Alumni News
Soulen and Soulen Podcast from Alumni and Son
Richard N. Soulen (STH, '57; PhD. GRS, '64) has joined with his son, Kendall (MDiv, Candler, 1986; PhD, Yale, 1992) in hosting the podcast: Soulen and Soulen: Letters to the Inquiring Mind on Theology and Scripture at soulenandsoulen.com.
Rev. Canon Ted Karpf (STH ’74) Publishes New Book
Rev. Canon Ted Karpf (STH '74) recently published a new book entitled Acts of Forgiveness: Faith Journeys of a Gay Priest. This book has been named a Top New Release in Episcopalian Christianity and is available for pre-sale on Amazon.
In 1980s America, coming out as gay as a father and husband was a significant journey for anyone to make. Coming out as gay as a priest guaranteed immersion into controversy, contradiction, and challenge. This book tells of The Reverend Canon Ted Karpf's navigation of new social and romantic journeys, all within the context of his priestly vocation in the Episcopal Church. Covering from 1968 to 2018, Karpf recounts his vivid memories, life-changing dreams and resonant reflections on living a life of faith in a socially and politically tumultuous period of history. His narratives are crafted as poetic meditations on enduring values and meaning, which can remind any reader that we are neither abandoned nor alone, and that forgiveness is a fulfilling way of living in a world of contradictions.
David Michel (STM ’02) graduates with PhD from Chicago Seminary
David Michel, STM (2002) graduated with a PhD in Theology, Ethics, and the Human Sciences, awarded by Chicago Theological Seminary on May 17, 2019.
Rev. Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. (STH ’83) is headed to National Senior Games to Compete in Swimming
Rev. Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. (STH '83) recently won three Gold Medals in Swimming at the Louisiana Senior Olympics. Rev. Dr. Kelly will be representing Louisiana this June as he goes to compete in the National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Click here to read the full article about Rev. Dr. Kelly in the Baton Rouge Advocate.
Rev. Vernon Walker (STH ’16) new Public Policy Director of the Young Democrats of Massachusetts
Rev. Vernon Walker (STH '16) was elected as the new Public Policy Director of the Young Democrats of Massachusetts. Click here to learn more about the Young Democrats of Massachusetts and their Leadership.
Rev. Vernon Walker was also recently featured on BNN News with the President of the Boston Teacher's Union, Jessica Tang, discussing the Rally for Education Funding. Congratulations to Vernon on his work surrounding faith, policy, and social justice!
United Methodist Women’s 150th Anniversary
On Saturday, March 23rd, the United Methodist Women (formerly Women's Foreign Missionary Society) celebrated their 150th Anniversary at Boston University School of Theology. The windows formerly held at Tremont Street MEC were also dedicated as part of this, as they honor the early leaders and founds of the WFMS. The windows are hung in the School of Theology library for viewing and remembering.
More information and photos from the event can be found in article below edited by the Historian of the NECCAH, Patricia J. Thompson.
Rev. Carrington George Moore (STH ’14) is named as Program Director of Lydia Fellows
Rev. Carrington George Moore (STH '14) was just named as the Program Director for the Lydia Fellows Program for Thriving in Part-time Ministry through the Massachusetts Council of Churches.
Funded by a grant from the Lily Endowment, the Lydia Fellows Program for Thriving in Part-time Ministry will support part-time (or bi-vocational) clergy in New England by increasing connectivity with other pastors, strengthening confidence and self-esteem and providing opportunities for professional growth through financially compensated fellowships. The program will form cohorts of up to 10 part-time pastors each who will meet for two years for retreats, dinners and peer-coaching. The first cohort of Lydia Fellows will launch with a retreat in the Fall of 2019.
Read more about Rev. Carrington Moore and the Massachusetts Council of Churches here.
Dr. Gene Reeves (STH ’59) died Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Dr. Gene Reeves (STH '59) Buddhist scholar, teacher, and translator of the Lotus Sutra, died Wednesday, May 8, at his home in Chicago. Read the Obituary of Dr. Reeves here.
Dr. F Don James (STH ’54 & GRS ’59) passed on May 6, 2019
Dr. F. Don James (STH '54 & GRS '59) passed away peacefully at his home in Switzerland on May 6, 2019. The program from Dr. James' service reads, "He was born in Oklahoma, served in the U.s. Navy, graduated B.A. from Oklahoma City University, Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Boston University School of Theology, Ph.D. from B.U. Graduate School; spent one year as a Rotary Fellow at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. He was ordained Methodist Minister, served as a student pastor in Coyle, Oklahoma, and Assistant Pastor of the Swampscott MA Congregational Church, 1952-1958. His academic career started at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, in the Department of Religion and Assistant Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, 1958-1965, then Academic Vice President of the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, 1965-67, and Acting President, 1967-68, then President of Central Connecticut State University, 1968-1987. He enjoyed life full of love from his immediate and extended family and friends and many years of dedication to the academic profession, to his faculty, colleagues and students."
Classmate John Neff writes "I remember Don’s zest for life, his commitment to the School of Theology and his many achievements in ministry and education. He had been eagerly planning to attend the reunion this fall. We shall surely miss him.”
Read Dr. James' obituary from the New Britain Herald here.
Rev. Frank Lanny Arrowsmith (STH ’67) Honored as Volunteer of the Year by San Diego Sheriff
Rev. Frank Lanny Arrowsmith (STH '67) and his partner were honored on April 9, 2019 by the San Diego Sheriff & San Diego County Supervisor's as one of the county Volunteers of the year for 2019. They were recognized for saving a person's life who had a severe Stroke and laid on his kitchen floor for 3 days.
