Report from Sewanee: 2008-2009 p5

School of Theology
Beginning the 2008-2009 academic year, the School of Theology welcomed 32 new students, bringing the total student body to 79 students representing 28 Episcopal dioceses. New student orientation featured a full week of activities introducing students to the seminary, the University, and the Sewanee community.

The 2008 DuBose Lecture series, Oct. 30-31, featured Dr. Fred B. Craddock, Bandy Distinguished Professor of Preaching and New Testament Emeritus, Candler School of Theology, Emory University. In three lectures, Dr. Craddock addressed “Preaching Jesus: Jesus in the Letter to the Hebrews.” Dr. Michael Battle will deliver the 2009 lecture series on “Ubuntu: A worldview and spirituality for reconciliation in the 21st Century” on October 29-30.

Also in October, the faculty welcomed bishops from the owning dioceses for its annual dialogue. The 2009 conversation is scheduled for October 14, focusing on the role of three-year residential seminary education as preparation for priesthood.

In November, the School of Theology Visiting Committee focused on formation for priesthood. The 2009 meeting is scheduled for November 11-13, and will give its chief attention to the Programs Center’s Education for Ministry (EfM) and the Advanced Degrees Program.

In January, the Education for Ministry program again collaborated with the Trinity Institute of Trinity Wall Street to participate in the webcast of the 2009 Trinity Institute National Theological Conference, Radical Abundance: A Theology of Sustainability. EfM facilitators led discussion groups as part of the conference. Sarah “Sissie” Wile continued serving as interim EfM director while the search continues for a director. Wile has served EfM as a mentor and trainer, as trainer-in-residence, and as assistant EfM director. A strategic planning team, which began working together in June 2008, has sought to discern the ways EfM will move into the future, and submitted a draft of a strategic plan to the University.

In February, “Sewanee: Come and See” hosted several dozen prospective seminarians. The annual preview weekend offers people considering seminary an opportunity to experience community life, theological learning, and formation for ministry as they are lived out in the Sewanee context. Seminary students, faculty, and staff plan opportunities for their guests and their families to worship, attend classes, tour the campus, and get to know the seminary community. The 2010 Preview Weekend is scheduled for Feb. 25-28.

In April, University Chancellor the Right Rev. Henry Parsley, Bishop of Alabama, celebrated the Eucharist and consecrated the new outdoor altar (a gift of the Class of 2007) at the foot of the Chapel of the Apostles.

In May, the Rev. Dr. Robert Hughes, professor of systematic theology and Norma and Olan Mills professor of divinity, was named the inaugural recipient of a major new award for scholarship in pneumatology, the study of the Holy Spirit. The Poullart Libermann Award in Pneumatology, created by Duquesne University, honors “the individual who has made the most significant scholarly contribution to the area of pneumatology in the preceding five year period.”

In June, the School of Theology hosted “Does It Fit?”, the first nationwide vocational discernment conference for young people of color, sponsored by the Ethnic Ministries offices and the Pastoral Leadership Search Effort of the Episcopal Church Center. About 40 young adults attended the four-day event, which was made possible by a grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation intended to expand initiatives in promoting diversity within the seminary community.

Sewanee once again participated this year in the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, with strong representation in Anaheim including staff members and alumni, the Vice Chancellor, Provost, Chaplain, and Dean of the School of Theology. The University hosted a dinner for approximately 75 alumni and friends, which included remarks by Chancellor Parsley.

Two pillars of the seminary faculty retired this year. Noted scholar and author the Rev. Dr. Donald S. Armentrout retired Dec. 31 as professor of church history and historical theology, the Charles Quintard Professor of Dogmatic Theology, and director of the Advanced Degrees Program. Professor and author Dr. Joseph E. Monti, professor of Christian ethics and theology, retired from the faculty June 30 after 27 years of service. Three new members joined the faculty on July 1. Dr. Paul Holloway was appointed associate professor of New Testament, the Rev. Robert MacSwain was appointed instructor of Theology and Christian Ethics, and the Rev. Dr. Benjamin King was appointed assistant professor of Church History. The Rev. Dr. William F. Brosend II is now serving as director of the Advanced Degrees Program.

For More Information about the University
www.sewanee.edu
http://theology.sewanee.edu/

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