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Episcopal Seminaries United in Diversity
President Ferlo on the Council of Deans meeting, Jan. 11-13, 2015
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All 11 signatories of the January 14, 2015 Communiqué issued by the Episcopal Seminaries Council of Deans
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Last week I had the privilege of hosting the Council of Deans of our Episcopal seminaries at Bexley House in Columbus. It was a time of renewed friendship and striking cordiality, considering our doctrinal and institutional differences. It is good to have such colleagues, especially in times of change and stress. The press and blogosphere thrive on institutional crisis. But in spite of recent difficulties, our Episcopal seminaries remain strongly committed to fulfilling our historic purposes. We are about Christian lives formed, Christian leadership shaped, and theological inquiry boldly encouraged, with God's mission of love and reconciliation in Jesus Christ as our compass. At a time when graduate-level theological study for lay and clergy leaders is dismissed in some quarters as an unnecessary luxury, and when our seminaries are caricatured as out of touch with and unaccountable to the real church, it is all the more important that our true story be told, a story in which our own "seminary beyond walls" at Bexley Seabury continues to play an essential part.
Here is the communiqué we drafted as we reflected on our time together:
Communiqué from the Council of Episcopal Seminary Deans
January 14, 2015
The Council of Deans met in its annual meeting at the Bexley Seabury campus in Columbus, Ohio Sunday, January 11 to Tuesday, January 13, 2015.
All 10 seminary deans were present at the meeting, joined by their academic deans, as well as the dean and president of St. Andrew's Theological Seminary in the Philippines. Across a range of theological viewpoints, there was a shared commitment to theological education and formation as well as mutual recognition of the distinctive gifts of each school. Read the entire communiqué
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Off Campus, in Indianapolis
"Strategies for Teaching the Bible" for lay and ordained leaders
This spring, Professor John Dally will take "Strategies for Teaching the Bible" off campus, to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Indianapolis. This popular course is designed for lay and ordained teachers of any faith tradition. In addition, anyone who would simply like to learn more about the Bible is invited to participate.
The schedule - six sessions over three Friday-Saturday weekends - is intended to wrap around job and family responsibilities. The entire course can be taken for MDiv/DMin or continuing education credit, or for personal enrichment. There is a group audit discount for leadership teams, plus a 90-minute drop-in session option ($15 each) for any or all sessions.
Please share this opportunity with colleagues, friends and family in the Indianapolis area.
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Comments? Feedback?
Your views are always welcome
Bexley Seabury Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools, 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15275-1110. The following degree programs are approved by the Commission on Accrediting: Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity. We are receiving a comprehensive visit from the Association of Theological Schools from February 22-27, 2015. As part of our visit, we welcome any comments or feedback concerning the school's qualifications for accreditation. Please send any comments to Academic Dean Tom Ferguson
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Come to Chicago for Spring Convocation
Wednesday, April 29 at St. James Commons
Reconnect with Seabury-Western and Bexley Seabury alumni, faculty and friends in Chicago, Wednesday, April 29 through prayer, study and fellowship. Our 2015 Spring Convocation will unfold at St. James Commons, home to the Diocese of Chicago and St. James Cathedral. We have planned a diverse and engaging program for the day including:
- A rare opportunity to view historic prayer books and Bibles from the collection of Michael Morgan, including the 1661 Jeremy Taylor volume of the Book of Common Prayer, which substituted the Beatitudes for the Nicene Creed as the standard of Christian belief
- Afternoon workshops leading into keynote address, Evensong and reception
- The keynote address by Scott Gunn, executive director of Forward Movement: "From Sinai to Cupertino: Technology, Social Media and Evangelism" - an investigation of how people of faith have always used advances in technology to communicate, study God's word and share the Gospel
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Convocation Keynoter Scott Gunn
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We look forward to welcoming and reconnecting with you on April 29. For more information about this festive gathering, talk to Conrad Selnick, vice president for advancement and church relations.
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Learn with us: Spring 2015 at Bexley Seabury
For busy lay and ordained leaders in Chicago, Columbus
and Indianapolis
Looking for an opportunity to grow without upending your schedule? Consider a Spring Term semester-long course, an intensive one-week session, or a three-weekend series. As always, courses are taught at the graduate level for academic credit, and are also open to anyone interested in learning for continuing education credit or personal enrichment. Register for academic credit by Jan. 28, for CEU or enrichment/audit no later than three days prior to the first meeting.
Strategies for Teaching the Bible
March 6-7, April 17-18, May 8-9 in Indianapolis
John Dally will present strategies for translating knowledge of the history and content of the Bible in ways that are accessible and that lead to personal and communal transformation. Drop-in option: 90-minute "slice" of one or all six sessions, $15 each. Learn more
A nglican Theology and Ethics
Feb. 13-14, March 6-7, April 17-18 in Columbus
In this course Jason Fout will focus on the breadth and variety of theologies and ethics in the worldwide Anglican Communion as well as "classic" Anglican theologians and moral theologians. Learn more
 Global Anglicanism
Feb. 27-28, April 10-11, May 1-2 in Chicago
Through the Anglican tradition of thoughtful theological reflection and dialogue,Ellen Wondra will help students explore how baptismal living informs the response of individuals and the church to contemporary issues. Learn more
  Anglican Liturgy and Music: Theology and Practice
Mar. 13-14, Apr. 24-25, May 15-16 in Columbus
Victor Conrado and Milner Seifert will explore the theology, principles, and practices of worship in the Episcopal Church, according to the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and other resources. The course includes a practicum through which students learn how to conduct worship. Learn More
Christ and Atonement
Semester course: Tues. and Thurs., 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in Columbus
Jason Fout will lead a study of classic and contemporary Christian perspectives on the person and work of Jesus Christ, including the historical development of the doctrine of the two natures of Christ; the meaning of Christ's life, ministry, suffering on the cross, death resurrection and ascension; and the shape and meaning of the "good news" of Christ for today. Learn More
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"Can-do" Schedule Puts DMin Within Reach
Programs in congregational development, preaching
 Looking for a DMin program that "gets" your schedule? Bexley Seabury's Doctor of Ministry programs in Congregational Development and Preaching mix independent study, online work with fellow students and instructors, and intensive courses in Chicago.
DMin in Congregational Development
The three-year program enables students to develop the exceptional leadership skills and theological grounding necessary for innovative and effective congregational ministry. Apply for study beginning June 2015 by April 1. Learn more and apply online
DMin in Preaching
This ecumenical program fosters the curiosity, openness to the Holy Spirit, and synthesis of imagination and reason needed to proclaim the Word of God. It is offered in collaboration with six other Chicago-area seminaries as the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) DMin in Preaching Program. Apply for study beginning June 2015 by Jan. 31. Learn more and apply online |
Filling Fast: June Leadership Institute in downtown Chicago
Leading change, understanding cultural shifts, building effective teams
Don't miss out. Our fifth annual Leadership Institute, a three-day program with the Center for Nonprofit Management, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, meets June 15-17, 2015 in downtown Chicago. This popular course trains clergy and lay leaders to apply best practices in nonprofit management to congregational programs, leadership and services.
 "As religious institutions face rapid change and leaders train to find perceptive and creative mentoring, Bexley Seabury's Leadership Institute at the Kellogg School offers 'water for parched throats,' to borrow from the psalmist...This seminar will make you want to drink more deeply."
The Rev. Dr. Carol A. Tate
Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
Space is limited and the 2015 course is filling quickly. Learn more and register
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Thanks to All 2015 Annual Fund Donors
Thanks to all - alumni, dioceses, congregations, service and scholarship organizations, board members, staff, faculty and friends - who have given so generously to the Bexley Seabury 2015 Annual Fund. Your gifts make it possible for us to continue our historic tradition of forming leaders and disciples who are committed to bold inquiry in service of the Gospel. As we begin the second half of our campaign and the 2014-2015 academic year, please keep our students and their families in your prayers, in particular those waiting for results from General Ordination Exams earlier this month. Donate online
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Community News
Alumni
The Diocese of Southwest Florida has tapped John Palarine (MDiv Seabury-Western 1973, DMin Bexley Seabury 2012) to be program director for diocesan youth programs and DaySpring Episcopal Camp and Conference Center. Among John's new responsibilities are expanding and enhancing DaySpring Summer Camp from a three- to a six-week program, developing new DaySpring programming, and strengthening youth ministry for the diocese's 77 congregations.
 Albert Ferlo Dies in Rome, NY Albert Ferlo, father of Bexley Seabury President Roger Ferlo, died January 1. He is survived by his wife, Nathaline, 5 children, 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers and 1 sister.  Beverly Mitchell Dies in South Bend, Ind. Beverly Mitchell, widow of longtime Seabury-Western faculty member Lee Mitchell, died December 17, 2014. She is survived by 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
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