We have two Assyrian Reliefs situated in Bicentennial Hall. The room honors these remarkable treasures. One is a replica, and the other is original. Plaques around the wall explain their significance. Over the years, there has been some limited work done about the Reliefs. Dr. James Ross wrote an important article back in the 1980s, […]
Perhaps one of my significant initiatives that the Seminary embarked upon in preparation for the Historic Bicentenary was the program around reparations. The Rev. Dr. Joseph Downing Thompson Jr., our Associate Dean of Multicultural Ministries, is responsible for this program. Joe has now written two essays on the program; the first was co-written with me […]
We are all keeping Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in our prayers. He is such a gift to the Church and such a good friend to the Seminary. We pray for his rapid recovery. One’s health must always be the priority; and we are grateful that he is taking a complete rest from all engagements for the month […]
When I prepare a sermon, more often than not, I will pick up The New Interpreter’s Study Bible, which was published by Abingdon Press in 2003. The surrounding scholarly commentary is often helpful as I reflect and pray on possible themes for the sermon. It is a privilege to be a scholar who is invited […]
Today we celebrate the achievement of our very own Dr. Marty Wheeler Burnett, Associate Professor of Church Music and Director of Chapel Music. She has four titles in Resounding Voices, which is a new ecumenical hymnal supplement with hymns and service music by women. It is compiled by the Women’s Sacred Music Project and you […]
The Church calendar is back at the beginning. Advent one has arrived. The marking of time is important. Time is precious and it passes all too quickly. We all have different calendars. We have the secular calendar that goes from January to December; we have our own personal and domestic calendar, where the important events […]
It is a delight to have the Rev. Dr. Sarah Coakley in Alexandria. She can often be seen on the campus as she enjoys the library or visits a faculty colleague. So, I am excited to share the news that she is offering a very distinctive opportunity for the seminary community during Lent. For five […]
So, a Faculty member decides to join your table at lunch. After your initial sense of surprise, you have to find an opening for conversation. Please allow me to suggest a line: “Were you at AAR or SBL this year?” The AAR is the American Academy of Religion; the SBL is the Society for Biblical […]
Yesterday I had a delightful meeting with the new bishop suffragan for armed forces and federal ministries. Her journey has involved both the military (she served for 17 years in the Marine Corps) and in music (she was educated at the New England Conservatory of Music); and now she is a bishop in a vitally […]
Yesterday, I had two search committee meeting interviews for the Ethics professor; and on Thursday, there will be another one. Search committees are hard work. All searches are tricky: one is very aware that you are asking another human being to make your institution their vocation and to work within this particular community. One is […]