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Nonprofit Inside: US Postage PAID Equality for women pastors Boston MA Cornell William Brooks on training 745 Commonwealth Avenue Permit No. 1839 seminarians to fight injustice Boston, Massachusetts 02215 2018

At STH, I was surrounded by professors and supervisors who were passionate about preparing me for the journey that followed, and colleagues who were exploring how God was involved in their lives and in the world. The impact of my theological education on my personal and professional SINGING development has been long-standing, for which I am very grateful. THE

Frank J. Richardson, Jr. (’77,’82) Richardson has included a gift to STH in his estate plans. BLUESON

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Dotty Raynor from BU STH alumni and friends 182462 BUCover~P.pdf25_17_2018 or visit or [email protected] , Toemail contribute, work. his continue will who students support inPractical toRace, and Theology P.ScholarshipAndrews Memorial Dale the endow$100,000raise to us Help activist. justice social and scholar,and teacher minister,a as Andrews P.ProfessorDale legacy.We’rehis on carrying community,the fortoo. caring means soul the for caring that taught He bu.edu/sth/giving. inspired manyinspired

617-353-2349,

Kalman Zabarsky interpretation byinterpretation Shola Friedensohn iStock, by Juanmonino. Posterized COVER IMAGE: go.bu.edu/focus/alums. at free articles religious your latestnews, andaccess Keep upwithSTH, share SCHOOL OFTHEOLOGY STAYCONNECTED TO THE of BostonUniversity. not necessarily reflecttheviews Opinions expressedinfocusdo bu.edu/sth/giving. Annual Fund. more at Learn University Schoolof Theology totheBoston alumni andfriends focus isfundedby donationsfrom Marketing &Communications Produced by BostonUniversity SHOLA FRIEDENSOHN Designer MEGAN WOOLHOUSE ANDREW THURSTON HALEY JONES(’15) LARA EHRLICH( RICH BARLOW Contributing Writers JULIE BUTTERS Editor (CFA’04) KIMBERLY MACDONALD Manager andJournalReviewer Marketing &Communications JACLYN K.JONES(’06) Alumni RelationsOfficer RAY JOYCE(Q Director ofDevelopment MARY ELIZABETHMOORE Dean 2018 School of Theology paper. publication isprintedonFSC-certified commitment tosustainability,this In keepingwithBostonUniversity’s Please recycle 0518 uestrom’91) UNI’03)

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Jackie Ricciardi DEAN’S MESSAGE DEAN’S end discriminationagainstwomen Leigh GoodrichleadstheUMC’seffortsto Pulpit the in Parity close theracegap financial wisdomtohelpclientsofcolor Investor PamelaJollyblendsbiblicaland Equity to Road largest cityrecoverfromHurricaneHarvey Alexander E.M.JohnsonhelpsTexas’ Houston Healing for peoplelivinginpovertyDetroit Faith Fowlermakeshomeownershipareality Dreams Big for Homes Tiny FEATURES K nearly 700 alums and friends. friends. and alums 700 nearly from pledges and gifts in million $1 than more to thanks chair a as established permanently was professorship the fundraising, of years 30 After professor. beloved longtime, the of death the after 1987, in Scripture Hebrew of Professorship GRS’54) (’45, Beck F. Harrell the created STH Theology. of School the for but 1980s, the since STH at Bible Hebrew taught has who Darr, for Scripture. Hebrew of Chair Beck F. Harrell first STH’s became she Chapel, Marsh at service a in 2017, The occasion was three decades in the making—not just just making—not the in decades three was occasion The Watch the Beck Chair installation at installation Chair Beck the Watch Israelites’ flight from Egypt in a storybook. In September September In storybook. a in Egypt from flight Israelites’ the and flood the and Noah like tales read she when seven, age at Bible Hebrew the with love in fell Darr athe

10 14 18 16 2 tumultuous times Three keystoleadingeffectivelyin Joy and Presence, Response, of theology spark reform Local religiousleadershavethepowerto the for Good Be Can Cornell WilliamBrooks(’87,Hon.’15) to boldpublicleadership Today’s civilrightscrisescallseminarians Injustice to Responders First Holding onwhenwe’reharassedbyhell Hope of Note a on Blues the Singing JOURNAL: LEADERSHIP IN A TIME OF TURMOIL OF TIME A IN LEADERSHIP JOURNAL: AQ&AwithformerNAACPpresident (search “Kathe Darr”). “Kathe (search bu.edu/buniverse MISSION ACCOMPLISHED MISSION By AliciaVélezStewart(’18) By RebeccaCopeland,assistantprofessor By JulianArmandCook(’16) Environment —Julie Butters —Julie attention.” greatest our demand figuring of work hard the do to and anything, of much about voice one with speak doesn’t Bible the realize to dialogue in texts put to need “We journal. student STH’s with interview an in said she together, sages pas biblical contrasting teaching by is world today’s to says scripture what discover to students challenges she way One classroom. her in continues Teaching, in Excellence for Award service. the at said Darr living,” prophetic faithful, for relevance boundless It’s a legacy that Darr, a 1989 recipient of BU’s Metcalf BU’s of recipient 1989 a Darr, that legacy a It’s its and meaning scripture’s evoking at excelled “Harrell

20 24 28 32 TABLE WomenPowerSharing our own Love meansrecognizing others’ distress as “AmBrother’sMy Keeper?”I professor ofChurchhistory Church inhisquesttohealit A profile whoupendedthe ofthe reformer Luther,Cause a Martin with Rebel Mission Accomplished Holy WorkofReconciliation LeadingtheMessy, Reflection: privilege, rememberingMLK,andmore STH News:Confrontingwhite ISSUE THIS IN ALSO of practicaltheology withafocusoncollaboration of leadership maleimages Female are pastors challenging By NikkiYoung(’18) By ChristopherBoydBrown,associate By ChoiHeeAn,clinicalassociateprofessor CONTENTS of

The Prophet, The out which voices which out

40 44 48 49 36 - 5

©2017 Derek Kouyoumjian 182462 BUText~P.pdf45_17_2018 Dean MaryElizabethMoore 2 boston university funeral isoneofsingingbluesandlean The NewOrleanstraditionofthejazz BY MARY ELIZABETHMOORE LEANING INTO HOPE SINGING THEBLUES AND largely JapaneseAmerican congregation sharp culturalcontrasts.Women froma vocation, andourdiscussions revealed study ofEcclesiastesinawomen’s con respond todeathdifferently. Ionceleda of hope.”² also the“bluenote includes despair,but breaking.”¹ Theblues while yourheartis you toholdhope get whenlifeforces blues] iswhatyou issue offocus:“[The (’16) writesinthis Julian ArmandCook the verityofwhat A jazzfuneralenacts grand jazzcelebration. finally, itbecomesa a brightermotifuntil, a lamentofdeathto begins tochangefrom moment), themusic (or atsomesimilar casket issetinitsplace and somber.Afterthe music issoulful,slow, to thecemetery, band processeswithfamilyandfriends cially afteramusicianhasdied.Asjazz African Americancommunities,espe ing intohope.Itispracticedlargelyin DEAN’S MESSAGE Other cultures

and ecological destruction. amid devastating plaguesdevastating amid world—cries out for hopefor out world—cries discrimination, violence,discrimination, hope sound shallow andshallow sound hope of racism, homophobia,racism, of response, and words ofwords and response, Our country—and ourcountry—and Our despair is a naturala is despair classism, religiousclassism, In such a context,a such In untrustworthy. - - - persons whocannototherwise afford house movementinDetroit toserve change. FaithFowler(’86) leadsthetiny into hopeandofbecoming agentsof the abundantpowerofchoosing tolean however, theywereabletoexpressboth covered thatdespitetheirdifferences, each mystifiedbytheother.³Theydis deceased. Thewomenspokeexcitedly, way toexpressloveandsadnessforthe wailing infuneralserviceswastheir largely Tongancongregationssaidthat ebration ofresurrection.Womenfrom combined withproclamationandcel described theirquiet,somberrituals, These storiesreveal deep spiritualwells. less drawhopefrom and whoneverthe see intheworld, a resultofwhatthey who feeldespairas highlights people this issueof untrustworthy. Yet, sound shallowand and wordsofhope a naturalresponse, a context,despairis destruction. Insuch lence, andecological discrimination, vio- classism, religious racism, homophobia, astating plaguesof for hopeamiddev our world—criesout face ofdeath. grief andhopeinthe Our country—and focus - - - -

Chitose Suzuki 182462 BUText~P.pdf55_17_2018 Theology Experience,” of Imagination,Fear,andLife “Pivoting towardHope:Interplay Francisca Ireland-Verwoerd, 4. MaryElizabethMooreand a momentoftime. ratives toldbyparticularwomenin tural generalizations;theyarenar 3. Thesestories do notsuggest cul 2. Ibid.,23. Note ofHope,” 1. Cook,“SingingtheBluesona (in press). Journal of Youth and Journal ofYouthand focus, 2018,22. - - to leanintohope responses. into meaningful intellectual resources, spiritual, physical,and concerns, andtheir desire toconverttheir a commonspirit—a cerns, buttheyshare a vastrangeofcon These leaders represent outbreaks ofinjustice. be firstrespondersin clergy andlawyersto and preparesfuture Hon.’15) spearheadsjusticemovements clergy. CornellWilliamBrooks(’87, teach andsupportequityforwomen works inadenominationalagencyto well-being, andLeighGoodrich(’03) munities towardlong-termfinancial (’09) guidesAfricanAmericancom in post-hurricaneHouston.PamelaJolly helps organizehischurch’sreliefwork housing, whileAlexanderJohnson(’20) tors. Thisisecumenicaland interreli social workers,researchers, andeduca as pastors,deacons,nonprofit leaders, STH, andpreparetocontinue thiswork build amoreecologicallysustainable in justice- tion, partnerwithchurchesandagencies faith-sharing groups,seekspiritualdirec on reliefforPuertoRico,formsmall marches andprayervigils.Theywork with theirfaithcommunities,andjoin cry outtheirconcerns,workinand carry asimilarpassionforchange.They the STHcommunity All membersof building, volunteerinprisons, They choose . - that everything will workwill everything that Hope is not expectationnot is Hope of hope when the worldthe when hope of decision to seek sparksseek to decision out for the best; it is ais it best; the for out is cold and dim.and cold is - - - - school oftheology |bu.edu/sth 3 into holyhope! age tofacetheworldasit isandlean ing intohope.Maywealso takecour possibilities forchange.They arelean present that,whilegrim,include They presentpicturesofourpastand issue offocusechoasimilarrefrain. for hope.⁴Thejournalauthorsinthis cally theoneswhospeakmostboldly faced tragediesintheirlivesaretypi consistently foundthatthosewhohave the WisdomofYouthProject,Ihave I havebeeninterviewingyouthfor for despair;yet,despaircanleadpeople in history.Peoplehavegoodreasons is oneofthetragediesthismoment Hebrew CollegeinNewton,Mass. our interreligiouspartnershipwith of Learningshareinthiswork,asdoes United ChurchofChristCommunities Association andAnglican/Episcopal gious work,andourWesleyanStudent The bifurcationofdespairandhope

q be. In the12years promises ofwhatcan leaned intoGod’s and suffering;they wipe awaytragedy times. Theydidnot were writteninsuch theologies ofhope is coldanddim.Most hope whentheworld to seeksparksof best; itisadecision will workoutforthe tion thateverything Hope isnotexpecta glimmers ofhope. to searchdeeplyfor real - - - - 182462 BU 182462 Text~P.pdf 6 5_17_2018 182462 BU 182462 Text~P.pdf 7 5_17_2018

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CONFRONTING the centuries to WHITE PRIVILEGE reflect assumed CAMPAIGN UPDATE biological differ- ONE YEAR TO GO ences—in areas BY RICH BARLOW of ability such ore than $24.4 million of STH’s $25 million campaign goal has been raised thanks to alums and friends. Professor as intelligence— MKathe Darr has been installed as the Harrell F. Beck Chair of Hebrew Scripture (see p. 49), and $2.5 million has A psychic earthquake rocked that have no been contributed to endowed student scholarships. With one year left in the campaign, the school is now focused on Elisabeth Smith about five years basis in genetics supporting new funds needing a minimum endowment of $100,000—including the Korean Students Scholarship Fund ago, when her father revealed that or biology. and the Dale P. Andrews Memorial Scholarship in Practical Theology and Race—as well as the funds on this page. their family had owned slaves during “If we believe the Civil War. Smith felt guilty. “I that God created had to go back and almost rethink all of us equal, CENTER ENDOWMENT FUNDS my whole identity,” the Methodist there can be no cleric from Rhode Island shares with looking down on, discriminating Students learn to recognize and resist white fellow students in her Dismantling against, or exercising power against privilege in Dismantling White Privilege, Power, and Supremacy. CENTER FOR CENTER FOR RELIGION & CONFLICT ANNA White Privilege, Power, and persons of other backgrounds,” EARL AND MILLIE GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY PRACTICAL TRANSFORMATION HOWARD SHAW Supremacy class. “Of course, I’m says Susan Hassinger, a lecturer and BEANE HOUSING FUND & MISSION THEOLOGY* PROGRAM CENTER not the one who even did it, but it’s Methodist bishop-in-residence. Tory Shane Dillard (’20) like, why didn’t anybody ever tell Hassinger coteaches the class explains that in his rural home- $1M $1M $1M $400K me that before I was 50 years old?” with Karen Montagno, an adjunct town in Tennessee—one of the $2.5M Recognizing one’s own race- instructor and Episcopal priest. state’s poorest—white people who RAISED RAISED RAISED RAISED RAISED based privilege is a key theme of this Montagno is the only African are economically struggling think $1.74M $10K $131K $253K $217K STH class. Most of the students are American in the room (although it’s better to be poor than black, younger than Smith (she’s enrolled several of the 15 students are of since even disadvantaged white through STH’s Pastor Scholar Asian ancestry). people have better access to jobs Program of continuing clergy edu- “Underlying this course,” than their black neighbors. He cation). But they’ve still witnessed Montagno says, “is the assumption took the class to learn how to talk people denying identity-rooted sin. that white people in America expe- about white privilege with such Amie McCarthy (’19) recalls rience a privilege that they may or people. “When I was younger, SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS a high school discussion of the may not be aware of. It can be as there were times when we proba- BISHOPS SCHOLAR Holocaust: a German exchange stu- simple as the fact that their skin is bly worried if we would even pay GLOBAL FR. VINCENT MACHOZI MEMORIAL OF HOMILETICS dent “stood up in class, slammed his white, and it can be as complex as the electric bill. And if someone & CONTEXTUAL SCHOLARSHIP AND LECTURE ON AND PREACHING book down, and said, ‘None of this privileges that come from economic were to come to me and go, ‘You ENGAGEMENT FUND* BUILDING JUSTICE AND PEACE ever happened. You’re lying,’ and status.” She hopes the class will help have privilege,’ I would have com- $300K left. He was told all of it was a lie, students “know privilege when pletely rejected them.” his whole life.” they see it, and ways in which they Hassinger’s life story is a tonic $1M $200K RAISED $129K On this day, the class has bro- can resist.” The syllabus includes against despair of eroding privilege. RAISED RAISED ken into discussion groups after scholarly works on topics such as In 1968, she was the first woman Help support watching a PBS documentary the history of slavery, the psychol- Methodist minister ordained from $516K $102K the campaign at describing how visually obvious ogy of racial identity, and the roles her neck of central Pennsylvania. bu.edu/sth/giving. differences between people, such of black people in the Bible, but “People had a hard time accept- as skin color, have been extrapo- student experiences complement ing,” she says. “But eventually, the Matching funds are available. q * Scott Cydney lated by many white people over the textbooks. system changes.”

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A CHALLENGE FOR to change, but at the same time into pastoral ministry—but they religious landscape is the mission will midwife the birth of these THE SOUL OF THE produces anxiety that says, “This do see themselves as faith leaders. field. People are saying, “I’m a new communities? We’re prepar- BLACK CHURCH is chaos. We have to go back to They’re looking for communities Christian, but I don’t love the ing students to identify the seeds something more stable.” of faith that are different from the Church. I want to be in commu- of organic postmodern Christianity institutional options. We’re pre- nity, but I can’t be a part of that and help cultivate them. q BY LARA EHRLICH How does this tension play out paring a generation of indigenous community.” What are the alter- This interview has been condensed in the black church? missionaries where the American natives for those people, and who and edited for clarity. Theodore Hickman-Maynard, an Interpretive freedom is part of ordained minister in the African the black church’s very existence. Methodist Episcopal Church and White Christians employed mes- REMEMBERING KING, JR. STH’s new assistant professor of sages as control tactics: slaves Theodore Hickman-Maynard is STH’s acting black church studies, explores were to obey their masters and associate dean for community life and lifelong “We’ve all drawn from his tes- ing the 50th anniversary of his assas- how black Christians grapple with God would bless them for their learning. tament and testimony that no sination. BU held a week of events a religious tradition that evolved servitude; God blesses those who matter how deep the divisions… honoring King; speakers included in the shadow of white oppres- suffer. The black church reinter- deeply oppressive to people within no matter how tempting the hate, Traci Blackmon, executive minister sion. Hickman-Maynard talked preted those stories so they were our own community.” There’s a love is our only option.” Cornell of justice and local church ministries with focus about how worshippers’ preaching about how God told serious challenge for the soul of William Brooks (’87, Hon.’15), for- of the United Church of Christ, diverging perspectives on their Moses to tell Pharaoh, “Let my the black church. mer NAACP president and visiting and Deval Patrick (Hon.’14), former faith are causing a crisis in the people go.”

Neville of Neville Art Enterprises professor at STH and LAW, spoke Massachusetts governor. Read event black church, and how they’re But that interpretive freedom How are black church leaders about the legacy of Martin Luther coverage, alums’ memories of King, shaping future leaders. developed in a complex way along responding? King, Jr. (GRS’55, Hon.’59) in a and reflections on his legacy at with a conservatism on issues like Pastors are trying to spawn Marsh Chapel service commemorat- bu.edu (search “King 2018”). q focus: You’ve said you seek to sexual orientation that sought legit- ministries that allow for the Martin Luther King, Jr. at BU in 1964 understand “what it means to imacy within white culture. The diversity of approaches that this be a black person of faith in our black church allowed black people a new generation requires in order contemporary moment.” How certain measure of entrée into white to feel authentic. They’re preaching MOVING ON would you define “our contem- society, a respectability. Now, in this on Sunday morning to a traditional porary moment”? moment of rapid change, these tra- crowd, then leading a discussion Spiritual Tribes: of a SUNY Press trilogy in philo- Hickman-Maynard: The broad ditions are colliding. group on Friday night that’s a little Finding Religion sophical theology: Ultimates (2013), term we’d use is postmodernity. And so, you have a crisis in freer, that’s not bound by a social in Everyday Life Existence (2014), and Religion After the world wars made us the black church, where primar- pressure to articulate established (Oxford University (2015). He is a former dean of question the way we approach ily younger people don’t want to orthodoxy. You see pastors walking Press, 2013), which STH and Marsh Chapel and was knowledge, marginalized voices adhere to modes of discourse and that line, trying to use established explores the role executive director of BU’s Albert were allowed to speak to a greater behavior that allow them to be churches as a staging area for ven- Nancy T. John Hart Robert C. that religion and & Jessie Danielsen Institute. “We degree than before. We had the accepted by wider white society. turing into the wild new terrain Ammerman Neville spirituality play in celebrate these three remarkable birth of feminism and the black They are more social justice– of whatever this next version of Americans’ daily faculty on the eve of their retire- power, civil rights, and gay rights oriented, saying, “If we are going Christianity looks like. Professors Nancy T. Ammerman, lives. Hart, professor of Christian ments,” says Dean Mary Elizabeth movements. That was incredibly to be a church for liberation, we John Hart, and Robert C. ethics, advocates for environmental Moore. “They are treasured col- destabilizing for the governing have to be a church for libera- What is your students’ role Neville are retiring at the end care and is the editor of The Wiley leagues, and they are world-class classes, and those whose canons of tion of all people, so we have to in shaping this version of of the 2017–2018 academic year. Blackwell Companion to Religion and scholars who have mentored gener- belief were called into question. challenge the prevailing doctrines Christianity? Ammerman, professor of sociol- Ecology (Wiley Blackwell, 2017). ations of students and helped shape Today, we live at a crossroads that have manifested in ways—like People in seminary now don’t ogy of religion in STH and CAS, Neville, professor of philosophy, their respective fields. We will miss

King photo by BU Photography | Moving On (l to r): BU Photography | Kalman Zabarsky; courtesy of John Hart; courtesy of Beth q of a hypermodernity that is open sexism and homophobia—that are necessarily see themselves going Simon Anderson is the author of Sacred Stories, religion, and theology, is the author them greatly.”

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STH’S NEWEST DISTINGUISHED ALUMS

CHRISTIANITY IS GLOBAL.

STH presented Distinguished ministry coaching organization STH Dean’s Advisory Board; SO IS OUR MISSION. Alumni/ae Awards to four grad- in Naugatuck, Conn.—who was Ronald Carter (’74, GRS’85), uates in 2017. The recipients recognized in the category of retired president of Johnson C. were, from left: Melissa Cooper emerging leader; Jung Sun Oh Smith University; and Robert E. (’09), an ordained deacon in the (’01), pastor of Weston United Reber (’64, GRS’73), retired dean HELP STH MAKE AN IMPACT United Methodist Church and an Methodist Church in Weston, of Auburn Theological Seminary associate with Vibrant Faith—a Mass., and a member of the in New York, N.Y. q IN AFRICA AND BEYOND.

STH’s Center for Global Christianity & Mission gives MERLE R. JORDAN (1931–2018) faith leaders the skills and knowledge they need to help the Christian Church thrive in the non-Western world. It Merle R. Jordan, a professor (now the South Shore Counseling studies new Christian movements growing in Africa, Asia, emeritus at STH and former Center in Norwell, Mass.) and and Latin America; provides tuition grants to international executive director of BU’s Albert was interim dean of STH from & Jessie Danielsen Institute, passed 1974 to 1977. Memorial con- doctoral students; publishes works about mission history; away March 25, 2018, at age 87. tributions may be made to The and sponsors distance learning for leaders of indigenous He was ordained a minister in Merle Jordan Conference Fund, churches in southern Africa. the United Church of Christ in c/o The Danielsen Institute, 1956 and joined STH in 1969 as Boston University, 185 Bay State To help us raise $100,000 to endow the Center for an associate professor of pastoral Rd., Boston, MA 02215 or to Global Christianity & Mission Fund, which will support psychology. Jordan founded the VNA-Care, Fund Development, South Shore Pastoral Counseling 199 Rosewood Dr., Suite 180, this work, email [email protected], call 617-353-2349, or

Center in Hingham, Mass., in 1970 Danvers, MA 01923. q Institute Institute of the Danielsen of the Danielsen courtesy courtesy (top); (top); Kimberly Macdonald Kimberly Macdonald visit bu.edu/sth/giving.

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FEATURE TINY HOMES FOR BIG DREAMS

FAITH FOWLER MAKES HOMEOWNERSHIP A REALITY FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY IN DETROIT

BY MEGAN WOOLHOUSE Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. It’s also an idea that has put Fowler in The house is tiny, just 350 square feet, the national spotlight. Stories about the but to Gladys Ferguson, it feels much project on PBS, CNN, and other out- bigger. The widowed 64-year-old loves lets have drawn busloads of tourists. A her yellow miniature Colonial, with its Facebook video posted after construc- new appliances, air-conditioning, and its tion of the first house in 2016 has been Faith Fowler (’86) own little garden. And if she continues viewed more than 42 million times. to pay $350 a month for seven years, Fowler says it’s been a wild ride. she will own it. She recently self-published Tiny Homes “It’s my own teeny-weeny man- in a Big City, both as a guidebook and sion,” Ferguson says. “It’s a tremen- a response to an outpouring of social dous blessing.” media criticism questioning the merit of Ferguson’s house, in a blighted giving homeless people free houses and corner of northwest Detroit, is one naysayers who simply think the idea of 25 such homes under construction is doomed. by Cass Community Social Services, “The Cass Tiny Homes project is a Detroit nonprofit led by Methodist a pilot program, an experiment if you Above: The first tiny home erty does.” Wages have been stagnant for And helping people get ahead is a big minister Faith Fowler (’86). While will. It may not work or it may need built by Cass Community 40 years, she says, and incomes have not part of a religious calling that Fowler says Social Services is a miniature the little homes look like those minia- to be modified over time,” she writes. Tudor with stonework on the kept pace with spiraling healthcare costs. she felt as early as junior high. tures featured on cable TV—one is a “Ours was a calculated risk.” facade. The interior includes a One in five children in the United States Painfully shy, she says she didn’t take shrunken Tudor, another a scaled-down sleeping area and kitchen (top lives in poverty, and the majority will action on that calling until she graduated right), bathroom, and living Victorian—these weren’t built for baby GETTING ALONG VS GETTING AHEAD area (bottom right). remain there. from Albion College and had a job coun- boomers looking to downsize or young Fowler grew up in Detroit and its sub- Fowler says her two decades at Cass seling at-risk and abused youth. When a couples on a budget. The occupants urbs, the granddaughter of a man who have shown her that many disadvantaged minister in the program couldn’t give a are the Motor City’s poorest residents, survived polio as a child and unem- people can make progress toward finan- scheduled sermon and asked if she would including formerly homeless people. ployment as a young man and died a cial stability until a major setback occurs fill in, Fowler conquered her fear of pub- “Our goal is to target folks who are wealthy businessman. While she sees a in their lives, like having to pay for a lic speaking and decided to pursue a life ready to move out of the shelters or hopeful role model in his pull-yourself- relative’s funeral, needing car repairs, or of ministry. The next year, she enrolled bad rental situations,” says Fowler. “We up-by-your-bootstraps story, she’s not losing a job. When that happens, they in STH, drawn by its Methodist history were, probably still are, the only agency sure that it could happen today. turn to one of Cass’ traditional safety net and the social justice legacy of Martin to provide ownership opportunities for “We live in a different time,” she programs, like its shelter or food pantry. Luther King, Jr. (GRS’55, Hon’59). people making as little as $8,000 a year.” says. “Large numbers of people, despite “I’ve spent most of my waking hours At BU, Fowler worked with prison That’s less than what’s required for a amazing drive, resilience, and hard with very poor people,” Fowler says. inmates, mostly at MCI-Cedar Junction, home through Habitat for Humanity, the work, do not experience comebacks “I found that we could help people get a maximum-security prison in Walpole, well-known nonprofit promoting home- or economic mobility. While polio no along. What we couldn’t do is help them Mass. After graduation, the Methodist ownership touted by former president longer plagues the United States, pov- get ahead.” Church assigned her as a minister to the Photos courtesy of Cass Community Social Services Community of Cass courtesy Photos

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FEATURE

Cass Community United Methodist has subdivided it into tiny-house lots Fowler (’86) believes tiny homes are a way to help Church in Detroit, a church that also just 30 feet by 100 feet. people who are homeless and operated social service programs. Those Fowler raised the money from private economically disadvantaged programs eventually became the inde- sources, foundations, and other donors, gain assets that will support them through financial ups pendent nonprofit Cass Community including $400,000 from the Ford and downs. Social Services. In her current role, Fund, to pay for materials. She says Fowler works as a senior pastor deliv- the agency currently has enough funds ering sermons at Cass Church and as to build 19 of the 25 planned houses, executive director of Cass Community each costing $40,000 to $50,000. From Social Services, where she oversees a foundation to furnishing, each one takes $6.9 million budget and a wide array about four months to construct. of services, including a homeless shelter and food pantry, a residential program HOMEOWNERSHIP BY 2023 for homeless men with HIV/AIDS, In 2016, when the first six homes and a plant that employs 80 people were completed, 122 people applied who recycle tires into welcome mats in person, as required, for a residence. and flip-flops. Residents must live in Michigan and Cass’ services are badly needed in earn at least $8,500 a year, and many Detroit, a city that filed for bankruptcy made the cut because they work low- protection in 2013 and, nearly five wage jobs or live off social security or The Cass program requires residents sell. Fowler thinks many people want years later, has more than 80,000 vacant disability benefits. to meet with a financial coach and even- to live tiny, and that most will stay in lots and abandoned buildings. One- Anyone convicted of a violent tually join a homeownership association. their homes. But troubled by critics who third of its households have an annual offense within the last decade, drug They must also attend monthly financial have accused her of forcing poor people income of $15,000 or less, and people dealing in the last five years, or a sex- literacy classes and volunteer eight hours to live in small spaces, she decided to pay what Fowler calls an obscene pro- ual offense was not considered. Using a a month on projects like a neighborhood downsize her home—in a big way. portion of that income for rent. numerical scoring system, a Cass com- crime watch. Last October, she sold her 2,000- She doesn’t recall how she first heard mittee scored the anonymous appli- Tracey Harris, a sociology professor square-foot Victorian and moved into of tiny houses, Fowler says, but she was cants, weighing their residential at Cape Breton University, is writing a windowless former boiler room on intrigued and started researching and history, financial readiness, and per- a book about the broader tiny houses the first floor of the Cass administrative visiting communities around the United sonal references. trend. She predicts that the key to office building. She wanted to see what States geared for the homeless. One was The age of the first group of seven Fowler’s success will be the availability living in a 350-square-foot space was Occupy Madison, a mobile tiny-house residents ranges from 24 to 74. All of continuing support for residents to like. Seven months later, she says it’s village in Madison, Wis., and another but one are people of color. One has help them meet the goal of ownership. required more of an adjustment than she was Quixote Village in Olympia, a prison record. They earn an average “The community-building aspect is really thought it would. For example, at night Wash., an area of 30 micro homes income of $988 a month. important,” Harris says. “With a tiny there’s no getting away from the sound funded by government sources. Gladys Ferguson, resident of the yel- house, you can have all those things that of a ticking wall clock. And she shares She liked what she saw, but was con- low Colonial and part of the inaugural are important to building a resilient and what little space she has with a boiler. cerned about the village aspect, segrega- group, says soaring rents and an arthritic compassionate community.” “Tiny homes are not for everyone,” tion, and the potential for stigma. Cass condition had made finding a place to If everything goes as planned, the first she says. “They are for people who want spent $15,000 to buy much of a nearby live difficult for her. “Here you got tenants will own the deeds to their tiny to do it.” q neighborhood that was a collection of white, black, young, old,” Ferguson homes around 2023. At that time, they empty and abandoned lots. The agency says. “I like that.” can choose to keep their tiny homes or Adapted from BU Today (bu.edu/today) Brad Ziegler Brad

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FEATURE HEALING HOUSTON

ALEXANDER E. M. JOHNSON HELPS ’ LARGEST with the names of members providing CITY RECOVER FROM HURRICANE HARVEY contracting, legal, financial, and mental health services. It also surveyed its mem- BY ANDREW THURSTON into a donation and distribution cen- bers to gauge physical and spiritual needs. ter—once the waters had receded. As of early 2018, some congregants As Hurricane Harvey charged toward It opened on August 31. were still not able to return to their Texas in late August 2017, Alexander “We put out an all call for our homes. Johnson says the church’s focus is E. M. Johnson readied his Houston church, utilizing social media and our “primarily practical and financial support church to serve as an emergency shel- e-blast, and we requested donations for those who experienced more signifi- ter—then hunkered down at home. of clothing, cleaning supplies, linens, cant home damage.” Alexander E. M. Johnson (’20) The associate pastor at Wheeler Avenue household items, toiletries.” Wheeler Avenue has a long history Baptist Church, Johnson (’20) expected They also asked for financial support of disaster relief—it was a shelter after that whatever havoc the storm might and volunteers—to work at the center Hurricane Katrina, and sent teams to wreak, Sunday services would go on. and to join teams removing furniture Moore, Okla., after a tornado killed 24 in They’d never been canceled in his life- from storm-lashed homes. 2013—but Johnson says Harvey showed time; when Hurricane Ike knocked out Johnson says supplies came in from the church needed to codify its response power in 2008, the congregation gath- across the nation as word spread. Local plans. He’s hoping better documentation ered in Wheeler Avenue’s fellowship universities sent sports teams and student Johnson (right) and volunteers at day the distribution center was open, she can inform future decisions about how hall without lights. groups to help. On the distribution cen- Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church was here from start to finish, because she much capacity the church has to help or served Houston residents affected Harvey proved to be different, ter’s first day, he says, “we had lines lit- by Hurricane Harvey. recalled being helped in her time of need the best ways to mobilize volunteers. dumping more than 50 inches of rain erally wrapped around our gymnasium.” and, consequently, she wanted to be of “You learn from everything you do,” in just one week and damaging tens of During the two months it was open, assistance in the time of need of others.” says Johnson. “Perhaps we may have thousands of homes. “Members of our Wheeler Avenue estimates its donation During the center’s early days, overworked our volunteers in the first congregation spent hours in their attics center served 25,000 people with the Johnson was a constant presence, direct- few weeks—we did see some volunteer waiting to be rescued,” says Johnson, help of nearly 4,000 volunteers. The ing and energizing volunteers. But the fatigue as time went on.” As a result, he’s whose home suffered only a glancing supplies that weren’t used in the Harvey need to balance providing practical sup- considering ways to proactively schedule blow. “Streets were impassable; streets effort filled two shipping containers, and port with pastoral care soon meant hand- those willing to give their time rather that never flooded were flooded.” The were redirected to the Virgin Islands ing the day-to-day running of the center than issuing an open plea for help. road into the church’s parking lot was and Puerto Rico as they, too, recovered to church staff. He turned his attention Johnson, who “was born and raised in inaccessible—unless you were prepared from 2017’s bruising hurricane season. to reassuring those dealing with the emo- this church,” juggles that work and his to paddle. “There were strangers helping tional aftereffects of the storm “that their regular duties at Wheeler Avenue with Wheeler Avenue canceled its services strangers with ill regard for race, color, church was concerned about them and adjunct teaching at the University of for the week. creed,” says Johnson. “It was just heart- connected to them.” Houston and his studies in STH’s doctor Although the church, which has warming to see how people put aside The center closed in November of ministry in transformational leadership 15,000 members, had been on standby differences to ensure humanity was pri- 2017—“At some point, we needed to program. The lessons he’s learning at as a possible shelter for displaced resi- mary and that we showed concern for get back to the discipleship effort,” says STH directly inform the work he’s doing dents, Harvey’s devastation meant big- one another.” Johnson—but Wheeler Avenue contin- in his home city. ger spaces would be needed. Johnson One volunteer’s story stuck with ues to have a role in helping Houston “I think we should hope to leave the and the team at Wheeler Avenue him. She’d been displaced after heal. The church recently published a world a better place than we found it,” he says. q decided to turn the church’s gymnasium Hurricane Katrina and “every single Baptist Church of Wheeler Avenue courtesy Photos disaster recovery business directory filled

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FEATURE ROAD TO EQUITY

INVESTOR PAMELA JOLLY BLENDS BIBLICAL AND FINANCIAL WISDOM her Wharton MBA. As part of her stud- tem to work with clients, which include TO HELP CLIENTS OF COLOR CLOSE THE RACE GAP ies, Jolly interviewed African American organizations such as the National individuals, business owners, and pastors Association of Real Estate Brokers BY JULIE BUTTERS cial advice that draws inspiration from across the country, asking, “If this is our (NAREB). She advised NAREB, as part biblical texts—Habakkuk 2:2’s lesson social-economic position, what’s the of its strategy to create two million new By 2053, the average black household on writing down God’s vision becomes promised land? How do we get there black homeowners within five years, to is projected to have zero wealth: their a process for drafting a written plan to together? How do we fund it, and what work with their affiliate, a credit counsel- debts will cancel the value of what they reach financial goals. Jolly hopes inte- do you need to feel more confident of ing agency, to host a series of conferences own. Strategic investor Pamela Jolly grating faith and finance will encourage your pursuit?” around the country for aspiring home- wants to avert that bleak future by put- clients to create responsible plans to build Through her studies—and her owners. Some participants, says Jolly, had ting more African Americans on a stable wealth that continues for generations. work—Jolly says she learned each per- believed a stereotype that black people Pamela Jolly (’09) financial footing. The former banker, corporate stra- son needs to create their own definition have bad credit; they were shocked to Today, black people own only about tegic consultant, and market strategist of wealth in order to achieve it; our learn they were actually eligible to buy two percent of firms with paid employ- founded Torch in 2004 after seeing perspectives on wealth are shaped by a house. This advice drew on Proverbs ees; they’re also less likely than white a need for education that would help culture, experiences, and relationships. 23:7 (“For as he thinks in his heart, so is individuals of similar economic back- women and people of color advance “For too many ‘regular people,’ legacy is he.” NKJV). grounds to earn a higher income than their businesses. “I realized if I don’t do something you talk about in small groups A constant in Jolly’s efforts is pro- their parents. Many men of color don’t this work, we will continue to wait to and at funerals, while for the wealthy, viding culturally relevant tools to peo- have the financial education to under- take full possession of our promise—liv- it is something you studied, owned, ple of color to build legacy wealth. stand how wealth is made. ing an abundant life and having abun- focused on, and kept passing forward,” Her next goal is to work with African “Hundreds of millions of dollars have dant communities,” she says. she writes in The NarrowRoad: A Guide American men to find ways to improve been invested in black men over the past Helping rebuild New Orleans after to Legacy Wealth (Torchlight Publishing their financial status by establishing a 10 years, but the investment has con- Hurricane Katrina in 2005 showed Jolly Inc., 2015). She also discovered that faith nationwide equity syndicate, focused on centrated on fatherhood, education, and that faith had a critical role to play in gives underserved people of color the increasing ownership and equity in the workforce development,” says Jolly (’09), strategic financial advice. The Federal power to believe things can improve, black community. She’s formed a part- who’s interviewed nearly 4,000 African Emergency Management Agency had that they can overcome the race wealth nership with the Campaign for Black American men about finances through hired Torch to help assess damage and gap. Financial education, she says, allows Male Achievement to host a 12-month her work. “There’s been little to no rebuilding needs in the New Orleans them to act wisely on that faith. Black Male Equity Initiative in Detroit. conversation about wealth creation.” area. A lot of people Jolly met, espe- Jolly developed a wealth strategy tool, Successful applicants, chosen from a range Even those who do bank some cially pastors, believed God would pro- NarrowRoad, that uses biblical narratives of socioeconomic and professional back- money might find it’s transitory. “Gains vide financial help and a vision for how like the parable of the talents (Matthew grounds, are learning how to increase made in one generation are often lost in to spend it. But that faith was rarely 25:14–30) to help provide guidance in their income-earning capacity, create a the next,” says Jolly. “A focus on legacy backed by a financial plan, and some five areas, which include using data- budget for a seed capital fund, and pool wealth, versus poverty, is essential to in pastors wanted to use relief funds on pet driven strategies and creating consis- capital to acquire land in Detroit, which some way address this wide gap.” projects instead of rebuilding. tent actions across local, regional, and they will develop and sell to become As CEO of the strategic investment Jolly decided to explore the con- national levels. Are users directing their equity shareholders. Working together to company Torch Enterprises, Jolly travels nections between faith and finance investments at fertile or rocky ground? build legacy wealth, African Americans around the country, partnering with and by studying theology at STH and Are they like the servant who buried his can finally exit what Jolly calls a financial investing in minority-owned businesses. Christian education at the Graduate master’s money, or those who produced wilderness, and enter their own prom- q The company provides strategic finan- Theological Foundation to accompany (whitneythomas.com) Thomas of Whitney Courtesy a profit by investing it? Jolly uses the sys- ised lands.

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FEATURE

PARITY IN THE PULPIT

LEIGH GOODRICH LEADS THE UMC’S EFFORTS sake of having equity with their male impact, she believes “we helped to support TO END DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN counterparts,” she says. “We’re saying that progress, and to make it possible. We there are skilled and talented women out like to think that because these curricu- BY LARA EHRLICH full clergy rights, including the ability there who can offer an awful lot to con- lums are there and people are using them, to serve in UMC appointments and gregations, and they should be considered and because we are publishing statistics and In 2004, Leigh Goodrich (’03) became become members of annual conferences, for higher-paying appointments.” letting the Church know where we stand the associate pastor of a United the UMC’s regional governing bodies. But first, women in terms of women’s equity, we see more Methodist church in Massachusetts, but There’s still a long way to go, Goodrich need to know they and more women in leadership positions.” she wasn’t supplied with a parsonage— says. “Gender inequity has existed for “We’re not suggesting that can apply. Goodrich As women enter these roles, churches or a standard housing allowance. When so long, and has seeped into our society created a free cur- need guidance for welcoming them and women should be put in Leigh Goodrich (’03) she asked why, the Pastor/Staff-Parish at so many different levels, that in many riculum, “Women treating them equitably. Goodrich finds Relations Committee told her they’d cases people don’t even know where appointments for the sake Called to Ministry,” people are often open to change, but assumed her husband would provide a those inequities exist.” which includes study unsure how to interact with female lead- of having equity with their home. Goodrich appealed to the New It’s part of Goodrich’s mission to guides with scrip- ers. She is often asked by parishioners— England Conference response team, point them out, so that the 56 annual male counterparts. We’re ture readings, activ- male and female—how they should speak who helped her negotiate for a hous- conferences—each of which has its own, ities, and resources to a woman pastor. “Don’t comment on saying there are skilled and ing allowance. The church complied, smaller group dedicated to the status and to educate lay and her nail polish or her high heels,” she but compensated Goodrich much less role of women—can create change on a talented women out there clergy women about responds. “Instead, talk to her with the than she was owed. The experience was local level. A 2017 study Goodrich helped leadership opportu- same respect and regard as you would a who can offer an awful lot eye-opening, she says. “I came to the lead, for example, found that women nities in their local male pastor.” conclusion that there was a difference in comprise 58 percent of the UMC mem- to congregations, and they churches and in the The commission is developing pro- the way men and women are treated as bership, but only 27 percent of its clergy. should be considered for greater UMC— gramming to tie into the #MeToo move- employees of the Church.” They’re also paid 16 cents less per hour positions like deans of ment, and hosts a sexual misconduct help Today, as senior director of education than their male counterparts. The com- higher-paying appointments.” seminaries, superin- line. Goodrich is also writing a curriculum and leadership at the United Methodist mission posted the salary gaps for all the —Leigh Goodrich tendents, and bishops. for 2019 on welcoming women to lead- Church’s General Commission on the annual conferences on its website (gcsrw While the com- ership appointments that will offer advice Status and Role of Women, Goodrich .org) to help hold them accountable. It mission produces a for the Pastor/Staff–Parish Relations helps other women respond to gender also developed recommendations that wealth of resources, it’s up to the annual Committee, the outgoing pastor, the con- discrimination, and counsels the UMC Goodrich promotes in training sessions conferences to use them. “Because we gregation, the district superintendent and on how to eradicate it. As part of the with the conferences: listening sessions to are a small office, the progress would be cabinet, and the incoming female pastor. six-person commission, she monitors hear women’s concerns, updated policies so slow if it was just us,” Goodrich says. “It is our hope that in focusing on all inequity in the Church, spearheads on gender discrimination, and mentoring “Our goal is to try to get the people in aspects of the appointment process, we research, and develops guides for wel- programs for lay and clergy women. the annual conferences to do much of this can train everyone to welcome the new coming female clergy and directing them The Church appointment process also advocacy and work.” pastor, nurture her gifts, grow through toward leadership roles. She also trains needs to change: Goodrich asks resident And Goodrich is seeing change. She the experience of a female pastor, and Church leaders and laypeople around the bishops and district superintendents to says women now make up half of Church- avoid discrimination and unfair prac- country in antidiscrimination practices. consider at least one woman for each wide agencies, and there are more female tices,” she says. “All of these groups Women have been ordained in the position they fill. delegates to the UMC’s general and juris- are part of the dynamic that will make Methodist Church since the late 1800s, “We’re not suggesting that women dictional conferences. Although Goodrich women more welcome as leaders in but it wasn’t until 1956 that they received should be put in appointments for the q

Courtesy of Beth DiCocco Courtesy says it’s hard to quantify the commission’s their congregations.”

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sermon

Julian Armand Cook (’16) delivered a theoretical. Most of us have no desire singing the blues on a note of hope version of this sermon on Psalm 137:1–41 to take over the world; we’re just try- at St. Mark Congregational Church in ing to survive. Paul Robeson, the civil HOLDING ON WHEN WE’RE HARASSED BY HELL Roxbury, Mass., on January 22, 2017— rights activist and actor who sang “Ol’ the Sunday following the US presidential Man River” in the 1936 filmShow inauguration. Boat, was right: we’re tired of living, but scared of dying, so we just keep “This is earthquake rollin’ along.4 So, what is it that makes Weather! us go on living in earthquake weather? Honor and hunger Something happened recently that Walk lean deepened my understanding of this Together.” question. A college friend—a white —Langston Hughes, “Today”2 man—expressed deep concern for America in the aftermath of the 2016 election. He wrote: 1. By the rivers of Babylon— e are living in earthquake weather. I know that I’m Christian. I know that there we sat down and there WIt feels as if dysfunction has gripped the work is ahead of us, but is it alright if I we wept when we remembered Zion. the throat of our world with renewed am just angry right now? Is it alright if I’m On the willows there intensity. Nobody wants to die, but we angry that the country I thought was finally we hung up our harps. are killing ourselves to live. dealing with the ugliest parts of ourselves has For there our captors What is it that makes us get up in just been doing a good job of camouflaging asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for the morning, when experience has its racism? Is it alright if I’m angry that mirth, saying, proven that we do not know what (Continued) “Sing us one of the songs of life has waiting for us that day? What Zion!” gives us the ontological audacity to How could we sing the Lord’s song go on working to cultivate children in a foreign land? who are ethical leaders, when the most prominent leaders of this day have 2. See Hughes in Richard K. Barksdale, Praisesong of Survival: proven themselves more interested in About the Lectures and Essays, 1957–89 “Trumping” people than serving peo- Author (Urbana, IL: University of Illinois ple? How can we sing in a strange land Press, 1992), 203. (Psalm 137:4)? 3. Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, The Some have argued that what keeps Will to Power, ed. Walter Kaufmann, humanity going is the “will to power”3 Julian Armand Cook (‘16) is the senior trans. Walter Kaufmann and R. J. —the will to make ourselves perma- pastor of St. Mark Congregational Hollingdale (New York: Random Church, United Church of Christ, in House, 1967). nent, bigger, and better. You see it Boston. He is also assistant director in the toddler, who—before they’ve of Thurman Networks at BU’s Howard 4. “I’m tired of living and scared worked a day in their life—stands in Thurman Center for Common Ground, a of dying / But ol’ man river, he student center committed to Thurman’s just keeps rolling along.” “Ol’ Man their parent’s home and announces with principles of the “search for common River,” featuring Paul Robeson, in righteous indignation, “You’re not the ground” and the “unity of all people.” Show Boat, directed by James Whale boss of me!” The “will to power” argu- (1936, Universal Pictures).

ment sounds convincing, but it’s too Joshua Duttweiler

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my parents—who taught me bullying was 6. Nick Salvatore, Singing in White House built by their enslaved cries out, “I’m still here!” When it wrong, who taught me about a Jesus who a Strange Land: C.l. Franklin, ancestors. Hope was easier then. touches you—somewhere between the loved everybody—finally admitted to me that the Black Church, and the Now, we stand by the strange waters cracks of life—something happens. Transformation of America (Urbana, they voted for a man who is the antithesis of IL: University of Illinois Press, of Babylon wondering, What happened Don’t be ashamed if you have everything Jesus represented? 2006), 32. to our song? to sing the blues. The blues isn’t the

Our song is more than pitch and opposite of the gospel. Despair isn’t the My response began: lyrics. It’s about our existence. The antithesis of hope. Thomas Dorsey, the My Dear Brother, day we stop singing is the day we stop father of gospel music, said that “one You need to learn to sing the blues. existing. What is the heartbeat’s hum cannot sing the gospel without know- but a song? What is the whisper-tone ing how to sing the blues.”6 I felt comfortable telling him that of our lungs inhaling and exhaling but a In Christ, we sing the blues with a because I’m black, and nobody can sing physiological impro- note of hope. Hope the blues like black people. We’ve had visation on the sym- and despair are a a lot of practice, because we’ve sung the phony of existence? strange marriage. blues for a long time. But what is differ- Our song is about Don’t be ashamed if you have to Tears are often fol- ent about this political moment is that our identity. I sing lowed by the deepest people who have never had to sing the because it sanctifies sing the blues. The blues isn’t moves of the Spirit. blues are singing it now, because the sys- my survival. I sing the opposite of the gospel. Jesus won a crown, tems that have never worked for some of The Israelites were sitting beside the 5. Martin Luther King, Jr., “I because God is in but it was a crown us did not work for more of us this time. strange waters of Babylon, atop grass Have a Dream” (speech, March my voice. Despair isn’t the antithesis of thorns. The cen- on Washington, Washington, The blues is not fertilized by their D.C., August 28, 1963). But how do you of hope. Thomas Dorsey, the tral statement of our solely style. It is not dead dreams. If sing when you’re faith—the resurrec- simply the anthem you’ve been there, strangled by struggle father of gospel music, said tion of Jesus— of Mississippi you know some- and harassed by hell? happens in a grave- What is different about this that “one cannot sing the Delta-dwellers who thing about the Sing the blues! yard, proclaiming that had enough Holy political moment is that people blues. Singing the blues gospel without knowing how the living God works Ghost power to For eight years, is more than com- in dead places. who have never had to sing the to sing the blues.” pick cotton and plant the world watched plaining. The blues At the cross, Jesus hope. The blues is blues are singing it now, as a black man— would be nothing sang the blues: “Eloi, the creative mas- Barack Hussein but groaning with- Eloi, lama sabach- because the systems that have terpiece of disci- Obama—led the out the blue note thani?” or, “My God, pleship. It is what never worked for some of us highest office in of hope. my God, why have you forsaken me?” you get when life our land. Those of The “blue note” is the basis of blues (Matthew 27:46). In that moment, there did not work for more of us forces you to hold us who wanted to music. It is both musical and philosophi- was a peculiar concoction: the despair of to hope while your this time. believe that America cal; a sound and a way of life. You can’t forsakenness mixed with the hope that heart is breaking. could one day live find it on the piano, because it exists allowed Jesus to still say, “My God!” The Israelites out the “true mean- somewhere in the cracks between the That’s what it means to sing the blues on in Psalm 137:1–4 ing of its creed”5 keys. The blue note cannot be played, it a note of hope. knew something about the blues. The sang, because we never imagined that can only be sung. It cannot be charted, Keep on singing! Singing will keep Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, had Barack Obamas could one day lead the seen, or written because—like the grace you from dying, because if you can destroyed Jerusalem. The people who country where there had been Bull of God—it cannot be explained, only sing, you can breathe. If you can had been freed by God from slavery in Connors. We played the harps of hope experienced: when it touches you, you breathe, you’re alive. And, if you’re Egypt were again captives in Babylon. as we watched a black family live in a know it. The blue note is hope that alive, then there is hope. q

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JOURNAL

oo often, says Cornell William How many times do you walk into a first responders to injustice TBrooks (’87, Hon.’15), moral lead- situation where the problem is not that ers aren’t engaged in critical policy you lack options, it’s that there’s a lack TODAY’S CIVIL RIGHTS CRISES CALL SEMINARIANS TO BOLD PUBLIC LEADERSHIP, work against injustice: they may lack of a moral imagination to actually use SAYS FORMER NAACP PRESIDENT CORNELL WILLIAM BROOKS (’87, HON.’15) self-confidence, or bow to political the options? Seminarians are trained to pressure. Brooks—a civil rights leader walk into situations and inspire people. and former president of the NAACP— recently taught an STH and School How do your students’ views on of Law class, Violence, the Vote, and leadership compare with those you Hope: An Examination of Ethics, Law and your fellow students had at STH? and Justice Movements, as the visit- This Twitter-age generation of activ- ing professor of social ethics, law, and ists is much more sophisticated in their justice movements for 2017–2018. He messaging and much more global in spoke with focus editor Julie Butters their understanding of the interrelated- about training a new generation of ness of injustices. They see the relation- seminarians to engage in policy, and ship between [racial profiling and police demonstrate the prophetic moral lead- violence] in Ferguson and the Neth- ership needed to meet today’s sociopo- erlands, between the alt-right in the litical and civil rights challenges. United States and white nationalism and ultranationalism in Europe, between focus: What do you hope students postcolonialism and the excesses of learn from your class? over-militarized police departments. Brooks: The class last semester formally (Continued) focused on the right to vote and to be free from violence. But it was also a seminar on the leadership of justice movements. My aspiration was to con- vince a group of seminarians that they have not only the moral legitimacy, but About the the policy expertise to go beyond the Professor stained-glass boundaries of the Church and into the sphere of public policy, public debate, voting rights, civil rights, Cornell William Brooks (’87, Hon.’15) and police misconduct. When there’s a is a visiting professor of social ethics, major civil rights crisis, governors, may- law, and justice movements at STH ors, senators, and congressional repre- and the School of Law. He served as president and CEO of the NAACP from sentatives call on clergy first. When you 2014 to 2017, and is a social justice have people who are at odds with each advocate, civil rights attorney, and other, who want to take up arms out of fourth-generation ordained minister. frustration, it’s the clergy who have the

legitimacy to say, “Wait and discuss.” Green Dave

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On the flip side, there’s been talk tual capability of understanding, “What 1. President Barack Obama, voting rights; he understood we need legitimacy, they use them to keep the about “slacktivism,” where people say, do we want in terms of ending voter “Remarks at the Selma Voting people to monitor the polls. And we peace without pursuing justice. And “I commented on that post, so I’ve suppression? How do we end police Rights March Commemoration can’t raise up leaders who are risk- in part, they do it by saying, “Allow in Selma, Alabama” (speech, done my duty in standing up for misconduct? How do we bring about Selma, Alabama, March 4, 2007), averse. And I mean risking one’s career, us to handle the legal details. Allow us what’s wrong.” How do you see tech- fairer policies with respect to immigra- The American Presidency Project, risking one’s church or parish, risking to handle the policy details.” I’ve even nology helping or hindering leadership? tion or the Dreamers?” You can’t tell www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws one’s life—I dare say that. seen more than a few of our clergy say, The major challenge is that we conflate me that the school that was home to /index.php?pid=77042, accessed Given the speed with which our “I don’t have confidence I can hold April 25, 2018. models of communication with mod- Howard Thurman (Hon.’67) and Martin country is changing, seminaries, like my own in those circles,” not realizing els of leadership. Knowing how to post Luther King, Jr. (GRS’55, Hon.’59) and every other professional school, are you don’t have to have a PhD in public and tweet is different Anna Howard Shaw struggling to keep policy to be elected from knowing how (1878, MED 1886) up. When I was in to Congress or serve to organize a meeting, and Harrell Beck (’45, seminary, we spent a in the White House. encourage people, and GRS’54) doesn’t have great deal of time dis- In this diverse democracy, I like to remind myself from understanding people walking out of cussing racial justice, What inspires you the importance of the prophetic leadership here who can be on , hope is a moral choice; to continue your eloquence of example. the front lines of moral women’s theology, without policy is vacuous. it’s not empirically obvious. work as a leader? As a leader, your job is leadership as it relates but no time that I can I like to remind not merely to commu- to policy. Because in recall actually talking At any given point in history, myself hope is a nicate effectively, but this diverse democracy, about civil rights, the a compelling case could moral choice; it’s to model effectively prophetic leadership death penalty, or law not empirically and get people to follow you effectively, without policy is vacuous. Railing against around the treatment be made for despair. obvious. At any which is a matter of deep sacrifice. injustices from the mountaintop without of women. Imagine We choose to believe. given point in his- In terms of the role of “slacktivism,” deigning to get down into a state legisla- today having a class in tory, a compelling we conflate communication with par- ture is just moral entertainment. feminism and not dis- case could be made ticipation: having communicated the cussing the #MeToo for despair. We message, we assume that we’ve had an What kind of leaders will be needed movement, and not choose to believe. impact on the goal. I can’t tell you the to do that? discussing law and policy around sex- And so my choice is, when I look at number of times where the assumed goal I think it will be leaders who are cultur- ual harassment. Not having that policy this Joshua generation1 of leaders, when of activism is the expression of outrage ally multilingual—able to converse and granularity is impossible now. I look at the diversity, the moral enthu- as opposed to determination of outcome. engage many communities, for which siasm, that gives me hope. I think about Far too often, people understand what seminarians are ideally suited. It will If that policy element is woven into the fact that some of the most dim and they’re upset about but are less clear require leaders who are multilingual in the classroom, what might be the dark chapters of American history have about what they want. That’s not an terms of discipline: they understand eth- short-term impact on the nation? concluded with a bright dawn. I told indictment of people; it has everything to ics and theology and Church history and I believe that when you have people my students on the first day of class, do with the way we prepare for leader- the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, on the forefront of leadership who “We do not need to be morally timid; ship. In the same way that a pastor build- but they’re also at least conversationally have the most moral credibility and the we need to be morally ambitious, ing a church might become familiar with literate when it comes to the prevail- policy literacy to lead the debate, you because you have no idea of the power the ins and outs of a commercial loan, ing social injustices of the day. When get the country to where it should be of your own ideas unless you make the next generation of religious leaders Dr. King was here, he studied Boston faster. Too often, folks with the most the assumption that you can, in fact, has to get smart when it comes to policy, Personalism, but he was also conversant moral credibility find themselves on the change the world.” q and have the intellectual self-confidence with civil rights challenges as they related policy periphery. You see moral leaders Read more from this interview, which to do that. The same folks who can mas- to public accommodations—like people being co-opted by the left and the right has been condensed and edited for clarity, at ter Aristotelian ethics have the intellec- having to sit in the back of the bus—and all the time. They use them for their bu.edu/sth/2018/05/02/cornell-brooks.

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n a sermon from 1789, John Wesley Hypothesis”: the belief that more christianity can be good for the environment iattempted to answer the question, environmentally aware religions can “Why has Christianity done so little and do inspire more environmentally LOCAL RELIGIOUS LEADERS HAVE THE POWER TO SPARK REFORM good in the world?”1 This question protective behavior, and that they “are remains relevant more than two cen- critically important in the quest for turies later, as environmentally minded environmentally sustainable societies.”4 Christians wonder why their religion Unfortunately, as mentioned above, has done so little good for the world. social-scientific studies of Christian Numerous studies of Christian com- communities do not seem to support munities and individuals from the last this hypothesis. Despite the work being 50 years show negative correlations done by individuals, it appears that between Christianity and environ- Christianity more generally is not yet mentally protective beliefs and behav- the positive force for environmental iors. In fact, a 2013 study found that good that we might like it to be. “Christians reported lower levels of The extant literature indicates environmental concern than non-Chris- that Christians are less likely to hold tians.”2 In other words, Christianity is pro-environmental beliefs or engage demonstrably bad for the environment. in pro-environmental behavior, but it In 1967, historian Lynn White, Jr. does not answer the question of why 1. John Wesley, “Causes of the Inefficacy of Christianity,” inJohn connected the burgeoning environ- this is so. While some might argue that Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology, eds. mental crisis to Western Christianity’s Christianity itself is bad for the envi- Albert C. Outler and Richard P. patently anthropocentric worldview.3 ronment, or ineffective at changing the Heitzenrater (Nashville: Abingdon In the half century between then and behavior of its adherents, I would argue Press, 1991), 550. now, theologians have done a substan- (Continued) 2. Bron Taylor et al., “The tial amount of work retrieving, analyz- Greening of Religion Hypothesis ing, and reconstructing the Christian (Part Two): Assessing Data from Lynn White, Jr. to Pope Francis,” tradition in order to find ways in which Journal for the Study of Religion, it might foster behaviors that safeguard Nature and Culture 10, no.3 (2016), the Earth. Most denominations have 324. (Citing Clements, McCright, issued position statements on a wide and Xiao, 2013). variety of environmental issues, many About the 3. Lynn White, Jr., “The Historical congregations have undertaken energy Author Roots of our Ecologic Crisis,” audits and implemented environmental Science, March 10, 1967. programs, and some individuals have 4. Bron Taylor, “The Greening of adopted environmentally protective Religion Hypothesis (Part One): behaviors. All of these groups—schol- Rebecca Copeland is an assistant pro- from Lynn White, Jr. and Claims fessor of theology. In her research and That Religion Can Promote ars, denominational leaders, and indi- teaching, she seeks to read theology Environmentally Destructive vidual practitioners—are relating their ecologically, and read the environment Attitudes and Behaviors to activism to their faith commitments. theologically. She is pursuing ordination Assertions They Are Becoming in the United Methodist Church. Environmentally Friendly,” Journal On the basis of these and similar activ- for the Study of Religion, Nature and ities, some have proposed what Bron

Culture 10, no. 3 (2016), 296. Taylor calls the “Greening of Religion Kimberly Macdonald

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5. Daniel Cox et al., “Believers, 9. Ibid., 15. and 35 percent of white evangelical education is environmental education,” Sympathizers, & Skeptics: Why Protestants were somewhat or very con- and this applies to religious education.11 10. Taylor et al., 326 (citing Americans are Conflicted About 9 Barna Group 2008). cerned about climate change. When we offer religious instruction with- Climate Change, Environmental This pastoral neglect extends beyond out addressing the environment, we rein- Policy, and Science,” PRRI/ 11. David W. Orr, Earth in Mind: AAR, November 21, 2014. On Education, Environment, and the politically charged issue of climate force the idea that ecological concerns are the Human Prospect (Washington, change to encompass all environmental not religious ones. How we read scripture, 6. Ibid., 14–15. D.C.: Island Press, 1994). issues. In 2008, a Barna Group survey and what doctrines we affirm, affects how 7. Ibid., 31. found that “89% of Christians and 85% of we understand the environment. Not just 8. Ibid., 31. churchgoers had never ‘heard the phrase the doctrine of creation, but the ways in creation care’…most churchgoers (64%) which we talk about the human condi- reported that they tion, salvation, had never heard any Christology, and sermons ‘about how eschatology all Christians should affect how we Many theological schools have respond to environ- understand and mental issues.’ ”10 begun to incorporate environmental relate to other It is true that education into their general parts of this many denomina- world. tions can point to curriculum. In 2017, STH joined the Recognizing official position third cohort of schools pursuing this, many theo- that the data offers I suggest that Christianity has not climate change, papers that assert logical schools greater grounds for those num- the importance of certification from the Green have begun been good for the environment hoping that it can bers increased creation and our Seminary Initiative, a project that to incorporate be redeemed. I sug- because most Christians are to 73 percent responsibility to environmental gest that Christianity of Hispanic care for it prop- involves integrating environmental education into not being introduced to the idea has not been good Catholics and 58 erly, and that the education into all aspects of their general cur- for the environ- that environmental concerns are percent of black pope, patriarch, riculum. In 2017, theological training. ment because most Protestants.6 This and numerous STH joined the religious issues. If this is correct, Christians are not increased con- councils of bish- third cohort of being introduced to reform lies in the hands of local cern correlates to ops have made schools pursu- the idea that envi- increased atten- statements about ing certification religious leaders. ronmental concerns tion from their the importance of from the Green are religious issues. clergy: 70 per- caring for creation. It is not at all clear, Seminary Initiative, a project that involves If this is correct, cent of Hispanic however, that those statements have integrating environmental education into reform lies in the Catholics and 51 any impact on the behavior of their all aspects of theological training. hands of local religious leaders. percent of black Protestants report that members. It is unlikely that parishioners This initiative, and others like it, In 2014, the Public Religion their clergy leaders speak about climate will view environmental problems as will help prepare future faith leaders to Research Institute and the American change from the pulpit.7 In contrast, issues of religious concern if their clergy address some of the most pressing issues Academy of Religion published a study only 30 percent of white Protestants remain mute on the subject. of the 21st century. These problems, about religion’s impact on attitudes report that their pastors speak about the David W. Orr, Paul Sears Distin- however, are too serious to wait for the toward climate change.5 While only half issue of climate change,8 which seems guished Professor of Environmental next generation to address. When local of the general population reported being to depress congregational concern: just Studies and Politics Emeritus at Oberlin Christian leaders take up environmental somewhat or very concerned about 43 percent of white mainline Protestants College in Oberlin, Ohio, stated that “All issues, their congregations do as well. q

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ur current social and political cli- spring. Then, on November 8, 2016, the response, presence, and joy Omate has created a desperate need United States elected a new president. for effective leaders who can balance The morning after the election, sev- THREE KEYS TO LEADING EFFECTIVELY power with compassion, and privilege eral students of color reached out to IN TUMULTUOUS TIMES with equity. True leaders must be able us, seeking a safe space to discuss fears to harness the passion of those they lead, for our nation, as well as lament the share the power they hold, and make election results. It was clear that a com- space for marginalized voices. I know munity of color was required for more this to be true in the spaces where I am than just networking, or even to process blessed to lead, and I will admit this is the initial reaction to the election of our no easy task. current president. Students of Color is The STH Students of Color student now a recognized student interest group interest group often discusses how to be that also includes faculty and staff. We a leader within the spaces we inhabit. meet regularly, and have taken an active This incredible collective of students, role in the life of STH. faculty, and staff of color has been active Response does not end with our own since fall 2016, and I am honored to community, however. In every space we be one of its founding members and inhabit, our student leaders respond to leaders. It is here that I have learned the concerns that affect all of us at BU. In keys to effective leadership in tumultu- 2017, we spoke up at town hall meet- ous times: response, presence, and joy. ings; organized a vigil addressing the travel ban, DACA (Deferred Action RESPONSE There is a fine line between reaction and (Continued) response. Being responsive requires not just countering current issues, but also anticipating future needs. It is more than a one-off reaction: it is a sustained action. Initially, Students of Color was pro- About the posed as a networking association for Author racial and ethnic minority students. This was after students had raised concerns that they had few organized opportu- nities to meet other students of color, Alicia Vélez Stewart (’18) is especially if they did not fall easily the graduate assistant at STH’s Spiritual Life Office, president of Raíces Latinx BU students demonstrated at into membership with the Association Student Association, and a leader in Marsh Plaza on November 13, of Black Seminarians, Raíces Latinx Students of Color. She lives in Rhode 2015, in solidarity with students Student Association, or the Korean Island with her family, and is pursu- of color attending the University of ing ordination as an elder in the New Missouri who were struggling with Student Association. Attendance at our England Annual Conference of the racial prejudice and death threats. inaugural gathering represented the United Methodist Church. Such demonstrations have long been a part of BU STH history, diversity of STH, and we felt it was suc-

Dana J. Quigley J. Dana and continue today. cessful enough to plan another for the Courtesy of Bryan W. Stewart

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for Childhood Arrivals), and undoc- uncomfortable, and it will be easy to shut when the work I do is demoralizing. As who have joined Students of Color truly umented student concerns; drafted a down and become insular in the face of a Latina, I am able to provide a unique embody the qualities leaders need to statement condemning racially charged oppression or discrimination. I go to loca- perspective for the communities I serve remain effective today, when autocratic violence in Charlottesville; and helped tions not necessarily created with people as we tackle topics like racism and dis- leadership, and its demand for blind organize students for the Boston Fight of color in mind, to ensure that STH’s crimination, what it means to welcome obedience, is damaging our most vulner- Supremacy rally. This ability to respond diversity is seen and heard. I’ve delivered the stranger, and how power is used. I able communities. We diligently work enables us to lead with our presence. sermons in Marsh Chapel, where I’m sure find a life-giving quality in that work, to find new ways of ministering: with BU’s founders never would have imag- and that is what sustains me as I lead. joy, a constant presence, a willingness to PRESENCE ined a woman of color preaching. I’ve Leadership is demanding, and dif- respond, and space for those on the mar- I have learned from my Students of Color held conversations around micro aggres- ficult even in the best of times. Those gins to speak their truth. q siblings that being sions in the faculty present is so much lounge, surrounded by more than sharing alumni photographs space. It’s holding Being present is holding that include few peo- someone in their ple of color. This form pain and celebrating someone in their pain and of leadership is vital in their triumphs. It’s celebrating their triumphs. our current social and being visible and political climate. Being vocal, while em- It’s being visible and vocal, present is also exhaust- powering those at while empowering those at ing, which is why the margins to do finding joy in leading the same. It’s being the margins to do the same. is imperative. in real solidarity with our commu- JOY nities, by showing So often, we focus up and showing support both on the on the challenges of leading. This is front lines and behind the scenes. I have certainly the case for persons of color experienced the power of presence at our in academia and ministry. While it is Students of Color gatherings, when we important to pinpoint a particular issue listen deeply to one another, share our that requires a response, we must also collective experiences as people of color shed light on the joy that calls us into in ministry or academia, and show sup- leadership. This is the source of our pas- port by attending events held by member sion, the spark that keeps us working for groups, participating in celebrations, and change and allows us to be responsive collaborating on projects. and present. Leading through presence also requires I convened a panel discussion where us to reach beyond the confines of our students and faculty of color talked about BE THE SPARK location and foster relationships with oth- how their identities inform their under- ers—for example, engaging in dialogue standing of themselves and their work. Are you called to transform a congregation, revolutionize a culture, or build the future? STH offers a Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership, a three- with those from different social positions, Here we could state where joy is present year, low-residency degree program that combines online learning with intensive political ideologies, or faith traditions. This in our lives, vocations, and calls to min- on-campus classes. Learn more at bu.edu/sth/dmin. means there will be times when our pres- istry. As a leader who is also a woman of ence is questioned or makes some people color, I find joy in my “otherness,” even

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artin Luther inaugurated one of the ined in 19th-century German nation- martin luther, rebel with a cause Mgreat seismic shifts in the history of alist art.4 Christianity. In 2017, the 500th anni- In the following years, Luther A PROFILE OF THE REFORMER WHO UPENDED THE CHURCH IN HIS QUEST TO HEAL IT versary of the start of the , became the center of an unprecedented there was an outpouring of publications flood of printed words, predominantly about Luther’s life and contributions, in the German vernacular. He was both fresh biographical studies and new spurred to publish not only by the vitu- presentations of the oldest biographies perative official response to his ideas of the reformer.1 from Rome, but also by a desire to ful- Luther’s own assessment of his role fill his responsibility as a preacher to the 1. See, e.g., Scott H. Hendrix, was typically dismissive: laity. Luther sought out the most profi- Martin Luther: Visionary Reformer cient printers for his work, and enlisted (New Haven: I simply taught, preached, and wrote God’s artistic collaborators like Lucas Cranach Press, 2017); Lyndal Roper, Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet Word; otherwise I did nothing. And while the Elder, who supplied woodcut illus- (London: Bodley Head, 2016; I slept, or drank Wittenberg beer with my trations and title pages for his published repr., New York: Random House, friends Philip [Melanchthon] and [Nicholas materials, and the musician and com- 2017); Andrew Pettegree, Brand von] Amsdorf, the Word so greatly weak- poser Johann Walter, who supplied Luther: How an Unheralded Monk ened the papacy that no prince or emperor polyphonic settings for Luther’s hymns.5 Turned His Small Town into a Center of Publishing, Made Himself the ever inflicted such losses upon it. I did noth- Historian Andrew Pettegree has Most Famous Man in Europe—and ing; the Word did everything.2 argued that Luther not only took Started the Protestant Reformation advantage of the printing press, but, in (New York: Penguin, 2015), 107; Yet recent accounts from historians fact, saved the nascent printing industry Christopher Boyd Brown, ed., Luther’s Works: Sixteenth-Century have illuminated how carefully engaged (Continued) Biographies of Martin Luther (St. Luther was with the publication and Louis: Concordia, 2018 [in press]). presentation of his ideas, in the form of 2. Martin Luther, Eight Sermons pamphlets and hymns as well as Bibles at Wittenberg [Invocavit Sermons] and catechisms—texts that were central (1522), Luther’s Works 51:77 (D. to his influence.3 Martin Luthers Werke: Kritische Luther began his career as an About the Gesamtausgabe. 73 volumes in 85. Author [Weimar: H. Böhlau, 1883–2009] obscure friar and professor at an 10/3:18–19). upstart university. The text that thrust

3. In addition to Pettegree, Brand him into public prominence, Ninety- Five Theses on the Power of Indulgences, Luther, see Mark U. Edwards, Jr., Christopher Boyd Brown is an asso- Printing, Propaganda, and Martin was an ordinary part of his work as ciate professor of Church history Luther (Berkeley, CA: University an academic theologian, and the and the author of Singing the Gospel: of California Press, 1994; repr., act of posting it on the door of the Lutheran Hymns and the Success of the Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, Reformation of Martin Luther (Harvard 2004); Christopher Boyd Brown, Castle Church in Wittenberg—which University Press, 2005). He is the edi- Singing the Gospel: Lutheran Hymns probably did take place, despite a half tor of the forthcoming Luther’s Works: Lucas Cranach the Elder, who and the Success of the Reformation Sixteenth-Century Biographies of Martin painted this portrait of Martin century of modern debate over the Luther (Concordia, 2018) and is working (Cambridge, MA: Harvard Luther in 1529, also supplied question—was the standard procedure on a monograph study of 16th-century University Press, 2005). woodcut illustrations for the for announcing academic exercises, wedding sermons. reformer’s published work.

(Footnotes continued on next page) not the dramatic act of defiance imag- Arnold Margaret

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from economic collapse. He played a key who was a married man and father—and 4. For summary assessments of the ed., Luther’s Works: Sixteenth-Century of God” who had drawn people’s Mathesius was equally open about role in creating a literate public by pro- worst of all, married to a former nun— debate, see Volker Leppin and Timothy Biographies, lxvii–lxx. minds back “to the sources”—the discussing Luther’s trials of faith—the J. Wengert, “Sources for and against viding content the public wanted to buy. was an incomprehensible monstrosity for 9. Johann Bugenhagen, Christian scriptures themselves.10 Anfechtungen or spiritual afflictions that the Posting of the Ninety-Five Theses,” Sermon for the Funeral and Burial of the Though Luther’s own literary production traditional believers. Lutheran Quarterly 29 (2015): 374–75; Others prized Luther precisely for Luther often discussed. The reformer Reverend Dr. Martin Luther (1546), in declined in quantity after about 1526, his Friends and students of the reformer, Timothy J. Wengert, introduction to his stalwart pugnacity. The musician is described as a model of pastoral Brown, ed. Luther’s Works: Sixteenth- “[The 95 Theses or] Disputation for name and his words were the foundation however, saw Luther as a precious Century Biographies, 25–35. The Johann Walter, who had collaborated comfort who also needed spiritual care Clarifying the Power of Indulgences,” of the enduring texts of the reformed and prophetic witness to Jesus Christ. association of Rev. 14:6 with a con- with Luther for decades, hailed him in and encouragement from friends, col- in The Annotated Luther, ed. Hans J. temporary teacher had already been community, appearing in Bibles, hym- Johann Bugenhagen, who preached Hillerbrand et al. (Minneapolis: Augsburg a 1564 ballad as a spiritual knight who leagues, and the laity he encountered used in the late Middle Ages in the nals, and catechisms Luther’s funeral ser- Fortress, 2015), 1:22–26. Cf. Pettegree, had taken a valiant stand against the in his work. commemoration of the Dominican for centuries to come. mon, described him 13. The original debate was carried on powers of Church This portrayal of preacher St. Vincent Ferrer (1350– between Erwin Iserloh, The Theses Were 11 He inspired a host of as a faithful pastor 1419): see Brown, ed., Luther’s Works: and state alike. Luther—heroic but Not Posted: Luther between Reform and other voices as well, of the Wittenberg Sixteenth-Century Biographies, xxxvii. The most com- complex, spiritual The theologian who had not Reformation, trans. Jared Wicks (Boston: often adding his own congregation and Beacon Press, 1968; trans. from German 10. , Oration at the prehensive early but earthy—defied Luther’s own physicality, even preface and commen- confined himself discreetly “the reformer of of 1966) and Kurt Aland, ed., Martin Funeral of Dr. Martin Luther (1546), interpreter of Luther many expectations dation to other writ- the Church whom Luther’s ‘95 Theses’ (St. Louis: Concordia, and Preface to the Second Volume of the was his student of medieval hagiog- to Latin, who was a married as reflected in scatology that ers’ books. The solo God sent,” asso- 1967, 2004; trans. from German of Complete 53 Edition of Luther’s Latin Johann Mathesius, raphy, and defined 1965). For recent defenses of the histo- Writings (1546) in Brown, ed., Luther’s later modern readers have voice of 1517 had man and father—and worst of ciating him with ricity of the posting as an ordinary part Works: Sixteenth-Century Biographies, who delivered and his image for gener- become the conduc- the “angel flying in published a series ations of Protestants all, married to a former nun— of academic life, see Joachim Ott and 37–80. sometimes found distasteful, tor of a vast chorus.6 mid-heaven with Martin Treu, eds., Luthers Thesenanschlag: of 17 sermons on to come. 11. Johann Walter, “A New Spiritual Faktum oder Fiktion (Leipzig: Evangelische was prized as a reminder that Luther’s contem- was an incomprehensible an eternal Gospel Song about the Blessed, Precious, Luther’s biography Although Verlagsanstalt, 2008); Pettegree, 50–52, poraries were deeply to proclaim” of and Highly Gifted Man, Dr. Martin over the course Mathesius’ narrative monstrosity for traditional 71–77. presence in the world, not divided over what Revelation 14:6.9 Luther, the Prophet and Apostle of of 4 years.12 The has been super- to make of him believers. Friends and Melanchthon, a 5. See Pettegree, 143–163. On Cranach, Germany” (1564), in Brown, ed., Luther portrayed ascetic withdrawal from it, seded as a historical see also Steven E. Ozment, The Serpent Luther’s Works: Sixteenth-Century and the “Lutheran reformer and theo- by Mathesius is not account, the out- students of the reformer, and the Lamb: Cranach, Luther, and the Biographies, 81–102. was pleasing to God. rumpus” (as one of logian, saw Luther Making of the Reformation (Yale University a gilt icon, but a lines of the work— 12. Johann Mathesius, History of the however, saw Luther as Press, 2013). On Walter, see Carl his Catholic oppo- as part of a histor- Origins, Doctrine, Life, and Death of the human being whose or reactions against Schalk, Johann Walter: First Cantor of the nents, Henry II, ical succession of Reverend, Blessed, Precious Man of God, faults served to mag- it—can still be dis- a precious and prophetic Lutheran Church (St. Louis: Concordia, Dr. Martin Luther (1562–64/1566), in duke of Brunswick- witnesses to God 1992), and the introduction by Brown, nify God’s grace. cerned beneath the Brown, ed., Luther’s Works: Sixteenth- Wolfenbüttel, put witness to Jesus Christ. that stretched from ed., in Luther’s Works: Sixteenth-Century Mathesius described not only Luther’s surface of recent scholarly publications. Century Biographies, 103–612. it) he had caused.7 the biblical proph- Biographies, lxxi-lxxvii. piety but also his sociability: he drinks Five hundred years after the beginning 13. For a modern account similarly Luther’s early adver- ets and apostles 6. See Pettegree, 167–85; Martin Luther, with friends and is cheerful, is gener- of the Reformation, the old accounts emphasizing Luther’s physicality, see sary and first (though down to Church Prefaces I–II, ed. Christopher Boyd ous to a fault, engages in banter and are still worth reading alongside the Roper, Martin Luther: Renegade and Brown, Luther’s Works vols. 59–60. hostile) biographer, the Catholic con- fathers like and Augustine, Prophet. jest, and takes pleasure in singing secu- new, as testimonies of those who wit- troversialist Johann Cochlaeus, regarded and medieval teachers like Bernard 7. See Martin Luther, Against Hanswurst lar motets around the table. Mathesius nessed the turmoil of their times and

Luther not only as a heretic but as a and Tauler. (1541), Luther’s Works 41:231ff also reminded audiences of Luther’s were convinced that God had done demonic impostor. He ridiculed Luther’s While acknowledging that Luther (D. Martin Luthers Werke: Kritische physical frailty, discussing frankly the something extraordinary through his Gesamtausgabe, 51:538ff ). reputed enjoyment of food and drink had seemed immoderately harsh to corporeal symptoms of his episodes of Word, confessed and proclaimed by and his habit of joking at table among some, Melanchthon appealed to the 8. Johann Cochlaeus, The Deeds and illness. Luther’s own physicality, even as Martin Luther. q friends—even at lunch, “from which scholar Erasmus’ verdict that perhaps Writings of Martin Luther, in Elizabeth reflected in scatology that later modern Vandiver, Ralph Keen, and Thomas meal,” Cochlaeus sourly noted, “most of “God gave this last age a severe phy- D. Frazel, trans. and eds., Luther’s Lives: readers have sometimes found distasteful, Adapted from the introduction to Luther’s the holy Fathers and monks have always sician on account of the gravity of its Two Contemporary Accounts of Martin was prized as a reminder that presence in Works: Sixteenth-Century Biographies abstained.”8 The theologian who had illnesses.” Whatever his roughness, Luther (Manchester, UK: Manchester the world, not ascetic withdrawal from of Martin Luther, to be published by not confined himself discreetly to Latin, Luther had been a “salutary instrument University Press, 2002), 348. Cf. Brown, it, was pleasing to God.13 Concordia Publishing House in 2018.

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SERMON

Nikki Young (’18) delivered a version of and shame. But that’s not the story “am i my brother’s keeper?” this sermon on Genesis 4:1–16, Cain’s being told here. Sin is something that murder of Abel, at Marsh Chapel on sneaks in quietly, changes you, causes LOVE MEANS RECOGNIZING OTHERS’ DISTRESS AS OUR OWN September 6, 2017. you to make decisions you never thought you’d make—decisions that ’m not quite sure how preachers pull you farther and farther away from Iwrite sermons anymore. It feels like the idea that in the beginning, there in order to remain relevant, to speak was a God who created you, and it was gospel truth, there is simply no way to good. prepare eloquent poetics connecting Cain ignores this warning. He well-thought-out themes in the bibli- feels upset and rejected—embarrassed, cal text with the everyday moral and even. And all he can think about is ethical complications of our current alleviating his own shame. And so, estate. A sermon written on a Saturday Cain invites his younger brother out afternoon to address the devastating to the field and murders him in cold effects white silence has on the moral blood. God comes to Cain and asks consciousness of America can be oblit- him, point-blank, “Where is your erated by Facebook posts attributing brother?” And Cain replies, “I don’t hurricanes to God’s will by Sunday know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” It’s morning. The world is moving so fast, almost as if he’s deflecting, by saying, and the hits are coming so hard, that Well, you’re God. Shouldn’t you know? it feels like our embrace will never Isn’t he your responsibility? be wide enough to catch all that pain (Continued) we want to hold. Yet somehow, even though the roller coaster of CNN updates is enough to give us whiplash, we persist. I can’t escape the story of Cain and Abel. We know how it starts: “God About the created the heavens and the earth,” Author and the scripture says, “it was good” (Genesis 1:1, 10). Creation is good. Creation is beautiful. It’s living, breath- ing, life-giving. A gift from a Creator Nikki Young (’18) is a third-year God. But even that Creator God has master of divinity student and the warnings, telling Cain to watch out minister of worship and discipleship for the sin “lurking at the door” as at Union UMC in Boston’s South End. A native of Chicago, she is pursuing he wrestles with what it means to ordination as an elder in the United Cain venant de tuer inhabit the same world as his brother. Methodist Church through the son frère Abel We don’t often like to talk about sin, Northern Illinois Conference. by Henri Vidal (1896), Jardin des Tuileries, because of the ways it’s been used as

Paris, France a means of control or coercion, abuse Erin Pearce

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God cries out, “What have you a cute phrase, or a hashtag. To be called 1. Rebecca Solnit, A Paradise 2. Terence E. Fretheim, “The quiet enough, I wonder if we can to settle in a place of wandering. What done?” What have you done? to love is to roll up your sleeves and Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Book of Genesis: Introduction, hear it. would it look like for us to move in Communities That Arise in In the beginning, God created and it dive right in, even if you are uncertain. Commentary, and Reflections,” in After Cain leaves Eden, he settles in such a way that salvation becomes not Disaster (New York: Penguin The New Interpreter’s Bible: General was good. In the beginning, God created Because here’s the thing about love: love Books, 2010). Articles & Introduction, Commentary, the land of Nod. The poetry gets lost in about the singular, “I,” but the plural, and breathed life where there was none, is hard, and messy. It requires so much & Reflections for Each Book of the the English translation, as “Nod” liter- “we,” and the distress of another is and then that life was carelessly and of your guts that sometimes you have Bible, Including the Apocryphal/ ally means “Wandering.”2 Cain attempts counted as our own? It’s this restlessness needlessly taken away. to swallow something like your own Deuterocanonical Books (Nashville: to settle in a land of wandering. He is that allows us to be forever discontent Abington Press, 1994), 375. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” There is shame, rejection, and failure to realize a restless wanderer, because he now with the way things are, to go into something about that phrase that refuses that it isn’t and can’t be all about you, 3. Ibid. knows exactly what human beings are spaces and ask, “For whom is this gospel to leave me alone, because the question because in the beginning, God created, capable of. Because spilled blood can- good news?” Because when that restless- speaks something so theologically pro- and you did not. Love means that I can’t not be covered up.3 The human heart ness is gone, that’s when you know you found into the present moment. Cain sleep at night if you don’t have a place is a muscle, and muscles have to tear in have a problem. May we, too, wander refuses to say what God already knows: to lay your head. order to grow stronger. Sometimes I restlessly, recognizing the distress of our that the spilled blood of Abel cries out What are the ways we’ve failed our wonder if the Church has been trying brother wherever we go. q from the ground brother? Maybe that has absorbed it. we didn’t kill him He is raising one of by our own hand, the most pertinent but we pretended social questions of Cain is raising one of the most like he wasn’t there our time: Do we for so long that pertinent social questions have a responsibility we allowed some- to one another, must of our time: Do we have a body else to do it. Help prepare we take care of each responsibility to one another, I think about the other, or is it every ways that we’ve person for them- must we take care of each even refused to call POWERFUL 1 selves? other, or is it every person our brother our Maybe I want to brother, whether PREACHERS hold on to this text— for themselves? that’s because of the “Am I my brother’s color of his skin, his STH is proud of its outstanding keeper?”—during country of origin, alums who proclaim the Good these turbulent times gender identity, News. In their honor, the Bishops because today, in sexual orientation, Scholar of Homiletics and Preaching 2018, it’s almost as though Cain has or political affiliation. I think about Endowment Fund will support never stopped killing his brother Abel. how many times God warned us, as research and special programs The fact is, the very salvation of the per- he did Cain, to watch out for the in homiletics and preaching, along son sitting next to you is so intimately sin lurking at the door—the sin that, with the salary of a distinguished faculty member. tied up in your own that there is no dif- when we are too caught up in our ference. Jesus says that if you cling to any own lives, can so easily change us into To help us reach our $300,000 two commandments, let them be this: something we were never meant to goal, email [email protected], call that you love God with every fiber of be. And I think about how, when the 617-353-2349, or visit bu.edu/sth your being and that you love your neigh- world aches, God groans, “What have /giving. bor as yourself (Matthew 22:36–40). you done? What have you done?” as “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is not just he cried in Eden. On days when we’re Photo of Timothy Jones (‘09,’19) courtesy of STH courtesy Jones (‘09,’19) of Timothy Photo

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journal

ollaborative, open to others, will- and young generations are rejecting women sharing power Cing to listen, visionary, prophetic, the notion of a leader as someone dic- strong, knowledgeable, inspiring. tating from the top. Rather, they’re FEMALE PASTORS ARE CHALLENGING MALE IMAGES OF LEADERSHIP These are some of the qualities STH developing a new leadership model WITH A FOCUS ON COLLABORATION students told us they associated with based on collaboration, trust, listening, leaders during the Telling Stories of and openness to others. They strug- Your Leadership Experiences pro- gle against the hierarchal model, and gram in December 2017. The program demand a horizontal relationship based was sponsored by the General Board on justice and equality. They insist on of Higher Education and Ministry’s sharing power together. This movement Division of Ordained Ministry and run brings about a paradigm shift from by the Anna Howard Shaw Center, exercising authority to earning respect. which builds female empowerment As women become leaders, they gain through research, education, advocacy, respect by working not as bosses, but as and other support. The students named coworkers and coleaders. Many leader- these characteristics after reflecting on ship scholars agree that collaboration is their own experiences and ideals of preferred by younger generations and leadership. is the most common type of leadership Although the exercise highlighted women have practiced; they also rec- some of the qualities people expect ognize it as one of the most effective from those who are in charge, the and advanced styles. answers would have been very differ- A similar change has happened to ent 100 years ago. Views on leadership leadership in Christianity. Images of shifted during the women’s movement (Continued) of the 20th century. Before this time, certain characteristics stereotypically associated with men—such as being charismatic, authoritative, loyal, and paternalistic—were depicted as essential About the to leaders, while “female” attributes, Author such as being collaborative and listen- ing to others, were considered typical of followers. People often ignored the fact that the subjects of leadership Choi Hee An is a clinical associate pro- studies were exclusively male kings, fessor of practical theology and director of the Anna Howard Shaw Center. autocrats, government officials, CEOs, Her teaching and research focus on and clergy. Masculine traits became the practical theology, postcolonial studies, mark of leaders, regardless of race, gen- gender and cultural studies, and lead- ership studies. Her most recent book der/sex, class, and nationality. is A Postcolonial Self: Korean Immigrant These ideas have been challenged Theology and Church (SUNY, 2015). since the women’s movement. Many

women, people who are LGBTQ, Mpunzwana Pippa

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1. See United Methodist job opportunities. They confess that the Shaw Center female clergy support Clergywomen Retention Studies I (bu.edu/shaw/publications/ they are spiritually, psychologically, and program—which provided a space for the-clergy-womens-retention- physically tired of these endless fights, women from various cultural, racial, study) and II (bu.edu/shaw/ and lament their losses. ethnic, and spiritual backgrounds to publications/united-methodist- Despite facing such barriers, these share their experiences and struggles in clergywomen-retention- women do still share amazing leader- ministry—confirmed that this is essential study-ii-2). ship stories. As male images of leadership to their approach. They are aware that are challenged, and as many women they are breaking the norm and cre- demonstrate shared leadership in secular ating a new model of leadership—not society, female pastors are developing a only in their own churches, but also new collaborative leadership in ministry in local and larger communities. One with laypeople. They create small groups program participant said, “Even though to nurture lay influence, and work with I am exhausted, and tired of lack of community leaders to support from the establish cooperative institutional system, projects beyond their I know and they own church bound- This “shared leadership” know that I change aries. Many female the world.” pastors emphasize that model is not naturally Supporting wom- listening to others is created by the powerful and en’s leadership has the most important been the heart of the leadership quality privileged, but intentionally Anna Howard Shaw male authority were All ethnic minority female and leadership, immi- Choi Hee An (center) runs they have learned developed by many Center’s mission powerfully pro- grant women and a weekly lecture series at the and that they want and commitment clergy experience oppression Anna Howard Shaw Center, dis-privileged people out of duced and inherited the Church, and the in which students, alums, and to work with others for the last 40 years. throughout the his- in areas including salary, retention of United faculty explore contemporary more harmoniously. their need for survival. Listening to wom- tory of the Church, Methodist clergy- women’s issues. This “shared en’s struggles and and exclusive male church size, institutional women;¹ and findings leadership” model sharing their tears clergy leadership support, and job from a female clergy is exercised and have always been has been the only support group run claimed simultane- essential in the cen- opportunities. legitimate form for by the Shaw Center ously by many female pastors, LGBTQ ter’s research. Our research reveals that, many centuries. Even from 2011 to 2015 pastors, lay leaders, Christian theolo- while women leaders deal with personal since the approval have shown that gians, educators, and religious leaders. It sacrifices and unescapable damage, they of women’s ordina- women’s leadership is not naturally created by the powerful overcome them with their faith in God. tion, male-exclusive continues to be seri- and privileged, but intentionally devel- In this journey, they demonstrate revo- images have been consistently generated ously challenged—and in some cases, oped by many dis-privileged people lutionary creativity and dynamic energy and exercised in every aspect of Church dangerously threatened. In particular, out of their need for survival. Whether to carry on their leadership. Moreover, life. There have always been common the salary study—which uncovered how this model is understood as innate the research shows that women are not sexist barriers against which female clergy salaries differ by gender and race—and to women or as a strategy against an giving up. Despite all their struggles of all ages have had to struggle. They the support group reveal that all eth- oppressive, patriarchal society, it was and tiredness, women rise and flourish remain today. Research including the nic minority female clergy experience an important part of women’s ministry together. They prove that not everyone United Methodist Church Salary Study; oppression in areas including salary, even before women claimed it. In fact, is a leader, but everyone can be a leader studies by the Shaw Center on women church size, institutional support, and many female pastors who participated in together. q Courtesy of the Anna Howard Shaw Center Shaw of the Anna Howard Courtesy

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REFLECTION LEADING THE MESSY, HOLY Boston University WORK OF RECONCILIATION School of Theology 2018

IS THERE REALLY SUCH A THING AS A SAFE SPACE? Dean MARY ELIZABETH MOORE Director of Development BY HALEY JONES (’15) “It’s difficultRAY to sayJOYCE that (Q uestromthis space’91) is safe,” I told theAlumni group, Relations “because Officer you On June 23, 2016, the United may not feel safeJACLYN with K. JONESpeople (’06) who Kingdom voted to leave the European disagree with Marketingyou. But & Communicationsmy hope is Manager and Journal Reviewer Union. Tension was high afterwards, as that this is a safeKIMBERLY enough MACDONALD space where those who voted to stay accused “leav- we can engage(CFA’04) in the hard things.” ers” of being shortsighted at best, racist After participantsEditor declared their views at worst; “remainers,” or stay-voters, on the vote, theyJULIE askedBUTTERS each other Contributing Writers were in turn labeled bad losers. I was tough questionsRICH to BARLOWunderstand their working as an intern program asso- choices. TowardLARA the EHRLICH end, one (UNI man’03) Haley Jones (’15) ciate in the Reconciliation Ministry said that whileHALEY he still JONES disagreed (’15) with ANDREW THURSTON at Coventry Cathedral in Coventry, the leavers, hearingMEGAN their WOOLHOUSE personal sto- England, a city that voted for Brexit. ries helped humanizeDesigner them. After the vote, the cathedral held a The work ofSHOLA reconciliation FRIEDENSOHN is hard, “Circle,” which gathers people for it is wild, but Producedit’s most by Bostoncertainly University holy. Marketing & Communications conversation about potentially divi- The way we engage with one another focus is funded by donations from sive topics. I facilitated the post-Brexit in these conversationsalumni and friends prepares to the Bostonus to He taught that caring for the souldiscussion and set out to build a space interact everyUniversity day with School people of Theology who ©2017 Derek Kouyoumjian Annual Fund. Learn more at means caring for the community,where too. leavers and remainers could try are different frombu.edu/sth/giving us. Bringing. peo- to find humanity in each other, even if ple together acrossOpinions difference expressed in focus requires do We’re carrying on his legacy. they could not find understanding. us to act boldlynot necessarilywhen wereflect are the viewsafraid, In reconciling work, we often say be truth-tellersof Bostonwhen University. we have been MISSION ACCOMPLISHED we are creating a safe space. We cer- silenced, seek justice when all we tainly need to create room where mar- have witnessedSTAY is injustice. CONNECTED It calls TO THE us athe Darr fell in love with the Hebrew Bible at age seven, “Harrell excelled at evoking scripture’s meaning and its Professor Dale P. SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY ginalized voices can be heard. But in to search for the possibility of for- when she read tales like Noah and the flood and the boundless relevance for faithful, prophetic living,” Darr said at inspired many Keep up with STH, share Israelites’ flight from Egypt in a storybook. In September the service. Andrews my studies of reconciliation theology giveness and toyour create latest news, communities and access of K 2017, in a service at Marsh Chapel, she became STH’s first It’s a legacy that Darr, a 1989 recipient of BU’s Metcalf as a teacher and scholar, minister,and practice at STH and at Coventry peace. My prayerfree religious is that articles our at encoun - Harrell F. Beck Chair of Hebrew Scripture. Award for Excellence in Teaching, continues in her classroom. and social justice activist. HelpCathedral, us I discovered that saying, ters may be “safego.bu.edu/focus/alums enough” to hold. all raise $100,000 to endow the Dale The occasion was three decades in the making—not just One way she challenges students to discover what scripture “This is a safe space” negates the tough of these things,COVER and beIMAGE: carried by a for Darr, who has taught Hebrew Bible at STH since the 1980s, says to today’s world is by teaching contrasting biblical pas- P. Andrews Memorial Scholarshipand messy nature of reconciliation fierce love thatiStock, speaks by Juanmonino. truth to Posterized power but for the School of Theology. STH created the Harrell F. Beck sages together, she said in an interview with The Prophet, in Practical Theology and Race,work. to Part of healing is being able to and creates holyinterpretation relationships. by Shola Friedensohnq (’45, GRS’54) Professorship of Hebrew Scripture in 1987, after STH’s student journal. “We need to put texts in dialogue to support students who will continuetell our story, and if we are always mea- the death of the longtime, beloved professor. After 30 years of realize the Bible doesn’t speak with one voice about much of his work. suring what we say, the hard stuff never Haley Jones is the pastor of community fundraising, the professorship was permanently established as anything, and to do the hard work of figuring out which voices comes up. We have to be able to call engagement at FirstPlease United recycle Methodist a chair thanks to more than $1 million in gifts and pledges from demand our greatest attention.” nearly 700 alums and friends. —Julie Butters To contribute, email each other out and challenge injustice. Church inKalman Zabarsky Little InRock, keeping Ark., with Boston where University’s she con - commitment to sustainability, this [email protected], call 617-353-2349People, on both sides of the Brexit nects members of publicationthe congregation is printed on with FSC-certified oppor- paper.

or visit bu.edu/sth/giving. vote felt demonized and ignored. tunities to take part in transformative justice. Lesley Andrews Watch the Beck Chair installation at bu.edu/buniverse (search “Kathe Darr”).

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Nonprofit Inside: US Postage PAID Equality for women pastors Boston MA Cornell William Brooks on training 745 Commonwealth Avenue Permit No. 1839 seminarians to fight injustice Boston, Massachusetts 02215 2018

At STH, I was surrounded by professors and supervisors who were passionate about preparing me for the journey that followed, and colleagues who were exploring how God was involved in their lives and in the world. The impact of my theological education on my personal and professional SINGING development has been long-standing, for which I am very grateful. THE

Frank J. Richardson, Jr. (’77,’82) Richardson has included a gift to STH in his estate plans. BLUESON

Education is a gift. Pass it on. We can find faith for the future even in the depths of despair MAKE YOUR IMPACT THROUGH A PLANNED GIFT Contact us today at [email protected] or 800-645-2347

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