Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
winter 2022
In this Issue President Wardlaw to Retire | 3
Public Theology | 6
Aymer to Become Dean | 15
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AUSTIN
AUSTIN PRESBYTERIAN
PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGI C AL
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
SEMINARY
winter 2022
features
President
Public Theology
Theodore J. Wardlaw
Board of Trustees
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Keatan A. King, Chair
James C. Allison Lee Ardell Janice L. Bryant (MDiv’01, DMin’11) Kelley Cooper Cameron Katherine B. Cummings (MDiv’05) Thomas Christian Currie James A. DeMent Jr. (MDiv’17) Jill Duffield (DMin’13) Britta Martin Dukes (MDiv’05) Peg Falls-Corbitt Jackson Farrow Jr. Beth Blanton Flowers, MD Stephen Giles Jesús Juan González (MDiv’92) William Greenway Cyril Hollingsworth Ora Houston John Kenney Steve LeBlanc Sue B. McCoy Matthew Miller (MDiv’03) W. David Pardue Denise Nance Pierce (MATS’11) Mark B. Ramsey Stephen Rhoades Sharon Risher (MDiv’07) Conrad M. Rocha Lana E. Russell John L. Van Osdall Michael Waschevski Teresa Welborn Elizabeth C. Williams Michael G. Wright
Volume 137 | Number 1
4 Alumna Sharolyn Browning (MDiv’14), center above, put the experience she gained as a participant in Austin Seminary’s Pastoral Leadership for Public LIfe program to work during the Poor People’s March in July. Photograph by Bob Daemmrich.
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Why Should Theology be Public? By David Jensen
Outside of the Box By Sharolyn Browning (MDiv’14)
Congregational Singing: A Public Theology By Eric Wall
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Dreams of Justice
12
Creativity and Public Bridges
13
Monuments: From Bondage to Freedom
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By Isabel Rivera-Velez (MDiv’10)
By Callid Keefe-Perry
By Asante Todd (MDiv’06)
Practicing Theology in Public With Education Beyond the Walls
& departments
Trustees Emeriti Lyndon L. Olson Jr. B.W. Payne Max Sherman Anne Vickery Stevenson
Austin Seminary Association (ASA) Board Melinda Hunt (CIM’16), President Josh Kerr (MDiv’14), Vice-President Paul Sink (MDiv’00), Secretary Sheila Sidberry-Thomas (MDiv’14), Past President Candi Cubbage (MDiv’89) David Gambrell (MDiv’98) John Guthrie (MDiv’06) Sarah Hegar (MDiv’09) Amy Litzinger (MATS’15) Carl McCormack (MDiv’95) James Morley (MDiv’88) Denise Odom (MDiv’99) Jean Reardon (MDiv’05) Amy Sergent (MDiv’92) Rita Sims (DMin’15) Tony Spears (MDiv’15) Ayana Teter (MDiv’06) Marta Ukropina (MDiv’06)
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Editor
Randal Whittington
Contributors
Nancy Benson-Nicol Sylvia Greenway Gary Mathews Usama Malik Mikala McFerren Alison Riemersma Sharon Sandberg Mona Santandrea Kristy Sorensen
2
seminary & church
3
twenty-seventh & speedway
15 faculty news & notes 16 live & learn
15
17 alumni news & notes
Windows is published three times each year by Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. To read prior issues, go here: AustinSeminary.edu/windows Austin Seminary Windows Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary 100 E. 27th St. Austin, TX 78705-5711 phone: 512-404-4808 e-mail: windows@austinseminary.edu austinseminary.edu ISSN 2056-0556; Non-profit bulk mail permit no. 2473
seminary church
President’s Schedule December 16, 2021– Host, Christmas at Austin Seminary (online at AustinSeminary.edu) March 27, 2022 – Preach, First Presbyterian Church of Granbury, Texas
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his issue of Windows focuses upon, indeed celebrates, a form of Christian engagement within and beyond the church that goes by the name “Public Theology.” This term was probably first coined in the 1970s, by Dr. Martin E. Marty, a Lutheran theologian and historian who has written extensively on church life and religion in the United States. The term is a reaction against what is called “civil religion.” Many of us grew up in a sort of “culture Protestantism” which often saw itself as a defender of civil religion. By contrast, public theology is rooted in a Christian perspective that critiques and seeks dialogue, on behalf of the Gospel, with various claims of societal life and the public sphere. It pushes against the privatism that has often captured churches—mainline as well as evangelical. As Dean David Jensen notes in his lead article, it has often been said that “religion and politics don’t mix”—to which Jensen’s rejoinder rightly notes that “Jesus didn’t call disciples to retreat piously from the world. Nearly every aspect of his ministry was decidedly public …” No wonder, then, as he writes, “Austin Seminary—faculty, staff, and students—has increasingly embraced the practice of public theology.” Alumna Isabel Rivera-Velez testifies that her commitment to public theology began with a dream: “… that together we will grow in our understanding and advocacy for the victims of prejudice and injustice.” Alumna Sharolyn Browning, energized by her work in a Pastoral Leadership for Public Life (PLPL) cohort, has seen her ministry moving “out beyond the walls of the boxes we make to contain God.” Callid Keefe-Perry has explored how “the arts” offered him more tools for the redemptive purpose of living his faith “out loud.” Eric Wall, professor of sacred music and dean of the chapel, rightly notes that “all public worship is public theology.” And Asante Todd, associate professor of Christian ethics, reflects on the witness of our national monuments and suggests that perhaps the time has come to refocus the history reflected through our public memorials. As you read each of these articles offered, I encourage you to consider reverently how our faith sends us out into the world, to proclaim its transformational power—in public.
Faithfully yours,
Theodore J. Wardlaw President
Virtual “Lunch & Learn” Events for Prospective Students Noon - 1:00 p.m. CT January 27, 2022 February 24 March 24 (plus a second session at 6:00 p.m. CT) April 21 May 12 2 | Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
twenty-seventh speedway
President Wardlaw announces plans to retire in 2022
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resident Theodore J. Wardlaw, the ninth president of Austin Seminary, has announced plans to retire in 2022. He plans to stay in office until his successor is named, but no later than the end of the 2022 calendar year. In his remarks to the Board of Trustees on November 2, he said, “The twenty years during which my family and I have been a part of this campus have been the most stimulating, challenging, doxological years we have known … A lot of this work across years has endeavored to make Austin Seminary a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, welcoming, and, yes, ‘winsome’ place for all. And, by the way, over these years I have come to love that word ‘winsome,’ which … is part of our official mission statement. … [I]t describes much about the spirit of this seminary. Students, faculty, staff, and, I dare say, presidents have been attracted to this place by its winsome appearance and character.” Ted Wardlaw began his tenure at Austin Seminary in the fall of 2002. He has led unprecedented fund-raising efforts that have raised nearly $100 million and increased the Seminary’s endowment by 60%. Funds raised, including the largest single campaign in the Seminary’s history and the largest non-bequest gift, have financed important Austin Seminary initiatives such as transforming the campus with two new, four-story apartment buildings for students and an expanded and renovated library to be dedicated in January; eight new endowed faculty chairs, including one in sacred music; eleven “full-ride” student fellowships, including two for international students; and the perpetual endowment for the College of Pastoral Leaders. Wardlaw has presided over the selection of a large majority of the
President Wardlaw, left, with former Board Chair Clarence Frierson, at Wardlaw’s Service of Inauguration in 2003.
present-day faculty, including Margaret Aymer, Gregory Cuéllar, Bridgett Green, Carolyn Helsel, Phil Helsel, Paul Hooker, Bobbi Kaye Jones, Jennifer Lord, Song-Mi Suzie Park, Asante Todd, Eric Wall, David White, Melissa Wiginton, and Andrew Zirschky. Nearly half of living graduates were students during his presidency. During his time as president, academic programs expanded to include three new degree programs: the Master of Arts in Youth Ministry, the Master of Arts in Religion, and the Master of Arts in Ministry Practice; a dual degree with The University of Texas, Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work; and three primarily online certificate programs. The Office of Education Beyond the Walls was established and has grown to serve up to 1000 Christian leaders and learners each year. Most recently, De Puertas Abiertas fellowships have been established to provide 100% tuition grants to students of color. Reflecting his deep commitment to pastoral ministry in the Presbyterian Church, Wardlaw imagined into being
the Austin Seminary Post-Graduate Residency program, designed to offer two graduating Presbyterian students each year the unique opportunity to continue formation in thriving congregational settings for the first two years of ministry. Elements of all these initiatives have focused on the institution’s commitment to a diverse community, and all have positioned the Seminary to embrace some of the challenges facing theological education in the 21st century. Among the challenges faced during his time of leadership, the financial crisis of 2008 saw the Seminary’s endowment plummet by 30% and required painful fiscal and personnel decisions. Over the ensuing years, Wardlaw rebuilt the staff and steered the recovery of the Seminary’s financial resources to a robust endowment of $161 million. Contemplating his presidency, Wardlaw continued in his remarks to the board, “What does it take to have a long and essentially happy tenure when a president accepts a call to serve a seminary? It may take whatever attributes a given president brings to the table. But in the greatest measure, I think, it takes more than what one person can ever bring. It takes a certain winsomeness, for sure, and also, I think, it takes at least the following things: a healthy, forward-looking community marked by spiritual nurture, a sacramental presence that reminds us that it’s not just us down here, an ethic of generosity and generous academic conversation, love for knowledge, love for the church, and a good healthy dosage of humility. These are among the marks of this place, and whatever nurture I’ve brought to it, I’ve received so much more.” v
Celebrate Ted Wardlaw’s presidency with a gift to The Theodore J. Wardlaw Presidential Endowment in his honor. Give here: www.austinseminary.edu/president or call 512-404-4807 for more information. Winter 2022 | 3
Thrilled to be back on the field with the neighboring Episcopal seminary after two years, President Wardlaw called this year’s flag football game “one of the most joyful Polity Bowls we’ve had. The silliness was spectacular! It was the first time in ages we’ve lost, but it was a great moment of community with our friends from down the street.” The Reverend Bob Nicholson sent a special booklet and gift card to every Presbyterian MDiv student at Austin Seminary—including Alan Constant, Julia Burkley, and Kimberly Mendoza (pictured here with Professor Cynthia Rigby)— honoring his dear friend Jack Stotts. Vice President for Enrollment Management JD Herrera (MDiv’15) led a successful Discovery Weekend on campus this fall. It was good to welcome prospective students back!
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What better reason to don a mask than for the Trunk or Treat festivities this fall!
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twenty-seventh speedway
Three new trustees join board this fall
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hree new trustees were installed
to Austin Seminary’s Board of Trustees at their meeting in November. Peg Falls-Corbitt (CIM’13) is the Virginia A. McCormick Pittman Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Distinguished Scholarship Programs Coordinator at Hendrix College. She teaches in the area of ethical theory and moral issues and the history of philosophy. She is a ruling elder at First Presbyterian Church, Conway, and has served Arkansas Presbytery on the Committee on Missions and in other capacities. Her daughter Jean Corbitt is a 2020 graduate of Austin Seminary. Jackson Farrow is general counsel and managing director at Stephens Capital Partners LLC, an affiliate of Stephens Inc. and previously was a senior member of The Rose Law Firm (1981-1997). He is a graduate of Davidson College and the University of Arkansas, where he earned both his
master of science degree in accounting and his law degree. He is a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. He previously served nine years as a trustee. Cyril Hollingsworth (CIM’16) is a mediator, arbitrator, and lawyer with Dover Dixon Horne PLLC in Little Rock, Arkansas. A member of Second Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, he holds a Certificate in Ministry from Austin Seminary, is a graduate of the Presbytery of Arkansas Commissioned Lay Pastor Academy, and is a ruling elder. He has served the Presbytery of Arkansas on the coordinating team and as chair of the Committee on Ministry. He is a graduate of Rhodes College and the University of Virginia School of Law. v
he 2021-22 academic year initiated a return to campus and an emerging resurgence of normal community life at Austin Seminary. The Opening Convocation was held in Shelton Chapel, with in-person attendance limited to the faculty and incoming students. Professor Phil Helsel, Associate Professor in the Nancy Taylor Williamson Distinguished Chair in Pastoral Care, delivered the Convocation Address, “Learning to Grieve: Witnessing the COVID-19 Pandemic as a Spiritual Practice.” Thirty-eight masters-level students matriculated into three degree programs; two of those are entering the dual-degree program with the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at UT, Austin. Of the new students who started
in-person & online
MidWinters WAYS
CURRIE LECTURER
Dr. Anthony Pinn
Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities, Professor of Religion, Rice University, Houston, Texas
“Reading the Bible Against the Bible: Re-Imagining the Marginalized” W E S T E RV E LT L E C T U R E R
Classes return to campus for new year
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the Master of Arts in Youth Ministry program, eight are in the Texas-based program and eleven are in Nashville. This class was unique in that there were no in-person Discovery Weekends, where students come to campus to “kick the tires” on theological education in the heart of Texas. The Admissions Office, which was also down two staff members, hosted several virtual “Lunch and Learn” sessions, a model which continues in the post-pandemic era (see page 2). Harkening back to earlier times at Austin Seminary, the entering class is quite young, with a median age of 26; 70% are single, but in contrast to those days, 59% are women. A total of 96% of all master’s-level students receive some type of tuition grants. v
Dr. Evelyn Parker
Professor Emerita of Practical Theology, Perkins School of Theology and Visiting Distinguished Professor of Practical Theology at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
“Lessons on Courage: What the Church Can Learn from Young People” JONES LECTURER
The Reverend Matt Gaventa Pastor, University Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas
“Opening for Jesus: Preaching Comedy in Tragic Times” MIDWINTERS PREACHER
The Reverend Betsy Lyles Swetenburg Pastor/Head of Staff, Northridge Presbyterian Church, Dallas, Texas
A U S T I N S E M I N A RY. E D U / M I D W I N T E R S
Winter 2022 | 5
Why Should Theology
6 | Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
be “Public”? By David H. Jensen
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hen I was growing up, I remember hearing people say, “Religion and politics don’t mix.” I heard this sentence in churches, at social gatherings, and at school. I also
remember, at times, being convinced by this statement. My school-age years coincided with the rise of the Religious Right, where a self-proclaimed Moral Majority sought to mold the American political and legal system with “Christian principles.” Something about that movement disturbed me. Maybe it was because I understood “Christian principles” differently. Maybe it was because some of my friends, who were not Christian, convinced me that establishing laws based on such principles was a profoundly bad idea.
If religion and politics don’t mix, then one consequence would be to make Christian faith a private affair. I have my beliefs; you have yours. Just as we wouldn’t want to impose our understanding of faith on anyone else, we should keep our religion in the realm of quiet devotion, never in public life. The problem with this view, of course, is that it results in a posture profoundly different Dr. David Jensen is academic dean and professor in The Clarence N. and Betty B. Frierson Distinguished Chair in Reformed Theology at Austin Seminary. His teaching and research explore the interconnections between Christian theology and daily life. Jensen is the author of ten books, most recently Christian Understandings of Christ: The Historical Trajectory (Fortress, 2019). He is also editor of Compass: Christian Explorations, a book series with Fortress Press that encourages theological reflection on everyday practices such as eating, shopping, playing, and working.
Winter 2022 | 7
from that of Jesus and his followers. Jesus didn’t call dis- faith and contemporary public issues, such as ecological ciples to retreat piously from the world. Nearly every as- sustainability, racial justice, immigration, human rights, pect of his ministry was decidedly public: he called lead- and gender and sexuality. This public theology concentraers to account for their actions; he invited followers from tion retains the broad exposure to the classic theological all walks of life; he spoke openly—and controversially— disciplines and the practice of ministry that has always about money, possessions, allegiances, and political ar- defined an Austin Seminary education, while allowing rangements. “Public theology,” in other words, seems to those with particular passion for justice and reconciliabe what Jesus was all about. tion to dig more deeply within these traditions. Over the last several years, Austin Seminary—faculty, In our Doctor of Ministry program (see page 11), we staff, and students—has increasingly embraced the prac- offer a track in “Leadership for Witness.” This concentratice of public theology. The term is more frequently heard tion reclaims the presence of the church at the intersecnow in our classes, faculty meetings, and institutional tion of the Good News and the Common Good. In this announcements than ever before. At its heart, the term course sequence, for example, students travel to the expresses the idea that Christian faith is lived. Our faith Texas-Mexico border to learn from immigrants who have flings us outward. We live the faith with others. Jesus recently crossed that border and from the churches that came that all might have life in abundance (John 10:10), are involved in the life-and-death struggles these immiand those who follow Jesus seek abundant life for the grants often face. world. Public theology rejects In our Education Beyond the idea that Christian faith the Walls (EBW) programs, Public theology probes is essentially a private affair we offer an 18-month cohortChristian faith in all its riches, by recognizing that our faith based program, “Pastoral has political implications. offers a vision for how to live Leadership for Public Life” This is not to say that relithe faith today, and works with (see page 9) that broadens gion and politics always mix, pastors’ awareness of public others to seek the flourishing but that our faith affects all life and civic issues, increases dimensions of our lives. confidence for engaging pubof all creation. Public theology, however, lic life through interaction rejects the strategies and apwith civic leaders and public proaches that the Religious Right made popular in the officials, and enhances leaders’ capacities for theological 1980s. It does not seek to establish laws based upon reflection at the crossroads of the Common Good and the biblical principles. It does not claim a direct translation Good News. EBW’s “Practicing Theology in Public” series between the scriptures and traditions of the Christian (see pages 12 and 14) offers a compelling suite of educachurch and state constitutions, courts, or political par- tional opportunities for pastoral leaders to deepen their ties. Public theology recognizes that diverse Christian skills for faithful engagement of issues of social concern voices are part of a choir that includes many other voices. as they reflect on the public, incarnational character of Public theology probes Christian faith in all its riches, of- the Christian church. fers a vision for how to live the faith today, and works These programs represent some of the ways in which with others to seek the flourishing of all creation. This Austin Seminary understands public theology as a critiwork, of course, will never be finished and will always cal dimension of our shared Christian faith. In equipping require fresh perspectives, approaches, and partners as leaders for this moment in time, we understand the faith churches present their voices and labors in the public to be something more than a private retreat. Jesus calls square. us out into the world, even if we are not to be “of” the How does Austin Seminary embrace the ongoing task world. He makes public disciples. This work has made me of public theology? This year, we began a concentration reconsider the phrase about religion and politics I often in our residential master’s-degree programs. Students heard in my childhood. Now more than ever before, I’m who elect this concentration explore the ways in which convinced that Christian faith makes us more responsiChristian traditions engage, shape, and challenge prac- ble and compassionate citizens, concerned with the Comtices of peace and justice in our wider society. They do mon Good, committed to the mending of the world. v this by taking an array of courses focused on Christian 8 | Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Outside of the Box By Sharolyn Browning
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Photograph by Bob DaemmrichPhotography, Inc.
uring this time of year nion, and around conin the children’s curversation circles sharing riculum “Godly Play,” the big the holy scriptures. We story of God and God’s peoknow God shows up … ple is unfolding in children’s within these walls. Yet, church school classes around how many times do we the world. Two bookend stohear from well-meanries, the “Great Family” and ing, faithful people that the “Exile and Return,” have God needs to stay neat, helped me wonder about tidy, and containable our ever-changing underright there in that box standing of God’s presence, with the pews and the particularly inside and outparaments. God’s presside of “church.” Beyond this ence may stretch to the child-like wonder, the hard, sacred confines of the yet fruitful, conversations in home, on a good day, or Using public speaking skills honed during her two years in Education communities such as congre- Beyond the Walls’ Pastoral Leadership for Public Life program, Sharolyn the required Zoom in times gations and seminary circles Browning addresses the media at the Poor People’s Campaign March for of pandemic, Advent, or like Education Beyond the Democracy in July. New Year’s resolution, but, Walls and Pastoral Leaderby all means, keep God out ship for Public Life, have helped me better understand of the public sphere. my public theology as leader, and, thus, see God anew in I wonder if a persistent location of pastors is standa widening community. ing at the threshold between the inner life of the church The story of the Great Family is the epic path of Abram and the wider world of the public sphere, beckoning each and Sarai, discovering that God’s presence is revealed to other to cross in conversation and liturgy? them within the walls of Ur, but also, surprisingly beside My experience in the Pastoral Leadership for Public the river, in faraway cities, and under the stars in the Life cohort (2017), put me in conversation with diverse sand of the desert. The story of the Exile and Return is voices across the whole church and an intimate group of the inverse of Abraham and Sarah’s discovery. God’s peo- new friends. We are faithful to our call and God’s story ple had come to know God’s presence safe inside the Ark when we seek God’s presence at work outside of the of the Covenant, the walls of the Holy of Holies, the walls church walls … outside of the box in which we try to keep of the temple, the walls of Jerusalem … safe inside layers God neatly, and sterilely, contained. We knew this, of of walls, not easily escaping. And yet, when God’s people course, through the biblical witness, but we always need are scattered in the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles and those continuing conversation partners who challenge us the temple razed, God’s people make the slow, surprising, to keep exploring out beyond the safety of our own locaand loving discovery that God is present with them in as- tion to see God’s persistent work anew. We need the practonishing places, wherever and whenever people gather tical skills of engaging in the public sphere. We need to to pray and dream for new life. remind each other, and ourselves, God is already here — As church leaders, we thrive on cultivating spaces in and there—in a broken, suffering, and longing creation. which our dreams merge together for new and renew- We need that persistent support of one another as we ening life. We have felt God’s promised presence show up, counter new, adaptive challenges, out beyond the walls of v around the font at baptism, around the table at commu- the boxes we make to contain God.
The Reverend Sharolyn Browning (MDiv’14) is a Godly Play trainer and serves as transitional pastor for Christ Lutheran Church in Georgetown, Texas. She has been part of a Pastoral Leadership for Public Life cohort through Education Beyond the Walls. Winter 2022 | 9
Congregational Singing: A Public Theology By Eric Wall
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his hymn (382 in Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal, 13 in Santo Santo Santo) is one of the earliest examples in the 20th century of a Christian hymn composed in the musical language of Latin American folk music. Pablo Sosa (1934-2020), United Methodist pastor and composer, wrote it in 1958 for theological students in Argentina to sing at a picnic. The music is an example of carnavalito—an Incan communal song-dance founded on the vigorous rhythm above. The words lift up the witness that emerges from life together. All worship is witness: all public worship is public theology. Alongside public prayers and public confessions, there is the particularly public conversation of congregational singing. Twentieth century hymnologist Erik Routley, speaking of congregational singing, said, “The principle is, of course, that anything that means a lot to you, you want to sing about.” Who God is and what God does—in us, in the church, in the world—are things cast not only in speech: we sing. It isn’t just that we sing about them—we sing them. If congregational singing is part of the church’s public discourse and conversation, what sorely needed gifts does it offer all our other conversations? Three things
Photograph by Usama Malik (MDiv’20)
El cielo canta alegría, ¡aleluya!, porque tu vida y la mía proclamarán al Señor. Heaven is singing for joy, alleluia, for your life and mine will always bear witness to God. – Pablo Sosa, 1958
come to mind. One is basic: conversation means listening. We cannot sing without listening; every choir director will tell singers that if they can’t hear their neighbor while singing, their own voice is too loud. The congregation is the real choir of all worship, and every song we sing in worship of necessity means that we’re listening to one another. The second is that singing invites us to let go of our own claims on time. We cannot hit “refresh” to push the song along to fit our schedule, and our urgencies and updateneeds will not crowd the song out of the space it needs for its life. Our singing invites us into different time and into more time. The third is that the church’s public discourse in song is beautiful. It is energetic, poignant, tender, stirring, sorrowful, heady, delightful, foot-stomping. What if all our public witness could have that range, that kindness, that transcendence? A college friend of my wife’s visited our church some years ago and was captivated by one of the hymns that day: “For Everyone Born, a Place at the Table.” Present as a room full of people sang it, she said afterward, “I hadn’t expected a song like that in church.” What we sing tells v others who we are. Who’ll be a witness for my Lord? My soul is a witness for my Lord. (African-American spiritual) “El cielo canta alegría” text and music by Pablo Sosa; © 1958 GIA Publications, Inc.
Eric Wall is assistant professor of sacred music and dean of the chapel at Austin Seminary where he oversees public worship and administers the Hopson Symposium. He has served as the Conference Center Musician at Montreat Conference Center since 2011 and also serves the larger church as a music and worship consultant. 10 | Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Photo by: Yahir Ceballos/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
Dreams of Justice By Isabel Rivera-Velez
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y introduction to public theology began with a dream. Among my many counselors and mentors, one taught me the importance of the movement of the Holy Spirit. “Pay attention to your dreams,” she said. So, I did. In this particular dream, I was flying above the earth, yet still able to see the ground below. I was on someone’s back, hanging onto their neck, embracing, holding on tightly. The person taking me for this ride in the sky said, “Look.” What I saw looked like clouds, but a little dirty. The clouds would puff up into the air, then settle down. It was dust. When all the dust settled at once for a moment, I saw hundreds of people—men, women, and children— walking slowly together. My “personal Uber driver” kept following the people, flying above them as slowly as they were walking. It was an astounding sight. Sometime later, I saw a news report on TV of a caravan of hundreds of people traveling together with the hope of arriving at the U.S. / Mexico border. When I understood what was happening, I exclaimed out loud, “I saw those people months ago in my dream!” Around the same timeframe, I saw one of Austin Seminary’s announcements about a class that Professor Gregory Cuéllar was leading to the U.S. / Mexico border, so I had to sign up. I had signed onto a class of the Doctor
of Ministry “Leadership for Witness” program that would take me into the study of social injustices, not just at the local border, but all over the world and deep into history. It was my way of obeying the “Look” command in my dream. I have learned that we must understand that the injustices we see did not begin in the moment we see them occurring, but stem from deep historical roots. Acquiring this knowledge helps me to get a clearer picture of why victims of injustice suffer so needlessly. I am a child of the church, but my involvement has always been through the Spanish-speaking congregations in which I was involved—as a member in my home church, then later as a lay pastor, then later still as an ordained minister. In one of my seminary classes, we were exposed to the rampant prejudice and racism that exists in the church, and, later I wrote in one of my papers that I was positive that no Anglo Presbyterian church would call me to serve as their pastor. I was wrong. Six months after I retired, I received a call to serve Faith Presbyterian Church in Baytown, Texas. I am still learning. My dream is that together we will grow in our understanding and advocacy for the victims of prejudice and injustice. v
The Reverend Isabel Rivera-Velez (MDiv’10) is a student in the Doctor of Ministry degree program in the “Leadership for Witness” concentration. Her ministry has been mainly in Coastal Texas, and she currently serves as pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Baytown, Texas. Winter 2022 | 11
Creativity and Public Bridges By Callid Keefe-Perry
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he work of public theology as an academic field is concerned with figuring out how to live one’s faith “out loud” in public in such a way that it nurtures the Common Good and acknowledges the reality of religious pluralism and cultural difference. It is about finding ways to communicate about the things we hold most dear to those who may have little-to-no concern about those same things. How can we—Public Theology might ask—find areas of shared concern so that we might labor together for some greater good even though we do not all agree on doctrinal details? Some scholars suggest that the best way to do this is through rational discourse and competition in the “marketplace of ideas.” This line of reasoning acknowledges, for example, that trying to convince people to do something because “the Bible says so” is hardly likely to convince those who don’t consider the Bible authoritative. Instead of relying on the weight of arguments that depend upon the assumption that religious thinking matters, public theology tries to communicate in ways that are accessible to those with whom we share society but not religious convictions. Generally the strategy usually tries to find a balance between (a) rational lines of argument that appeal to shared cultural common denominators and are broadly intelligible to multiple sub-sections of society and (b) finding a way to say things such that there is still some mark of distinctive religious identity. Having the intention to speak in ways that attempt to bridge difference is to be lauded. But I do think that in the name of our incarnational faith, we certainly can be served by great-
er attention to our bodies, our feelings, and the ways in which who we are is more than just “neck up” rationalism and cognitive processes. I believe that creativity, active imagination, and affect can be just as important as reason to who we are as people of faith and how we can communicate with others about the things we care about most. This assumption was the foundation of my recent Education Beyond the Walls workshop, “Made in the Image of a Maker.” In this workshop, we considered some of the ways that creative practices and the arts might be used by congregations to create spaces in which there would be room for emotion, storytelling, play, and a sense of wonder. Are “the arts” a cure for all that ails us as a society? Certainly not. But they can sometimes reach the hearts, minds, and spirits of community members in ways that rationality does not. In a time when there is so much that divides our communities, using more tools in our repertoire that might v help us to build bridges seems like a wise decision.
Dr. Callid Keefe-Perry is assistant professor of contextual education and public theology at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. He is a traveling minister in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and a long-time advocate for the arts as ways of deepening spiritual practice. He thinks it is OK for religious people to laugh a lot, that power cedes nothing without demands, and that creativity is a vital quality of adaptive and effective leadership. 12 | Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Public Monuments: From Bondage to Freedom By Asante Todd
Photograph courtesy NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg
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ublic monuments keep, document, record, or commemorate notable persons, actions, or events. A recent cohort of Austin Seminary’s Pastoral Leadership for Public Life program visited Washington D.C. to tour national monuments and to discuss our national myths and the roles that religion and national monuments can play in such stories. Our tour also included visiting the Museum of the Bible, the African American History Museum, and historic churches and sites in the D.C. area, as well as conversations with local religious, civic, and community leaders. These visits allowed us to get a sense of the conversation regarding religion and national mythology. According to The Atlantic, the top five of the “15 Most Visited National Landmarks in Washington, D.C.” (2015) were the Abraham Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, respectively. We used the national narratives presented at the museums to read, interpret, and reflect on the monuments, and we allowed our reflection to renew our approach to public theology. The five most visited monuments may serve as touchpoints for a narrative about the growth of U.S. identity, originally rooted in liberal democratic values like equal rights and liberty, but also in practices of race-based land colonization and imperial expansionism. From the time of Lincoln to the Vietnam war, the U.S. changed from a liberal democratic imperial slaveocracy to a liberal democratic, racially segregated global power. Lincoln’s struggle to preserve the Union against the conflicts over slavery marks the beginning of this story, followed by the struggle against Western European fascism in World War II
and against East Asian communism in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The awe-inspiring national monuments ascribe a sense of mystery and fascination to the values of freedom and sacrifice, and, ultimately, to the nation, which has always also been framed by a Protestant ethos of “chosenness.” Thus Lincoln, described by his wife as “a religious man always” but not “a technical Christian,” often deployed religious language to preserve the Union, asserting that a “house divided” could not stand. From Lincoln’s time until at least the 1940s, many have found it difficult to distinguish the American body politic from the body of Christ and have imbued the secular republic with messianic powers. The Lincoln Monument is described as a “temple,” and Lincoln’s Bible was used to swear in Presidents Barak Obama and Donald Trump, in much the same way that the Museum of the Bible swears in America’s status as Christian Nation, New Israel, and Global Messianic Hope. Such religious adoration can blind us to the country’s deeply rooted, racially charged vision of Manifest Destiny cum American Exceptionalism, which, in the most tragic of ironies, manifested in
Dr. Asante Todd (MDiv’06) is associate professor of Christian ethics at Austin Seminary. Todd’s general area of research is public theology and the ways in which theological and religious commitments impact public debate, policy, politics, and opinion. He also desires to think with religious communities about social consciousness and democratic responsibility. Winter 2022 | 13
the chambers of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. At least as early as 1787, another story of America has lived on these shores, one that rose among the Free Africans of the North and the slave “hush harbors” in the sacred swamps of the South. This narrative, one reflected today in spaces like the African American History Museum and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, is of a people’s pilgrimage from bondage to freedom. This story doesn’t take for granted America’s status as a chosen nation but proceeds from the underside of U.S. imperialism, scrutinizing U.S. liberal democracy’s perennial renewal of its racial contract and its attendant militarism and economic exploitation. Through the language of Frederick Douglass, who imagined God’s justice as a “flaming sword … upon the nation,” and Fannie Lou Hamer’s God as having “sounded the trumpet … [and] keeping watch on this nation,” or King’s talk of a “God of power who can cut
[slumbering giants of injustice] down like grass,” black public theology questioned the nation’s sense of exceptionalism, calling it to account for its failure to rise up and live into the true meaning of its creed, that all persons are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. This story is all the more relevant in our current context, where the U.S. has become more economically liberal and less democratic; where socio-economic conditions resemble the Great Depression years that ensued shortly after the Lincoln Memorial was erected. With the fierce urgency of now, this story of a journey from bondage to freedom calls for more public monuments and policies to the vision of America as a land not only of freedom, but also of racial justice, equality, and neighborliness among the world’s different v peoples.
Practicing Theology in Public with Education Beyond the Walls This series extends EBW’s work in the Pastoral Leadership for Public Life program, funded in large part by Lilly Endowment Inc. It is our pleasure to offer this to a broader audience this year, and keeping with that grant, we are excited to offer substantial discounts for pastors who are in the first ten years of their ministry.
Holy Rage, Holy Hope with Richard W. Rouse Join an experienced congregational pastor and former seminary professor to contemplate the role of church leader as prophet and change agent—both in the congregation and the larger community. ONLINE Weekly, January 13 - February 24, 2022
Criminal Justice: Practicing Hesed in Beloved Community with Asante Todd Explore how contemporary criminal justice perpetuates racial divisions and frustrates the vision of Beloved Community. Five ONLINE sessions, beginning February 7, 2022; IN-PERSON travel seminar, April 22–24, 2022
Media Training for Faith Leaders with Jenifer Sarver and Marjorie Clifton Gain a strong foundation of essential communication skills to enhance the ability to effectively deliver a message. ON-CAMPUS Two-day workshop, April 5 & 6, 2022
Migration without Borders: Imagining Ourselves as Immigrants with Gregory Cuéllar Find your way into a more expansive story about the immigrant experience. ONLINE April 12 & 19, 2022, and IN-PERSON travel seminar April 29 - May 1, 2022 For more information, go to AustinSeminary.edu/EBW and navigate to the “Practicing Theology in Public” tab 14 | Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
faculty news notes
Margaret Aymer to become academic dean at Austin Seminary n November 2, 2021, The Board of Trustees of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary extended the call to The Reverend Dr. Margaret Aymer, The First Presbyterian Church, Shreveport, D. Thomason Professor of New Testament Studies, to become the institution’s ninth academic dean in its 119-year history. When she takes office on July 1, Aymer will succeed Dr. David Jensen who has served as dean since 2014. Jensen previously announced his plans to return to full-time teaching at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. Margaret Aymer is the first woman, first immigrant, and the first person of color to be a dean of Austin Seminary. “I am so delighted that Dr. Margaret Aymer will move into the Dean’s Office as David Jensen steps down,” said Seminary President Ted Wardlaw. “At the end of eight years of excellent service, Dave relishes the opportunity to give his full-time attention to teaching Reformed theology. Margaret will be a splendid dean and academic leader at Austin Seminary, and we are blessed to be moving from strength to strength.” Margaret Aymer joined the faculty in 2015. Raised in the Caribbean and on the east coast of the United States, she earned a BA from Harvard University and the MDiv and PhD from Union Theological Seminary (New York). She was awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters from Hood Theological Seminary in 2013. Academically, she follows in the footsteps of her late father, Dr. Albert Aymer, a minister from Antigua who served as associate dean at Theological School of Drew
University and as academic dean and later president of Hood Theological Seminary. Active in the Society of Biblical Literature and American Academy of Religion, Aymer has spoken as a guest lecturer at numerous academic and church conferences across the United States, including the 2013 MidWinter Lectures at Austin Seminary. She is editor of the journal Horizons in Biblical Theology, and she wrote “Confessing the Beatitudes,” the 2011 Horizons Bible Study (the annual Bible study resource for Presbyterian women), for which she won the Award of Excellence by the Associated Church Press. She has published four books: James: Diaspora Rhetorics of a Friend of God (Sheffield Publishing, 2014), Fortress Commentary on the Bible (with Gale A. Yee, Fortress Press, 2014); First Pure, then Peaceable: Frederick Douglass Reads James (T&T Clark, 2008), and Islanders, Islands and the Bible: Ruminations (Semeia Studies, 2015; with Jione Havea). Prior to coming to Austin Seminary, Dr. Aymer taught at Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She has served on the Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on Examinations since 2010. Additionally, she has served on the Committee on Preparation for Ministry of the PC(USA) from 2010-2011, she was also a member of the General Assembly Task Force on Civil Unions and Marriage, and she served as a steering committee member for the Committee on Theological Education Consultation on Racism. v Photograph by Kallie Pitcock (MDiv’19)
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Lincoln writes new book to assist seminary students in their research
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imothy Lincoln, assistant dean for planning, research professor in theological education, and director of the Wright Center, has published the book Qualitative Research: A Field Manual for Ministry Students (Atla Open Press, 2021). The book is designed to help master’s-degree and doctor of ministry (DMin) students discover techniques for learning about the experiences of people in a structured way. It will be especially useful for DMin students as they create their final projects. The book can be purchased in print and a free e-book is also available through Atla Open Press. Jane Elder, head of reference, research, and the Bridwell Theological Writing Center at Southern Methodist University’s Bridwell Library reflects on the book: “What
Lincoln has accomplished specifically is to take the art and science of research out of the realm of the theoretical and address the mundane, but oh-socritical question asked by students everywhere: ‘How in the world do I do this?’… This book should be required reading for all ministry students, not just those about to conduct qualitative research, as well as their advisers. Further, it should be part of the collections of every theological and religious studies library in the land.” Lincoln served as vice president and president of the Board of Directors of the American Theological Library Association (Atla), and his scholarship and thought have been published in a variety of journals. v Winter 2022 | 15
faculty news notes
Paul Hooker has new book of poetry; Carolyn Helsel’s book receives second printing
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aul Hooker, associate dean for ministerial formation and advanced studies, has written a new book of poetry, The Hole in the Heart of God (Resource Publications, 2021). Centered around an ancient Christian service, Hooker previewed the work during the Seminary’s Easter Vigil last spring. “Here’s lush new language—poetry to read or recite as gathered seekers awaiting the dawn of Easter morning ,” says reviewer Susan Baller-Shepard. “This book is a holy offering using earthly elements of fire, word, water, and meals as guides to delve deeper into the paschal mystery, with ruminations for reflection. Time traveling like light, this book is illuminated by ancient scripture and spiritual traditions; it glows for today and for future use.” The 2018 book Anxious to Talk About It: Helping White People Talk Faithfully about Racism (Challice Press) by Carolyn Helsel, associate professor in the Blair Monie Distinguished Chair in Homiletics, came out in a new edition this summer. Congratulations to our faculty colleagues for their continued service to the church through their work.
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ongoing from education beyond the walls Education Beyond the Walls will be forming new online groups in early 2022. If you would like to create your own small group, we are happy to provide a facilitator for an additional fee. Doing Justice: Racism | ONLINE Join us as we take a direct look at the church’s response to racism in America. In this course you’ll have the opportunity to engage in courageous conversations with other Christian leaders and learners who are wrestling with this complex issue in order to deepen your understanding of the biblical, theological, and sociological perspectives held by others. Cost: $35 per person; groups are limited to 15 people
ABCs of Diversity e-course | ONLINE A more just future begins with our children. As ministers, educators, and parents we shape how kids think, feel, and behave toward others. This e-course was developed by Professor Carolyn B. Helsel and Y. Joy Harris-Smith, two mothers and educators, one white, one Black. It will equip you to talk to children of all ages about the topics of race, gender, class, religion, political affiliation, ability, nationality, and sexual orientation. It is a book of hope grounded in the vision of God’s beloved community. The e-course is a companion to their book, The ABCs of Diversity: Helping Kids (and Ourselves!) Embrace Our Differences. Cost: $25; This material is designed for youth ministers, parents, and anyone caring for children.
Up-to-the-minute programming and registration: AustinSeminary.edu/EBW
A call for nominations for the President of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary We invite nominations for a gifted leader to guide this winsome community committed to preparing individuals for ordained Christian ministry and other forms of service to the church and world. Nominees must be ordained to ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Nominations may be sent to
16 | Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
PresidentSearch@austinseminary.edu Presidential Search Committee
Chair: The Reverend Dr. Chris Currie, Trustee The Reverend Katie Cummings, Trustee The Reverend Dr. Jill Duffield (DMin’13), Trustee Mrs. Denise Pierce (MATS’11), Trustee Mr. Conrad Rocha, Trustee Rev. Mark Ramsey, Trustee Dr. Suzie Park, Faculty Dr. David Jensen, Faculty Ms. Chrystal Brigman, Student Rev. Michael East (MDiv’14), Alumnus Ex officio: Rev. Keatan King, Chair of the Board of Trustees
alumni news notes
class notes | 1950s Sylvia Washer, wife of Phin Washer (MDiv’56, DMin’93) died July 4, 2021, in The Woodlands, Texas.
Catherine Robinson (MDiv’86) married Kenny Jones on Oct. 16 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
1990s Tracy Spencer-Brown (MDiv’92) recently relocated to Hobbs, New Mexico, where she serves First Presbyterian Church, Lovington, as part-time stated supply. Mark Carver (MDiv’92) celebrated “semi-retirement” by purchasing a small horse farm near Pinehurst, North Carolina. He and his daughter established The Carver Rescue Ranch. He told us, “With fond memories of John Alsup I go about my morning chores trying to remember how to say ‘gelding’ in Greek.”
2000s Sue White (MA’00) along with her daughter Bonnie Payne (MATS’02) and Bonnie’s husband, the Rev. Andy Payne, now live in Guatemala where they support and encourage missionaries and their families serving in Guatemala and El Salvador. Cassandra Dahnke (MDiv’02) received the Civic Engagement Award from the National Southern Christian Leadership Council for her work in cofounding and working with the Institute for Civility in Government.
installed as pastor at Heritage Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, Nebraska.
ordinations
Hierald Edgardo Osorto (MDiv’18) was ordained into the ELCA on October 30, 2021, at
Julia Giddings (MDiv’17) was ordained into the PC(USA) by Mission Presbytery on October 10, 2021. She serves on the clinical pastoral education team at Baptist Health System, San Antonio, Texas.
1980s In October Pamela Jean Owens (MDiv’80) retired from a ministry of social justice, teaching, and preaching at the Omaha (Nebraska) Metropolitan Community Church following a ministerial career of university teaching and multiple pastorates.
Dolly Hunt Jacobs (MDiv’03), July 29, 2021, Greensboro, North Carolina
2010s Michelle and John Harrison, III (MDiv’15) along with big sister, Junie, welcomed Simone Jubilee Bach Harrison (pictured above) into the world on August 6, 2021. In July, Madeline HartAndersen (MDiv’19) was installed as pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
in memoriam Conway T. Wharton (MDiv’45), July 25, 2021, San Marcos, Texas Donald C. Whiteside (MDiv’49), October 9, 2021, Alamogordo, New Mexico George Alexander (MDiv’55), September 3, 2021, Corpus Christi, Texas
Rachael McConnell (MDiv’17) was ordained into the PC(USA) by Western North Carolina Presbytery on October 10, 2021, and installed as pastor at Banner Elk Presbyterian, Banner Elk, North Carolina. Laura Messer (MDiv’18) was ordained into the PC(USA) by the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys on Oct. 17, 2021, and installed as pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Silver Lake, Minnesota.
Luther Place Memorial Church, Washington, D.C. Professor Jennifer Lord preached at the service. Hierald has been called to serve as pastor of Saint Paul Lutheran Church / Iglesia Luterana San Pablo, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Erica Nelson (MDiv’18) was ordained into the PC(USA) by Homestead Presbytery on September 26, 2021, and
Make plans for MidWinters 2022 when we will honor Distinguished Service Award Recipients
David Laverty (MDiv’58), August 30, 2021, Jonesboro, Arkansas John H. Carlberg (MDiv’60), September 30, 2021, North Richland Hills, Texas Gordon Clanton (MDiv’67), July 13, 2021, Del Mar, California Jodie Crayton Windbigler (MDiv’84), March 19, 2021, Arlington, Texas John F. Shimp (MDiv’89), March 6, 2020, Austin, Texas Sharon G. Bowers (MDiv’02), September 17, 2021, San Marcos, Texas
FRED TULLOCH (MDiv’62, ThM’69)
& MARTHA SADONGEI (MDiv’96) The ASA Banquet will be In-person only Register at AustinSeminary.edu/MidWinters Winter 2022 | 17
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The Mary B. and Robert J. Wright Learning and Information Center at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary DE DIC AT ION January 26, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
