to discuss well as receiving support and under- the issue, since we standing in our sharing. This fellowship Research Institute Examines Practical Theology Continued from page 1 THEOLOGY: had other problems also prods us to each keep current on locally. The death activities and current issues. as Faculty Emeritus in Church and Roozen thinks this interest has arisen, in The goal of the conversation was to A Passion of the Heart penalty issue in Connecticut was also My Doctor of Ministry studies were Community at the Seminary. part, because “Old-line Protestantism is no explore and distinguish several different invaluable—for both personal growth longer clear about its overarching theolog- approaches to how theology works amid a stumbling block for As a local church pastor, I sometimes and for congregational understanding. The shift, Dudley said, changes the ical identity. Admitting this, it has now the congregational practices of members many, especially in the rural churches feel rather alone wrestling with theolog- Looking back, I would say texts and dynamic of who the Institute is. It is open- become clear that the main place for both and leaders and what study methodologies near us, one of which still had families ical issues. As much as we think, read, studies such as Varieties of Religious ing itself to new partners from networks of religious discernment and expression is best illuminate and enable this work with- of a serial killer’s victims. There were and pray on our own, there is no substi- Presence (Roozen, McKinney & sociologically-friendly theologians, and the local congregation. How we under- in congregations. many people in our local churches this tute for good, challenging discussions. I Carroll) helped me observe and begin to studying what motivates religious leader- stand the theology already in congrega- year who felt that the denomination had believe that theology cannot be a soli- understand how different congregations ship in the 21st century. The shift is “wit- tions, including its connection to the larg- “The conversation of the conference,” moved in a direction they could not fol- tary activity; its very nature implies “do” their theology. ness to our institutional flexibility to shift er theological tradition, is arguably the Nieman said, “was framed by three ques- low. I am not sure where God seemed words spoken and shared as we explore with the times,” he said. “It is also our tions which will continue to inform the to be for many people, but they were Theology is not just the work of theolo- the nature and reality of God in our practical theological stream of the insti- convinced it was not in the UCC. gians and academics, nor even just of midst. tute’s work.” Many of us, as pastors, were torn pastors. Theology is our lifeline, our between the extremes. “ The main place for both religious discernment and expression is • What counts as theology? All too often our church members tend connection with God and with each the local congregation. How we understand the theology already to think of theology as a dusty academic Of course, these are all oversimplifica- other. As sisters and brothers, we are • How do we help congregations see the called, together, to constantly seek God in congregations, including its connection to the larger theological subject, a topic mostly irrelevant to tions by a local church pastor of a medi- theology that is already present in their their daily lives. They understandably um-sized, moderate, mainline church, in our world and meaning in our lives. tradition, is arguably the most critical question for pastors and structure and practices? glaze over when the word “theology” is which often sees fellowship as more Theology in a congregation is a continu- mentioned—not something on which al challenge, frustration, puzzle and joy; seminaries to consider today.” - David Roozen • Once it is identified, how do we help important than theology. An example they want to spend the time or energy but we are called to explore and to grow, congregations work with it toward more of theological apathy I encountered was debating. They are hungry for words and to encourage one another in our life sustaining and transforming forms of to be told that someone would rather they think more relevant to the con- together in the congregation. We will attempt to take more seriously the bridg- ministry? leave out the sermon than to eliminate most critical question for pastors and sem- cerns of everyday life—coping with never, in this life, find the answers; but ing of faith and action,” he added, “of see- the announcements people make about inaries to consider today.” Each participant contributed a short paper stress, inflation, busy schedules, raising the journey itself is the reward. ing faith in action and acting one’s faith.” the on-going life and activity in the answering three questions: What is your children, trying to understand local “Yet,” he added, “this idea of theology as congregation. But then there are sparks Praise God! approach to theology in congregational tragedies and worldwide disasters. The Conversation on Theology and expressed by congregations is not the of passion in Bible study groups as peo- life? Who are your conversation partners? Sometimes all people would like to hear Mary Brown Larson Congregational Life, held over two days dominant perspective on theology in sem- ple wrestle honestly with theology, and What books, articles and authors have in church are “feel good” words, to Ledyard Congregational Church on October 11 and 12, drew 50 scholars, inaries. As a consequence, practitioners the comment someone made after I first been/are most influential in your work? affirm them as good people Gales Ferry, Connecticut students and religious leaders. The entire and scholars who agree about the impor- did a role-playing sermon of a biblical faculty of the Institute were pleasantly sur- These will be collected as a resource to character: “I never really thought about tance of the question are looking for con- The challenge for the local pastor is to prised by the outpouring of interest in the the participants. how people in the Bible were real peo- versation partners such as they found at help people recognize that God is, conversation. It was over-subscribed. ple.” our October event.” indeed, in the midst of their lives, that God does think they are good people, We can identify theology at but also wants to challenge them to work, however subtly, in vari- It takes something as • How might an urban land-use hermeneutical model raise ques- bring their faith to life. Theology needs ous aspects of congregational Streets are places big as Hurricane tions about power, wealth and governance? to come out of the text books as a mind life: by which hymns are What do you hope a congregation Katrina and the pain exercise and become a passion of the will do with its theology as it • How can we bring clear theological inquiry that warrants our requested, by what prayers are of wisdom and suffering we saw heart. For people to grow in faith, we best ministry response in the face of such immediate and over- offered during worship or at becomes aware of and intentional among the poor black need to inspire thinking, discussion, and whelming human need? meetings, by cares and con- about it? people of New Orleans passion. We need to help people realize cerns shared, by how the bud- to get America to focus • How do we frame a public theological conversation with other that theology is an important piece of get is prioritized, by which erein is the rub! I presume on race and poverty. It faiths, private and not-for profit partners about and in the midst their lives. sermons invite a lot of head- that the purpose of any happens about once every 30-40 years. Added, is the fact of a of this national crisis? nodding, even by which In reality, people, as much as they avoid congregation is to embody third migration in a hundred years of tens of thousand of poor emails are forwarded around H As one who thinks and teaches urban theological education and the word, are doing theology. They black families across the country. Which means we can expect by members of the congrega- its revelation in the particularity of focuses appreciatively on the Incarnational ministry of congrega- have values and convictions by which the impact of Katrina on these persons to affect us no matter tion. its situation (a heavily Christian where we live. So, as we shape this conversation on congrega- tional life in cities, I start from the theological premise of helping they run their lives; they are responding tional life and reflect on theology, let us be clear: As Christians, congregations to understand the missional implication of to God, even when they do not name I am grateful for the two Bible and modern presumption that needs we have a stake in what goes on in our communities. Matthew 25:31-46 to take the sanctuary to the streets. I want God. Even when they are ignoring studies we hold—one looking to be tested with each particular them to see that streets are places of wisdom as well—Proverbs God, it is a theological response of a at lectionary texts, and the congregation, especially those with- The aftermath of Katrina’s devastation in New Orleans and the 1:20-21. For this to occur, a transformation of how congrega- kind. other using some contempo- in faith traditions other than Alabama-Mississippi Gulf Coast challenges every aspect of a cri- tions come to view themselves differently in relation to their rary theological book as a I believe the diversity of our present cul- Christian and Jewish). Accordingly sis response. Ministry is no exception. Theological education community, especially marginalized communities, is essential. I basis for discussion. This ture is affecting how people think about and congregational studies is challenged by this unprecedented believe a theological inquiry of the ‘grassroots’ that reflects the summer we read Borg’s The as a congregation’s theology is theology when they do think about it. catastrophe in its teaching, learning and engagement, particularly liberating aspirations of indigenous persons who because of their Heart of Christianity, which brought to awareness it should be The conservatives believe the liberals in the area of urban ministry. In the days, weeks, months and crisis circumstances seek to discern God’s self-disclosure and self- prompted much thoughtful have no theology; and the liberals placed in dialogue with the congre- years to come congregations must think about a theological and revelation in the theater of their lives is required. and honest debate. Through believe the conservatives have usurped gation’s sense of revelation, in dia- practical response to the crisis that has gospel integrity. This studies like this, those who Looking to the “Missional Church” approach to scripture and the theology and are making it a political response must fuel our theological reflection and then move us to are interested in theology are logue with the strategic dimensions world has provided me some helpful insight, and a stimulating influence. And, as frequent as interfaith make a connection to the new ground zero. The challenge able to explore, challenge, of its particular historical situation, critique for advancing urban ministry and congregational studies. discussions are among the “theological before us is this: How do we give appropriate ministry language and grow in faith. aristocrats,” people have all too often and in dialogue with the larger the- to the chronic images brought to us by the print and visual I am interested in forging a conversation of an urban grassroots ological tradition(s) with which it media? The crisis in the Gulf Coast challenges congregations in gospel of the Kingdom of God as central to both public thought turned pews into trenches. I am also grateful for clergy and public action. This theology of the grassroots starts with a support groups—one within identifies. many ways- Our denomination, the United Church pedagogical dialogue and systemic analysis of the neighborhood our Association and an ecu- of Christ, has posed theological chal- • How do we understand ministry and respond when poverty, between persons in the academy, the church and community. It menical one in our town. I lenges this past year. The gay marriage David A. Roozen, Director, Hartford Institute class and racial justice are involved? values people’s experiences in-ministry Continued on page 8 believe that we grow through resolution caused dissent in many con- for Religion Research, Hartford Seminary the exchanging of ideas, as gregations. In ours, the Deacons did not
6 P RAXIS P RAXIS 7 studied at the Merrill-Palmer In Memoriam Institute for Human Development, Wayne State Among the religious leaders who met with the Seminary Alumni/ae Notes The Hartford Seminary com- University in Detroit, and Seminary Delegation delegation were the Armenian Catholic Archbishop of munity lost the following Hartford Seminary. He Aleppo and the Grand Mufti of Damascus, who is the high- beloved members recently. Our earned a Ph.D. in human Visits Syrian Leaders est Muslim religious authority in Syria. thoughts and prayers go out to development from their friends and families. Hadsell said that the trip was an excellent start to a coop- Pennsylvania State erative partnership between the Seminary and the colleges University. Ordained in The Rev. Howard L. Grant 1957 by the American and universities in Syria, as well as an opportunity to learn (’66), 83, of Glastonbury, A Hartford Seminary delegation led by President Heidi Baptist Convention, Rev. more about Christian-Muslin relations in Syria. “I was died in July at Hartford Hadsell spent 10 days in Syria in October, meeting with gov- Spangenberg served as a impressed with the experience religious and educational lead- Hospital. Born in 1921 in ernment, religious and educational leaders to discuss mutual campus minister at Eastern ers have in the field of dialogue, and also appreciative of the Manchester, he lived in Michigan University, at cooperation and the opportunity to exchange students. The Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikan ‘66 was honored by the warm hospitality they showed toward our delegation,” Glastonbury for the past 18 Penn State University, at Armenian-American Community of the Midwest on September One conversation was with Dr. Hussam al-Din Farfour, Hadsell said. years. Prior to his retire- Clemson University, and at 25 after 46 years of active pastoral ministry. In 1965, Rev. founder of Al-Fath University in Damascus, and Dr. Maher ment in 1987, Rev. Grant the University of Louisville. Worth Loomis, a Seminary faculty member and development Tootikan came to the United States to study for a Master’s Degree abu al-Dahab, dean of languages at the university. They said was a minister with the New He also served as a supply officer, accompanied Hadsell, and said that he has a new in Theology at Hartford Seminary. He simultaneously served as a their university would work to send five students a year to York Annual Conference of minister throughout New view of Syria because of the trip. He spoke of the warmth of student minister at the Community Congregational Church near the United Methodist Hartford Seminary. Hampshire. He was active in the people and the openness of the officials to dialogue with Hartford and Minister-Elect for the Armenian Memorial Church Church. He had served in family planning community Americans. of Watertown, Massachusetts. Rev. Tootikan assumed the pas- The Seminary group also met with the leaders of two state North Canton, North services his entire profes- torate at the Watertown Church in 1966, where he served for 19 universities, in Damascus and Aleppo. Each of these univer- Haven, Glandale, KY and sional life. Besides his wife, The American Embassy also hosted the group at a dinner at years. During his ministry, the congregation grew both spiritually sities has 100,000 students. Ibrahim Abu-Rabi’, co-director of Katonah, NY. Rev. Grant Lena R. Spangenberg, he the ambassador’s house, where they met 100 guests. and financially, constructed a new Christian Education building the Seminary’s Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and was a graduate of the leaves three children, two and initiated new young adult organizations and other programs in Christian-Muslim Relations, said these two universities are Dr. Abu al-Huda al-Husseini, a sheikh at Al-Salihiyyah University of Hartford, brothers, and a sister. the Bay State. In 1975, Rev. Tootikan was called to the pulpit of Hartford Seminary and considering sending students to the Seminary. Mosque in Aleppo, also was a host with Rev. Oghli, and the Armenian Congregational Church of Greater Detroit, where received his Masters of Anne L. (Rose) Widman helped shape the itinerary. Dr. al-Husseini had visited the he served for 30 years. During his service, the church erected a Meanwhile, they invited the Seminary to send students to Scared Theology from Yale (’52), 79, died in July at her Seminary earlier and invited the Seminary to send a delega- new Christian Education Building, embarked upon 11 major them to study Arabic. Divinity School. Besides his home in Wolfeboro, NH. tion to Syria. fundraising campaigns to benefit the missions and ministries of the wife, Judith (Clamser) Mrs. Widman received her The trip also involved meetings with religious leaders. The congregation, and organized an Armenian Heritage Committee. The group of Hartford Seminary professors and visiting Grant, he leaves three sons Bachelor of Arts from Rev. Bchara Moussa Oghli, pastor of the Armenian scholars also visited Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia. They and daughters-in-law and Kentucky Wesleyan College Protestant Church of Christ in Aleppo, was one of the hosts The Rev. Canon Dr. Richard T. Nolan ‘63 celebrated his 50th met with religious and civic leaders in all of these countries. five grandchildren. and was preparing to be a of the nine-person Seminary delegation and accompanied it Anniversary with Bob Pingpank on Saturday, October 8th at the The purpose of the tour was to study Christian-Muslim rela- missionary to Pakistan at Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Dean James Kowalski (’91, throughout the group’s 10-day stay. Oghli, who has been Siddiq Abdul Sattar, 68, of Hartford Seminary tions and cultivate academic and religious contacts. D.Min.) preached on commitment. involved in Christian-Muslim dialogue for a decade, arranged Avon, a Corporator at Foundation. She worked as meetings with pastors of several Armenian Protestant Hartford Seminary, died in the Director of churches. August while vacationing in Administration and Vancouver, British Columbia Elderhostel Coordinator at with his wife Phyllis Sattar. Geneva Point Center in Mr. Sattar was employed for Moultonboro, NH, and many years as an engineer by Director of Christian United Technologies Education for several Streets are Places of Wisdom Continued from page 6 Corporation, retiring in churches in Ohio. A 1993. very active member of the as equally important in the educational to congregational study, ethnography is mation to help congregations get into Wolfeboro First The Rev. Dr. James L. Congregational Church process as they reflect upon their considered essential to discern the activities leading toward congregation Spangenberg (’62) died in engagement as practical theology. articulated spiritual sophistication of and community change and to improve UCC she had served as a August at his home in moderator of the church and grassroots persons as curriculum infor- what they are already doing. Rockland, Maine. Habitat chaired various boards and It acknowledges the voice of those who mation to bridge the teaching and for Humanity of Georgetown committees. She was the are victimized by persons of privilege and learning gulf between the academy, the Congregational life is an educational County came into being first woman elected to First power, and at the same time recognizes church and the community. This process, whereby communities of peo- because of Rev. the voices of those who legislate public ple, learners and “host” who are also Vice President of the methodology applied to congregational Spangenberg. Since the affil- International Association of policies without valuing the input of ‘core’ curriculum development can learning, work together to figure out iate was founded in 1990, least fortunate. It is a process of edu- what is going on, and what interven- Conference Center uncover the structure of meaning that about 60 homes have been Administrators, and served cating the congregation and the grass- undergird community life. tions or actions are necessary to change built in Georgetown County. roots community (who may not be a “what’s going on” to a more desirable on the boards of the New Rev. Spangenberg lived in Hampshire Camp Directors part of the faith community) to see for Ethnography applied through a process future. For this conversation, this CONVOCATION 2005 Georgetown from 1985 to Association and the New themselves the false reality prescribed of biblical reflection and action exam- means paying close attention to the Hartford Seminary held its annual convention on September 1994. Rev. Spangenberg was England Chapter of the by those in power. It raises the ques- ines the religious and teaching values of realities of urban context, and to our 12, the first day of classes in the Fall Semester. The program Professor Emeritus of Keene American Camping tion: How do those who are systemati- urban grassroots persons in dialogical own sense of calling and purpose in the included worship, an address by President Heidi Hadsell, an State College, in Keene, N. introduction of the faculty and songs and music. Association. Survivors cally marginalized give expression to relation with the congregation. This world as followers of Christ. H. He earned a Bachelor of include her husband, the the presence of God in their liberation? direct encounter with community per- Arts in history from the Warren L. Dennis Rev. Harry Widman, a son In other words, the theology of the sons incorporating a land-use University of Florida and a and daughter-in-law, three grassroots must speak a prophetic voice hermeneutics becomes starting points Professor of Metro-Urban Ministry Bachelor of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary daughters and their hus- of liberation to the systems, structure, where the congregation’s stories get the Southern Baptist bands, eight grandchildren New Brunswick, NJ people, and conditions that stand in interrelated with the community’s sto- Theological Seminary in and two great-grandchildren. the way of acquiring a just life. ries. This land-use hermeneutical Louisville, KY. He earned approach takes its biblical clue from his M.A. in sociology at the Although qualitative research methods Hebrews 11:10, and Psalm 48:12-14, University of Michigan. After graduate work in the- can include many different approaches thus providing contextually rich infor- ology at Columbia University, Dr. Spangenberg
8 P RAXIS P RAXIS 9 Editor’s Note: The stories would pour like blood, staining authentically Turkish, although it Armenians when the soldiers came; September 11, 2005 my mother’s white carpet. “I hid while the seems so obvious now. We came some said they were devastated at Pastor Urges The August 2005 issue of Turkey: To the Editor: Turks rode into our village on horses. They from the same place; of course we what had happened to their neigh- Praxis contained several essays Seminary to I received the sliced innocent women and children with share much of the same culture. bors. “We had lived peacefully August issue of reflecting on the Board of A Personal swords, not just killing them…cutting them together for hundreds of years. be Open to Praxis and was terri- to pieces.” “They sliced off pregnant One of the young men who had How could this have happened?” Trustees visit to Istanbul, bly disturbed by the women’s stomachs; the women were forced been silent when I told the class I Far from trying to kill me, they wel- the Truth Turkey in May. The visit Journey article entitled to watch their babies die while they bled to was Armenian stopped me during a comed me into their homes, they By Chris Lovejoy “Board of Trustees included conversation with death themselves.” “We barely escaped break later in the semester. He said fed me and they cared for me. Here that the Turkish government does Meets in Turkey.” To quote from the article: “Besides leading figures of the Muslim In my first semester at Hartford Seminary I with our lives.” were the people, not Armenians not admit what happened but that the board meeting, the trustees visited Fatih took a core requirement: “Dialogue in a themselves, who cared about what community and of other I remember my grandmother’s sad, brown he knew what happened. Another University, talked with leaders of the Journalists and World of Difference.” On a late Monday had happened to the Armenians. eyes and the strain in her expression, “No talked about how things are differ- Writers Foundation which promotes interfaith dia- faiths. In response, several afternoon in early fall, I sat in my first class, one cared; not even the Americans.” It was ent during war; there were Turks I was disheartened while there to logue through major international conferences, and alumni/ae and friends of the and noticed a few young people, many of as though we were not Americans our- who were killed, too. But he also see that a conference slated to dis- met with the Archbishop of the Assyrian Church, whom looked familiar, although I did not Seminary asked whether the selves. One uncle told of how he joined said that the Turkish government is cuss the “Armenian question” was the Vatican Ambassador to Istanbul and numerous know them. These were women in hijab Board had considered the Russian army as soon as he was old doing a very bad thing by blocking cancelled and that Turkish Justice members of the interfaith community.” What hap- and men dressed a little more formally than enough and snuck back for revenge. He conversation. He believes the only Minister Cemil Cicek accused those pened to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of the relationship between the other students. The professor said he was given two Turkish soldiers for way to come to the truth is to have participating in the conference of Constantinople? How can an academic community Turkey and the Armenian announced that we were lucky this year to Christmas and that he cut off their heads the records open and for people to treason against the Turkish govern- travel to the seat of the Byzantine Christian Empire have joining us a group of students from community. with a dull blade using his left hand, to talk freely. I know that hundreds of ment. The conference was said to and ignore completely the leader of the Orthodox Turkey. Intellectually, that sounded make sure they felt it. thousands of civilian Armenians be one-sided, but, of course, it is the Christian world? Is it because of the political issues delightful, but emotionally, I caught my One question asked was why died during that short period of one side that has not been heard. that would not allow you to meet with Patriarch breath. So, even though I was sitting safely in a time and that nowhere near that The conference has been resched- Bartholomew along with the other Christian repre- a session with interfaith lead- Seminary in Hartford, looking at the inno- number of Turkish civilians did. uled and re-cancelled, with angry sentatives in Istanbul. The Patriarch and the Greek ers did not include Armenian You see, I am an Armenian. Most people cent faces of people almost young enough That is something that must be Turkish picketers bearing signs that Orthodox presence in Turkey live under severe do not know what that means or why that to be my children, I could still feel the religious leaders. Organizers of explained. I do not abide by the depict Armenians killing Turks. Turkish oppression. would matter in this circumstance and echoes of these stories. And when the pro- the session said that the Syrian use of the term “relocation” for the sometimes I am not sure either. I am actu- fessor asked us to mark on the map where How can you promote interfaith dialogue without marching of a million human beings On the plane, one of our fellow Patriarch of Istanbul and ally half Armenian, on my mother’s side, in the world our grandparents came from, including the Greek Orthodox presence in Istanbul? into the desert with no access to travelers sat with an Armenian- but my mother spoke Armenian exclusively taking the chalk from a young, Turkish If the Patriarch was not invited because of his tenu- Ankara, His Eminence Mor food, water or protection; and there Turkish man who claims to still be in her home until she was five, when she woman, I felt a bit faint. ous political position in Turkey, I can understand Filksinos Yusuf Cetin, did is evidence of systematic violence, harassed when he enters or leaves needed English for school. In fact, my that and that should have been included in your which cannot be explained simply the country and that “Armenian” is attend the dialogue. Invited article. It appears to me that the promotion of inter- by the term “war.” But I also know stamped on his passport. I do not but unable to attend were the faith dialogue means the inclusion of all factions in a Governments will make concessions based on self-interest, and I am not willing that I do not need to be acknowl- know if his behavior warrants this country whose fundamental religious rights are being Greek Orthodox Patriarch, to wait until the Turkish government or other governments, for that matter, edged to exist. harassment, or if it simply has eth- denied them by the Turkish government. Bartholomew I, and the nic origins, but these are questions decide it is in their best interest to talk about the Armenian “question.” If the I went to Turkey because I realized that need to be asked. Is your faculty aware of the oppressive rules under Armenian Patriarch, Turkish government is going to admit what happened to the Armenians, they that part of my heritage is there. which the Orthodox Church is forced to live in These had been my family’s neigh- What I have learned from being a Archbishop Mesrob II will do it because their own citizens force them to. And that will not happen if Turkey today? Is your faculty aware that the Turkish bors; this used to be their home. descendent of what I have always Mutafyan. government has closed the Patriarchal Theological we do not talk to the people themselves. My grandfather spoke longingly of known as genocide is the damage School of Halki? After some twenty-five years, the the beauty of Istanbul and my done to families and individuals of To provide further context, government of Turkey continues to refuse the open- grandmother of Mt. Ararat. The the group targeted. I know that it is grandfather called my father “odar” (out- When I marked “Istanbul,” something like ing of this theological school. Is your academic com- presented in this issue are a cave where Abraham was born, the not o.k. for me to label large groups sider in Armenian) and, although my older glee filled the room. Here they were, hav- munity aware of the fact that 150,000 Orthodox letter from a former student place where Peter and his gatherers of people, even Turkish people, and sisters went to Armenian school, I didn’t. ing just left their home to study Christians lived in Istanbul up until 1955? Are you were first called Christians…these to treat them as if they are all the and an essay from a current Muslim/Christian relations in a foreign aware that since 1955 there have been such repres- are also mine. Who were the same. I have learned first hand For me, being Armenian meant that I spent (and maybe hostile) country and sitting in sive measures against the Christian population of student who traveled with the Ottomans that they should have what fear and hatred of an entire my Sundays waiting, while my mother and their first class was an American with that city that today there are only 2,500 left? Seminary study tour in taken it from my family? Who is group of people can do and I, for grandmother cooked and my older Turkish roots. “No,” I told them, “I am an the Turkish government that I one, refuse to be an enemy. Turkey in May. Armenian aunts and uncles came over for Armenian.” And, finally, my dear seekers of the truth, I am large meals. They were different from most should now allow them to take it Governments will make concessions enclosing for your information some material about David Barrett, Editor people I knew, in their mannerisms and the Some of the young men fell silent, but the from me? based on self-interest, and I am not the catastrophe of the Christian presence in Asia way they talked. And we ate things that no rest were still overjoyed. “One of my good Minor. As we commemorate the destruction of that In Turkey I met older, Muslim willing to wait until the Turkish one I knew ate: grape leaves stuffed with friends is an Armenian,” one said. “I can’t great Christian city [Smyrna] by the Turks on women who grabbed my face close government or other governments, ground lamb, smothered in madzoon (yogurt believe you are from Istanbul,” I heard September 13, 1922, we should remind our Turkish to theirs, the way my grandmother for that matter, decide it is in their with a lot of garlic) and other delicious, but another. I smiled uncomfortably. friends that they must own up to the genocide of the used to; men whose hands looked best interest to talk about the similarly different things. They spoke in a Armenian “question.” If the Turkish Armenian and Greek populations of Turkey. During break, I ran to the chapel for my just like my grandfather’s. I ate the familiar language that I had never learned government is going to admit what evening prayer. The Turkish Muslims were food my grandmother used to make I have been a Greek Orthodox priest for forty-six and held my cheeks and called me “sakis.” happened to the Armenians, they already there and made room for me among and heard a cadence very similar to years. I believe very strongly that we must know They broke in with English to boast about will do it because their own citizens them. I found over the next few weeks the one I heard in my living room, what our roots are and that we should not forget the the famous people who are also Armenian – force them to. And that will not that, although we did not share our reli- growing up. When we had left on a sacrifices of our ancestors. I was a student at I was very excited when I heard about happen if we do not talk to the peo- gion, we shared a similar prayer schedule long bus trip and one of the Turkish Hartford Seminary for two years seeking to expand Columbo, until I realized they meant the ple themselves. Soon it will be true and we prayed together often, laughing girls exclaimed she had to cheesh – I my knowledge of Christian truth. I would hope that yogurt, not the detective. that only Armenians care about every time our paths crossed about how laughed, because I knew exactly the contemporary academic community of Hartford what happened to the Armenians In addition to the fond memories were the much we had in common. One evening my what she meant. But more often on Seminary is open to the truth, the truth that sets us because those in Turkey who care stories with which I was raised. They daughters and I were invited to dinner at that trip, I cried. free. will no longer be alive to verify our always began with warnings: “Don’t you the home of three young women. They Everywhere I went I told people I memory. We have waited long ever trust a Turk – if they find out that you told me they would teach us to make an Father Constantine J. Simones was an Armenian and everywhere, enough. are Armenian, they will kill you.” My authentic Turkish meal: monte. It had from the southeast to Istanbul, peo- St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church grandfather and his brothers were animated, seemed inconceivable that something I call ple told me that they knew what Chris Lovejoy is a Master of Arts New London, CT spitting when they talked, eyes fierce. authentically Armenian could also be happened to the Armenians. A few student at Hartford Seminary. told me their families had hid the
11 10 P RAXIS P RAXIS Faculty Notes es about Presbyterian Peace, Unity and gram. In mid-September he facilitated a Purity,” Presbyterian Outlook, forthcom- meeting between the MVP’ers and repre- In late August, Efrain ing. He delivered the keynote address at sentatives of the local Jewish Mattson Attends International Conference Agosto attended a Like A Mustard Seed: Celebrating Small Community Relations Council, on Latino/a clergy lunch Church Leadership Conference, October whose Advisory Council he sits. Also in meeting which he 24-25, 2005, at Samford University, September, Landau participated in a King Abdullah II of Jordan gathered 170 Muslim scholars in In a concluding statement, the scholars agreed that fatwas, helped organize at Birmingham, Alabama. “Peacemakers in Action” retreat, held in Amman, Jordan, in July for an international Islamic confer- or religious edicts, should only be issued by clerics with reli- the Universal Health Manhattan under the sponsorship of the ence on “True Islam and its Role in Modern Society.” gious authority. Press reports said that the announcement is Care Foundation in Heidi Hadsell reviewed “The Cross in Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Professor Ingrid Mattson of Hartford Seminary was one of meant to weaken statements by figures involved in fighting Meriden, CT. Early in the Our Context: Jesus and the Suffering Understanding. In October, Landau the scholars who attended. in Iraq who ordain violence. fall, Agosto attended major milestones of World” by Douglas John Hall in the gave a presentation on Jewish spirituality The goal of the conference was for religious authorities from The three-day meeting in Amman brought together repre- two historic Hartford Latino churches. November 2005 issue of Conversations in at the First Congregational Church in every branch of Islam to stand as one against extremist sentatives of eight Sunni and Shia Muslim schools of Templo Fe celebrated its 40th anniver- Religion and Theology. Her essay on Lebanon, CT. During the second half of interpretations of Islam. thought. They all also agreed that followers cannot label sary as a church, all under the leadership “Politics of Responsibility and October, he was in Israel celebrating the other Muslims as “apostates.” A conference statement said of Pastor Julie Ramirez, a member of the Responsibility of Politics: A Perspective festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles) with At the opening session, King Abdullah called on all partici- the clerics agreed that an adherent of each of the eight PMH Advisory Council. Another mem- of Political Ethics on the Presidential family and friends, and also recruiting pants to denounce the extremist interpretations that are schools of thought “is a Muslim.” ber of the Council, Bishop Jeremias Election in the USA” was published in students for the Building Abrahamic leading Iraq to civil war and to re-affirm the underlying val- Torres, hosted the inauguration of a new Responsible Leadership: Global Partnerships program. November activi- ues and principles of Islam. Scholars came from all parts of the Islamic world, as well as building, at the end of October, for the Prespectives, Christoph Stückelberger ties included: A lecture on “Grass-Roots America and Europe. They included the Grand Mufti of “The acts of violence and terrorism carried out by certain church he pastors, Iglesia Casa de and J.N.K. Mugambi, ed., (Acton Peacebuilding in Israel-Palestine” at the Egypt, the Mufti of Istanbul, and the Rector of Al-Azhar extremist groups in the name of Islam are utterly contradic- Restauracion (House of Restoration Publishers, 2005). In October, Hadsell Interfaith Center in Cortland, NY; a lec- University as well as Sunni and Shiite religious authorities tory to the principles and ideology of Islam,” the king said. Church), located in the North End of was the keynote speaker at the 7th annu- ture titled “Healing the Abrahamic from Iraq, Iran and forty other countries. “Such acts give non-Muslims excuses to attack Islam and Hartford. In November, Agosto attend- al Faith and the Common Good event at Triangle: Jewish-Christian-Muslim interfere in the affairs of Muslim peoples.” ed the annual meeting of the Society for San Francisco Theological Seminary Relations After 9/11” at the Eitz Chayim the Scientific Study of Religion. Agosto (Her talk was titled, “Worrying Out Jewish congregation in Cambridge, MA; and Adair Lummis presented a paper on Loud: Some Thoughts on Citizenship and, as a board member, a meeting of the their study of Hispanic seminary pro- and the Common Good.”) and partici- American Friends of IPCRI, the grams. He also attended the Annual pated in the Board meeting of Jerusalem-based Israel-Palestine Center Meeting of the Society for Biblical GlobEthics in Bangkok, Thailand. At for Research and Information. Literature and American Academy of the GlobEthics meeting, she chaired a Religion, in Philadelphia. At this meet- panel on business leadership and deliv- In September Worth Loomis led a group ing, he had two responsibilities - (1) ered a paper on business responsibility. of senior managers at Capewell helping to facilitate a conversation Hadsell was the lead instructor for a Manufacturing Company in a class on Continued from previous page American Islam; lecture on “The Perils In August, Cynthia Woolever presented Seminary online mini-course on “Dignity Business Ethics. Hartford Mayor Eddie between young Black and Latino theolo- at Hartford Hospital as part of his ordi- and Pleasures of Interfaith Encounter,” a paper on “Women of the Pew: at the End of Life” that took place Perez appointed Loomis chair of the gians on behalf of the Hispanic nation process. In September, he was Ames, Iowa Interfaith Council; lecture Mobilizing Civic and Religious Capital” October 24 – 28. Resource Development Committee of his Theological Initiative and the Fund for the keynote speaker at Leeds on “Christian-Muslim Relations: Models at the annual meetings of the Future Workforce Investment System, Theological Education; and (2) debrief- Metropolitan University in the United for Encounter and Exchange,” Iowa City Association of Sociologists of Religion, Sheffield Phoenix Press published Uriah which aims to provide a summer job and ing the presentation of a case study on Kingdom on ‘Islam in the Modern Ecumenical Community Committee; Philadelphia. In September, Woolever Kim’s first book, Decolonizing Josiah: job readiness training for every student pastoral theology in pre-World War II World” and spoke on “Working at an “Can We Share the World? Hope for delivered the keynote presentation at Toward a Postcolonial Reading of the in the Hartford School System. Loomis Germany at a meeting of the Case Interfaith Seminary” at St. Paul’s the Christian-Muslim Dialogue,” the launch of the Timothy Project, an Deuteronomistic History. Kim also wrote was part of the Hartford Seminary group Teaching Institute. Episcopal Church in Southington, Spaulding Lecture at the University of effort to revitalize congregations by the several entries for New Interpreter’s that traveled to Turkey and Syria in Markham also spoke on “History of Iowa. In November, Smith made a pre- UCC Massachusetts Conference, and Dictionary of the Bible (forthcoming). In October. In October, Steven Blackburn partici- Christianity’ at the Interfaith sentation to the Hartford Consortium reviewed two journal articles (one for August, Kim attended the Asian Pacific pated in a panel, chaired by Kelton Association of Glastonbury and for Higher Education Religion Network, Social Problems and one for Religious Americans and Religion Research In August at the Association of Cobb, discussing “The Persian “Unlocking the Da Vinci Code” at St. at Hartford Seminary, on interfaith dia- Research Review) and a manuscript on Initiative’s annual conference in Sociologists of Religion meeting in Contribution” at the Hartford Public James Episcopal Church, West Hartford. logue in the classroom and beyond. She Catholic religious women for Lexington Chicago. At Berkeley from September Philadelphia, Adair Lummis finished Library. Students at the Woodrow He led a film discussion at Real Art was a member of the Overseers’ Books. In October, Woolever attended 28 to October 1, he was one of the her term on the Executive Council, and Wilson Middle School in Middletown Ways in Hartford in October and in Committee to visit Harvard Divinity the annual meetings of the Association speakers at the fifth-year celebration of presented two papers, “Mission and heard from Blackburn in November November chaired a session on the School and coordinator for “Can We of Statisticians of American Religious Pacific School of Religion’s PANA Ministry Involvements: In-Church, Out- about the culture of North Africa and Future of Anglicanism at the Society for Connect: Young Muslim and Christian Bodies, Louisville, KY. She serves on the Institute. In October, Kim traveled to Church, and Way-Out” and “Numinous the Middle East. Drawing upon his fam- the Study of Anglicanism at the Women in Conversation,” at Brown nominating committee of this group. Atlanta to participate in a National Experiences and Reflexive Spirituality in the ily history as well as educational and American Academy of Religion in University. Smith also spoke to the Woolever also led four workshops at the Recruitment Conference sponsored by Formation of Religious Capital Among work experience, five Social Studies Philadelphia. Lion’s Club of Hartford. “Doing Church” conference sponsored classes studying the religion and history The Fund for Theological Education and Feminist Women.” In November, at the by the New York Episcopal Diocese and hosted by Emory University; this confer- SSSR-RRA meetings in Rochester, NY, of the region got a personalized view of Ingrid Mattson was on sabbatical for Miriam Therese Winter celebrated the presented at New York’s Trinity Church ence is an on-going attempt to encour- Lummis served on the Board of Directors major portions of the Arab world. In the the fall semester, working on her upcom- arrival of her latest publication, eucharist on the U.S. Congregational Life Survey. age racial/ethnic minority students to for the Religious Research Association sector of public service, Blackburn ing book, “The Qur’an and its Place in with a small e, at a book-signing event at Last month, she presented a paper (“The enter doctoral studies in religion, theolo- (RRA), and presented two papers: one accepted a gubernatorial appointment to Muslim Society.” the Seminary in September. The subject Other Half of Health: Patterns of Lay the Connecticut Health and Educational gy and biblical studies. He presented a for RRA: “Program and Policy Research of the book is the focus of her Fall 2005 Leadership in Declining Churches”) at paper at the annual meeting of the Dynamics in Authority Contained and Facilities Authority, where he serves on Jane Smith was a member of the Paper course in spirituality. She was also a the annual meetings of the Society for Society for Biblical Literature and Dispersed Church Systems;” and one for the Grants Committee. Blackburn also Review Panel for the National Board of recipient of the 2005 Mother Teresa the Scientific Study of American Academy of Religion in the Society for the Scientific Study of continues to preach occasionally in the Council on American-Islamic Award from the St. Bernadette Institute Religion/Religious Research Philadelphia. Religion: “Fitting in Theologically: Congregational-Christian churches in Relations. Her speaking engagements in of Sacred Art in Albuquerque in grati- Association, Rochester, NY. She also Consequences for Church and Personal southern New England, most recently at October included: “Sharing the Iftar” tude for her “untiring devotion and ser- was co-convener of a session on “New In August, Yehezkel Landau delivered a Growth.” She co-authored the paper pre- the Third Congregational Church of talk at interfaith Ramadan banquet, vice to the people of God…as musician, Research from the U.S. Congregational paper entitled “Dreams and Dream sented by Efrain Agosto at another RRA Middletown. Wesleyan University; discussion of composer, author, and educator.” The Life Survey” and participated in a ses- Interpretation in Said Nursi’s Risale-i session: “Education for Hispanic Ministry Asma Gull Hasan’s “Why I Am a Mother Teresa Awards recognize the sion on “Contributions of Synagogue Nur: Islamic, Judaic, and Universal at ATS Seminaries: Two Steps Forward, Carl Dudley was on a tour of Muslim,” First Presbyterian Church in achievements of those who beautify the Studies.” Resonances” at a conference in Istanbul. One Step Back, and Side Steps.” Presbyterian and Reformed Heritage in Hartford; Presentation to World Affairs world, especially in the fields of religion, He also delivered two presentations on Scotland and Ireland, September 19- Council’s Great Decisions Group on social action, and the arts. October 3, 2005, and subsequently wrote the Middle East conflict to host families Ian Markham spent last summer doing a an article “What the Celtic Cross teach- in the Moderate Voices for Progress pro- unit of Clinical and Pastoral Education Continued on next page
12 P RAXIS P RAXIS 13 J A N U A R Y I N T E R S E S S I O N & W I N T E R / S P R I N G C O U R S E S 2 0 0 6
Continued from previous page Hartford Seminary’s January tims of crime. Benjamin K. Watts, Faculty Associate in the Arts of Flea Market Jesus: Popular Religion and American Christian-Muslim Relations: The Theological Dimension Intersession will run from Monday, Ministry and Senior Pastor, Shiloh Baptist Church, New London Individualism Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., beginning Feb. 1 January 23 through Friday, January 27. ONLINE The course is designed to look at the ways in which Christian The Winter/Spring 2006 Semester True Confessions: A Study in Practical Theology This course will examine the mixture of folk beliefs and 20th and Muslim perceptions of their respective religions and their begins on Monday, January 30 and ends Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 9:20 p.m., beginning January 31 century fundamentalism practiced by so many Americans today, relationships to one another have evolved through history, in on Monday, May 8. The Seminary’s Our everyday lives depend on publicly accountable words, ordi- paying special attention to the religious and spiritual underpin- conflict and in concord, contributing the conceptual “theologi- courses are open to members of the pub- nary forms of truth-telling that give reliable knowledge and sup- nings of hyper-individualism. Arthur E. Farnsley II, Adjunct cal” heritage with which Christians and Muslims operate in the lic on a space-available basis and carry port trustworthy relationships. Whether on the witness stand, in Professor in Religion modern world. Jane I. Smith, Professor of Islamic Studies and three graduate level credits. Individuals the political arena, or during a counseling session, the pervasive Christian-Muslim Relations who do not wish to take courses for credit may apply to take practice of “testimony” has striking similarities along with impor- Women, Religion and the Future of USA Churches courses as an auditor. For those enrolled in a three-credit course, tant distinctions. We will study this practice from the perspec- ONLINE L ITURGY, WORSHIP the cost is $1,360. The non-credit audit fee is $575. tives of law, philosophy, marketing, holocaust studies, and more Setting the context for on-line discussion of women in the future AND S PIRITUALITY to sense what is fully involved when we know something of USA churches, the course will begin with a brief overview of We now have a special audit rate of $385 for: Persons age 62 and through testimony. James R. Nieman, Professor of Practical women in world religions. Attention will next be focused on the Islamic Spirituality older; Graduates of Hartford Seminary degree programs or the Theology history of women’s participation and leadership in American con- Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., beginning February Certificate of Professional Ministry; Donors of $250 a year or gregations over the last two centuries, to stimulate a discussion of 1 (10 weeks) This course explores Islamic spirituality by going through mysti- more; Hartford Seminary Adjunct Faculty; and Pastors whose E THICS what themes and trends might be predicted for the 21st and 22nd churches participate in the Congregational Relations Program of centuries. Adair Lummis, Faculty Associate in Research cal interpretations of both the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet. the Seminary. Theological Ethics and the Personal Life We will also look at the development of Islamic spiritual thought Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., beginning January 30 and practices in history. Steven Blackburn, Faculty Associate in S CRIPTURE To register, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (860) 509- In this course we will survey models of our common life that Semitic Scriptures, and Kemal Argon and Colleen Keyes, Adjunct 9511. Her e-mail is [email protected]. To see learn more have prevailed in western Christianity in the modern period, Hebrew Bible Survey II Professors in Islamic Studies about Hartford Seminary and its faculty, visit our website: reflect on the religious symbols, stories, practices and habits by Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., beginning February 2 www.hartsem.edu. Course syllabi submitted prior to the semester which we make sense of what is going on in public life, and con- An introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures, this course will apply Daily Space with God: The Practices of Personal Devotion in will be posted on the website. sider what possibilities exist for fostering a civil society. Heidi historical-critical methods of study to develop a framework for Mainline Protestant, Roman Catholic and Evangelical Gehman, Adjunct Professor in Theology and Ethics understanding the origins of the texts and the relationship of the Traditions January Intersession texts to one another. Survey II will examine the prophetic cor- Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., beginning January 31 Introduction to Islamic Law pus, poetry wisdom and the rest of “the writings” in the Hebrew Personal devotions are the engine of faithful living. The goal of Building Abrahamic Partnerships ONLINE Bible. Uriah Kim, Professor of Hebrew Bible this course will be the enable the student to reflect on the differ- Sunday, January 22 – Sunday, January 29 (intensive schedule, This course will provide a critical overview of the history and ent types of daily devotions and the ways in which the devotions includes some evenings) practice of Islamic law. Ingrid Mattson, Professor of Islamic Studies Reading Scripture Through Jewish Eyes: From Creation underpin faithful living. (This course was a winner of the “Faith This eight-day intensive training program offers a practical foun- and Christian-Muslim Relations Through Sinai as a Way of Life Project” based at the Yale Center for Faith and dation for mutual understanding and cooperation among Jews, Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 31, February 28, Culture 2005). Ian Markham, Professor of Theology and Ethics and Christians, and Muslims. Participants learn about the tenets and H ISTORY March 14, April 4 and April 25 Dean of Hartford Seminary Using scripture as their blueprint, the Rabbis of the Talmudic practices of the three faiths, study texts from their respective Religion and Protest scriptures together, attend worship at a mosque, synagogue, and period (c 200 BCE-550 CE) shaped much of Jewish thought as Living Liturgy Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., beginning Feb. 1 we now know it. With the help of their Jewish eyes, we shall Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 31, February 28, church, and acquire pastoral skills useful in interfaith ministry. From the Church of England dissenters in the 1620s to the Waco Yehezkel Landau, Faculty Associate in Interfaith Relations search the essential religious messages that emerge from the bibli- March 14, April 4 and April 25 separatists of the 1990s, religion has been a locus of dissent and cal stories from creation to the revelation at Mt. Sinai (Genesis 1 This course will bridge the gap between formal ritual worship and counterculture in the United States. This course will examine – Exodus 24). Stephen Fuchs, Adjunct Professor in History and the liturgy of life. In the context of a community of believers we Contemporary Islam: Reform and Discontent that creative (and destructive) potential in American religions, Monday, January 23 through Friday, Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. World Religions and Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beth Israel will explore diverse ways of knowing and naming God within the with special focus on the abolitionist reformers of the 19th cen- dynamics of praise, namely, story, song, symbol, sacramental jus- This course looks at contemporary efforts to reform Islam, focus- tury, the temperance activists of the early 20th century, and the ing on Shariah and women’s rights. It will look at ideas of main- New Testament Survey tice, and creative celebration. Miriam Therese Winter, Professor of religious counterculturalists of the 1960s. Mark Oppenheimer, Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 9:20 p.m., beginning January 31 Liturgy, Worship and Spirituality and Director, Women’s Leadership stream Islamic movements and the emergence of liberal Islam in Adjunct Professor in History Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey and Morocco. It will also examine This course introduces the student to the study of the origins of Institute Christianity by means of its canonical literature, the New the reformist ideas of the lecturer, and explore the future of Islam M ASTER OF A RTS through interactive, visionary workshops. Ziauddin Sardar, Testament. We will undertake a historical study of the New T RAVEL S EMINAR Testament documents, seeking to understand their plan, origin, Bijlefeld Lecturer and author of “Desperately Seeking Paradise: Religion in the 21st Century Transition and Democracy: Human Rights, Economics & the Journeys of a Sceptical Muslim” This course will be at the First Church of Christ, Congrega- purpose and content within their broader historical and cultural context. Efrain Agosto, Professor of New Testament Role of the Church in China and Hong Kong tional, Glastonbury, CT, Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 May 22 – June 5, 2006 Winter/Spring Semester p.m., on February 1, 8, 15 and 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 The Plowshares Institute, Columbia Theological Seminary, and and April 5. The final session will be at Hartford Seminary. Engaging the Book of Genesis: The Text in the Context of Our Own Lives Hartford Seminary are co-sponsoring this traveling seminar to A RTS OF M INISTRY This course will provide anyone interested in the dynamic of Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China. The seminar, religion in the modern world the opportunity to explore a select Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9:20 p.m., beginning February 1 Ministry in Daily Life This course will examine the Book of Genesis as a touchstone for which is part of the Seminary’s 2006 Summer Session, will exam- set of themes surrounding theology and ethics, Scripture and ine leadership changes in China, renewed global engagement Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., beginning Feb. 1 interfaith relations. Heidi Hadsell, Professor of Social Ethics and understanding “sacred story” as a motif in our own lives. The This course provides an introduction to the biblical and theolog- accounts of the biblical patriarchs and matriarchs will be read as with the UN and North Korea, and the world’s most robust econ- President of Hartford Seminary, will lead the course; other Hartford omy. Cost is $3,800, which includes housing, all meals and airfare ical basis for ministry, with special emphasis on ministry in daily Seminary core faculty will teach individual sessions. guides to our own God-wrestling challenges. Yehezkel Landau, life. The seminar also explores possibilities for integrating theory Faculty Associate in Interfaith Relations from the West Coast. An additional $680 will be assessed for and practice by means of an appropriate spirituality and assists those taking the trip for credit. For more information about the R ELIGION AND S OCIETY travel seminar please contact the Plowshares Institute at (860) students in assessing their personal call to ministry. J. Alan T HEOLOGY McLean, Adjunct Professor in the Arts of Ministry The Religious Experience of Indigenous People 651-4304. For more information about receiving graduate level Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9:20 p.m., beginning February 2 Modern Theology credit please contact Karen Rollins, Registrar, at (860) 509-9511 Victim Care: Issues for Clergy and Faith-Based Counselors This course will examine the kinds of religious experience found Thursdays, from 7 p.m. to 9:20 p.m., beginning February 2 or [email protected]. Deadline to apply: March 1, 2006. Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., beginning January 31 among some indigenous (or native aboriginal) peoples. Kevin This course examines the development of western Christian The purpose of this course is to assist clergy and faith-based Ward, Adjunct Professor in Religion and Society reflection from the late Renaissance through the present. Ian counselors to consider and discern the profound issues facing vic- Markham, Professor of Theology and Ethics and Dean of Hartford Continued on next page Seminary
14 P RAXIS P RAXIS 15 Coming Up This Winter and Spring Hartford Seminary will present lectures, seminars and special events for people of all faiths starting in January. For more information or to register for any of the programs listed below, please call the Public and Institutional Affairs Office at 860-509-9555 or send an email message to [email protected].
God’s Word in Greek: Reading the Two Children of Abraham: Why Religious People Quite Like Lectionary to Prepare for Preaching Learning to Co-Exist Conspiracy Theories: An Analysis
With the Rev. Edward F. Duffy, minis- With Rabbi David Leipziger and With Ian Markham, Dean of Hartford ter of the First Presbyterian Church of Abdullah Antepli, chaplains together at Seminary and Professor of Theology and Fairfield, CT Wesleyan University in 2004-05 Ethics Wednesdays, January 11, February 8, Wednesday, February 15 Wednesday, April 26 March 8, April 12, May 10, and June 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 14 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A Drumming Circle Book Signing and Panel Discussion
BIJLEFELD LECTURE With Jan Gregory, executive director of Muslim Women in America Today: Rethinking Ourselves: the Renaissance Center: A Challenges and Opportunities Islam and the West Conservatory of Music in Southbury, CT, and director of music ministry, With Colleen Keyes, Diana Hossain and With Ziauddin Sardar, writer, broadcast- Congregational Church of Easton Noora Brown, and introducing Jane er and cultural critic and author of Mondays, March 13 and 27, April 10 Smith’s new book, “Muslim Women in “Desperately Seeking Paradise: and 24, and May 8 and 22 America: The Challenge of Islamic Journeys of a Sceptical Muslim” 7 p.m. Identity Today” Tuesday, January 24 Tuesday, May 9 7 p.m. Being Quiet: Quaker Silence as a 7 p.m. Spiritual Practice for Everybody Special Lecture and Book Signing A Beginner’s Guide to the Qur’an With Brent Bill, executive vice president, Religious Leadership Today: Indianapolis Center for Congregations, With Sohaib Sultan, Hartford Seminary Lessons from Jesus and Paul and author of “Holy Silence: The Gift of Islamic Chaplaincy Student and author Quaker Spirituality” of “The Koran for Dummies” With Efrain Agosto, Professor of New Monday April 3 ONLINE, May 22 – 26 Testament at Hartford Seminary 7 p.m. Thursday, January 26 The Spirit of Science and the 7 p.m. Interpreting the Story of Joseph Science of Spirit from Three Religious Traditions With Diarmuid O’Murchu, priest and The Hartford Religious Landscape With Stephen Fuchs, Senior Rabbi of social psychologist and author of From Within: On Site, In Person Congregation Beth Israel, West “Quantum Theology” Led by Faculty at Hartford Seminary, Hartford, CT; Uriah Kim, Professor of Tuesday, June 13 Trinity College and the University of Hebrew Bible at Hartford Seminary, 7 p.m. Connecticut and Ingrid Mattson, Professor of Islamic Mondays, February 6, 13, 21 (Tuesday Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations in lieu of President’s Day) and 27 and at Hartford Seminary March 6, 13, 20 and 27 Tuesday, April 18 Noon to 2 p.m. 7 p.m.
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