Alumni News
BUSTH Announces Faculty Publications for February 2021
The School of Theology is pleased to announce the following faculty publications for the month of February 2021:
-
-
Christian Sacred Music in the Americas. Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, 2021.
-
- Karen Westerfield Tucker
-
Karen was involved in the writing of “We Believe, We Pray, We Act.” Copyright © 2020 by the Council of Bishops, The United Methodist Church, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
-
- Charlene Zuill
- Editorial Review, Walking with Francis of Assisi: From Privilege to Activism: “Discover the face of Christ on this word-journey through Assisi with Bruce Epperly. He traverses the landscape, shares snapshots of his childhood in dialogue with the life and spiritual development of St. Francis, and offers spiritual practices that call us to greater reflection and activism.” – Rev. Dr. Charlene Zuill, Spiritual Life Coordinator Boston University School of Theology
WGBH Honors the History of the Black Church, with Dean Hickman-Maynard as a Featured Speaker
February 17, 2021 – Last Monday, February 8, the WGBH Forum Network hosted a live online event titled “A Discussion on the History of The Black Church.” Expert panelists included BU School of Theology Associate Dean for Students and Community Life and Assistant Professor of Black Church Studies, Theodore Hickman-Maynard. The Forum Network is a public media service of WGBH that offers video and audio lectures from experts and thought leaders made available to the public for free.
GBH News host and commentator Callie Crossley led the discussion on the role of The Black Church in Black communities in American history. View this important and timely discussion below.
"It is needed for The Black Church to have a witness to the value of Black lives."
– Associate Dean for Students and Community Life and Assistant Professor of Black Church Studies, Theodore Hickman-Maynard
DMin Student Quoted in Boston Globe Article on Vaccine Rollout Inequities in MA
The following is an excerpt from the Boston Globe article “‘There are a lot of people who can’t get to Fenway or Gillette’: Some residents feel overlooked in vaccine rollout,” by Boston Globe staff member Kay Lazar, published February 14, 2021. It features a quote from current School of Theology Doctor of Ministry student Dennis Heaphy. His scholarly focus is working toward improving chaplaincy care for people with disabilities.
Thousands who can’t easily leave home struggle to get their shots
Roughly 15,000 Massachusetts residents are receiving vaccines in their federally funded senior housing developments under the same federal-pharmacy partnership that sent vaccination teams to the state’s nursing homes. They became eligible weeks before thousands more in state-funded senior developments, who won’t get their turn until later this month or early March.
Elissa Sherman, president of LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit nursing homes and other senior living centers, said advocates worked with the Baker administration to ensure the state signed up for the early access for seniors in federally funded housing.
“I know the Baker administration is trying to create opportunities for onsite clinics so people don’t have to leave the community they are living in, so I have been pleased to see that,” Sherman said.
Among those who will receive an early dose is Dennis Heaphy, 59, a quadriplegic who lives in Symphony Towers, a federally funded senior housing development in Boston. Heaphy is scheduled to get his shot Feb. 20. He is relieved, but frustrated because he said other homebound seniors and disabled residents who don’t live in senior housing are being overlooked — especially those in communities of color. Heaphy is a health justice policy analyst for the Disability Policy Consortium.
“A lot of people with complex medical conditions don’t get out in the winter,” he said.
Prof. Menéndez-Antuña Awarded Wabash Grant to Nurture Queer Education
February 2021 — Luis Menéndez-Antuña, Assistant Professor of New Testament at BUSTH, together with Ken Stone, Professor of Bible, Culture, and Hermeneutics at Chicago Theological Seminary, have been awarded a one-year grant from the Wabash Center to create a space for LGBTQIA+ theological educators to come together and imagine the future of theological education. The project, titled Nurturing Queer Education: exploring the embodiment of queer life in theologically diverse settings, identifies the unique professional vocational challenges that LGBTQIA+ educators face in theological educational settings with respect to institutional environment and mentoring students. Kate Ott, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at Drew Theological Seminary, and Pamela Lightsey, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs and Associate Professor of Constructive Theology at Meadville Lombard Theological School, will serve as consultants for the duration of the grant.
The project seeks to “explore the vocation of the queer theological educator, how such educators thrive, what distinctive topics and methods they bring to the theological curriculum, how they embody their vocations, what specific needs they have, and how they help and mentor peers and students.” The project will kick off in April 2021 with the online meeting of a cohort of 15 theological scholars from across the country, whose diverse demographic backgrounds will aid in the reflection of how LGBTQIA+ persons are supposed to navigate their identities in their churches and their theological development. The culmination of the project in August 2022 will offer an online presentation of findings from the year’s-worth of discussion and research. These findings will propose strategies for both individuals and schools to adopt in pursuit of queer futures for faith communities, mainline churches, and educational institutions.
“This is the first time, to my knowledge, that queer scholars in religion and theology from different faiths and denominations, working in different kinds of institutions, with very diverse cultural backgrounds, and at different levels in their career paths gather together to reflect on what it means to be a queer educator,” said Prof. Menéndez-Antuña. “Personally, the most exciting aspect is the possibility to think communally about the future of theological education, a future that cannot longer ignore our queer present. It was thrilling to feel the excitement expressed by all the participants from the very beginning: we soon realized that this was a project that many theological and religious educators were thirsty for. We come to the table with no idea of what will happen, and that’s part of the beautiful thing of walking unexplored paths.”
Dean Pak Featured in The Christian Century
The following article was originally published by The Christian Century on February 8, 2021. Click here to read the original article.
G. Sujin Pak named dean of Boston University’s School of Theology
G. Sujin Pak has been named dean of Boston University’s School of Theology. She succeeds Mary Elizabeth Moore—the first woman to lead the theology school—who announced in 2019 her intention to step down from the position she had held since 2009.
Before coming to Boston, Pak was an associate professor of the history of Christianity at Duke Divinity School, as well as vice dean of academic affairs. During her time at Duke, the Association of Theological Schools recognized her as an emerging woman in leadership. She also received an exemplary teaching award from the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
As a historian, Pak specializes in the history of biblical interpretation and in the roles of marginalized communities in the Protestant Reformation. Pak said her concern for marginalized and oppressed people groups makes the current divide in the United Methodist Church over LGBTQ inclusion particularly painful.
“There is need today for prophetic witness to support all persons of faith in their calling to ministry and/or religious leadership,” she said in an interview with Boston University’s BU Today. “I am proud of this legacy of the United Methodist Church and can only hope that it will be on the right side of history in support of LGBTQIA+ persons.”
Pak, a lay UMC preacher, is a member of the American Historical Association and previously served on the editorial board of the Encyclopedia of Martin Luther and the Reformation. She is a board member of the Calvin Studies Society.
She has published two books: The Judaizing Calvin: Sixteenth-Century Debates over the Messianic Psalms and The Reformation of Prophecy: Early Modern Interpretations of the Prophet and Old Testament Prophecy.
United Methodists and Catholics Dialogue Members Reveal New Publication
This article was originally published by United Methodist News on February 10, 2021. Please read the full article here. The publications cited below have BU School of Theology connections through the work of Prof. Karen B. Westerfield Tucker, and the contributions of ThD alums Rev. Dr. Glen Messer ('01, '06) and Dr. Ryan Danker ('12).
Catholics and United Methodists Together is a Collaborative Publication Resulting from Decades of Dialogue
Press Release: February 10, 2021
Media Contact:
Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications - Council of Bishops
mmulenga@umc-cob.org
(202) 748-5172
Representatives of The United Methodist Church and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops announced the release of the results of its latest round of dialogue in the form of a two-part publication. This eighth round of dialogue was co-chaired by Bishop David P. Talley of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and Bishop Peggy Johnson, resident bishop of the Philadelphia Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church.
The work entitled Catholics and United Methodists Together is being released today. Both parts are available on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops here and the website of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church here.
The first book, subtitled “We Believe, We Pray, We Act,” emphasizes the importance of our shared recognition of one another’s baptisms, and pastoral commentaries on the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the commandment to love God and neighbor.
The second book, subtitled “Shared Prayers and Resources,” offers a practical guide for Methodists and Catholics to learn, pray and worship together. It describes shared traditions of prayer and worship and includes models for ecumenical prayer services. It also includes accessible teaching on conducting dialogue, a description of our mutual and divergent sacramental practices, and a summary of the results of all of our past fifty years of official dialogues.
The collaborative project is the product of the sincere desire of the dialogue committee that the deep spiritual communion shared within the group over the decades be shared among United Methodists and Catholics everywhere.
The episcopal co-chairs of the dialogue conclude their introductory letter with this commendation: “It is now time for the dialogue to take on new life within and between our respective communions. The unity of Christ’s church must take root in our hearts and bear fruit in shared learning, prayer, worship, and service within our faith communities.”
Reverend Barbara Kszystyniak (STH ’00)
Barbara Kszystyniak, 71, formerly of Fairhaven passed away at home peacefully Tuesday, December 8, 2020.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Emile and Cecile (Poisson) Kszystyniak, she lived in Wells, ME.
Barbara touched many lives as an inhalation therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and later as a Methodist minister after obtaining her Masters in Divinity from Boston University. Barbara ministered to parishes in West Boylston, Duxbury and Chatham, MA and Putnam, CT over her theological career.
She is survived by two brothers, Richard E. Kszystyniak and his wife Debra of Rockfall, CT and Michael G. Kszystyniak, CPA and his wife Dr. Mary B. Callahan of Plymouth; and her beloved nieces and nephew, Andrea, Jessica and Daniel Kszystyniak.
The family plans for a memorial service at such time as it is wise to do so. Arrangements are by the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Fairhaven. For memorial register, go to, www.hathawayfunerals.com or call (508)994-9471.
This obituary was originally published here, by Hathaway Funeral Homes.
Rev. Art J. Gordon (STH ’16) Appointed a Senior Advisor to Congresswoman Pressley
The original article was published on Friday, February 5, by US Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. Rev. Gordon served as Vice President of the School of Theology Student Association, was a worship intern during his years as an STH student, and was inducted into STH's Student Honor Society upon graduation.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) announced the hiring of Reverend Art Gordon to serve as Senior Advisor in the Congresswoman’s district office in Boston. As Senior Advisor, Reverend Gordon will 
manage the Congresswoman’s cohesive community engagement strategy and work closely with advocates, constituents, and community leaders across the Massachusetts 7th.
“I am grateful to work closely with Art in this capacity,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “He has a proven track record of steady leadership and partnership with community. As our communities weather this ongoing and intersectional crisis, it is critical that we model co-operative governing and fight for equity. As part of my senior staff, Art will play a critical role.”
Reverend Gordon has a decade of experience as a community advocate and organizer serving in educational, nonprofit, and anti-poverty organizations. Gordon is also a faith leader and preacher, serving the St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Roxbury as the Senior Pastor since 2017. He previously served as part of Senator Ed Markey’s re-election campaign staff. Art has also held roles with Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) and Families United in Educational Leadership.
Rev. Gordon is originally from Warner Robins, Georgia. He holds a B.A. in History from Savannah State University and a Master of Divinity in Theological Ethics from Boston University School of Theology.
Reverend Dr. Darnell C. McCauley (STH ’57)
Dr. Darnell C. McCauley, 95, widower of the late Clara Coleman McCauley, transitioned from this world peacefully on Saturday, January 16, 2021 in New Haven, CT. He formerly resided in Providence, RI before relocating to New Haven in 2015.
Darnell was born November 25, 1925, in Stone Mountain, GA to the late Chester and Viola Elizabeth (Amstead) McCauley. Darnell was a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He held many degrees; Bachelors of Sacred Theology, Masters of Arts in Teaching, and a Doctorate of Education. During his years in school, he also became an ordained minister. As an educator, he held various positions within the school system, ranging from Substitute Teacher to Dean of Students, and Vice Principal. He went on to retire in 1989. During his years as an educator, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity named him Rhode Islands Educator of the Year in 1971.
Our gratitude to: The Towers Assisted Living, Yale-New Haven Hospital Staff and Utopia Home Care Visiting Nurses. A special note of gratitude to private home care Companions and Assistants who provided 24-hour care: Mrs. Clara Wilson, Mr. Albert Pina, Mrs. Onica Hunte, Mrs. Debra Neepaye and Mr. Winston Mussington.
Darnell was preceded in death by five siblings; brothers, David, Paul, Charles and Ralph McCauley, and sister, Dorothy Irene McCauley Mosley Johnson. Cherishing his memory are brothers, James, Rufus, Clifford and Franklin McCauley; sisters, Ida Ruth McCauley-Maloney, Willie Mae McCauley-Richards, and Ernestine Elizabeth McCauley-Browning (Jesse); former wife, Teresa McCauley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
Private graveside services will be held in Pittsburgh, PA. There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Stephens A.M.E. Zion Church, 31 Rogers Street, Branford, CT 06405. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the McCauley family, please visit,
www.hkhfuneralservices.com
This obituary was originally published here, by Legacy.com.
Reverend Peter A. Parent (STH ’99)
Rev. Peter A. Parent, 70, of Fall River passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2021, peacefully at home.
He was the loving husband of Patricia A. (Hammond) Parent with whom he had shared 46 years of marriage.
Born in Winchendon, MA, he was a son of the late Phillip B. and Elizabeth E. (Frazier) Parent.
Rev. Parent was a veteran of the United States Air Force, service during the Vietnam War. He had earned the rank of Sergeant. He had graduated from Boston University School of Theology with his master's degree in Divinity. He was a Civil War enthusiast who also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, beading, and collecting many items such as antiques and baseball cards.
For the past 46 years, Pastor Peter, as he was affectionately called, had served Congregational, Baptist and United Methodist congregations throughout New England. He started his career in Maine, serving the United Church of Christ in Albany, East Stoneham and North Waterford Congregational Churches, West Enfield, North Sedgwick, North Blue Hill, and Stow Baptist Churches. He went on to New Hampshire, serving the Newfields Federated Church and as the assistant pastor at the Rochester First United Methodist Church before going back to Maine to serve Mapleton and Washburn United Methodist Churches. Once back in New Hampshire, he served the Groveton and Stark United Methodist Churches before moving to Massachusetts to serve the Plainville and North Attleboro First United Methodist Churches. The Canaan and Enfield United Methodist Churches in New Hampshire were his last assignments before becoming the Pastor of the Union United Methodist Church in Fall River, MA, a position he had held for the past 6 years. He also served as chaplain of both the Canaan, NH and the Somerset, MA. American Legion Posts.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his son, Peter Aaron Parent of Enfield, NH; his brother Calvin Parent of Eden Prairie, MN and Dennis Parent of Hayden, ID; his sisters: Bettijean Cianciola of Norwalk, CT and Barbara Dillon of Gardner, MA; nephew: Phillip Parent of Odessa, TX; niece: Kathy Eliscar of Bakersburg, MD; niece: Ashley Rebekah Whetsone and her husband Eric of Mound, MA; great niece and nephew: Nashota and Ezekial Romeo of Mound, MN; sister-in-law: Betty Jones of Norway, ME. He was the brother of the late Paul, Doris, and Dorothy Parent.
There are no services scheduled at this time.
This obituary was originally posted here, by Currentobituary.com.