During this tumultuous time in America, the youngest Americans are being inspired to become advocates by the most American of tragedies — violence. From the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., to the neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville, Va., to last week’s school shooting in Parkland, Fla., younger Americans by the millions have been energized to advocate against persistent police brutality, rising hate crime, and pervasive gun violence. In the wake of the violent deaths of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, and Heather Heyer, and of numerous school shootings, America has witnessed a generationally unprecedented level of activism. On Friday, the 150th anniversary of the birth of a global citizen and son of Great Barrington, W.E.B. Du Bois, offers a few lessons to this generation of citizen activists.
Alumni News
Rev. Phillip Clarke (STH ’54)
Reverend Phillip Clark passed on February 13th, 2018.
A note from his classmate, John Neff:
Phil was a good friend, had a enormous heart, and was a remarkable servant of Christ in the midst of the Yorkville section of NewYork, serving where few were willing to serve. He always had a high regard for his classmates at BU and the teachers who meant so much to him and to all of us.
Let us remember him with gratitude and thanksgiving.
Dr. Bradley Bauer (STH ’12) Co-Authors New Publication
Dr. Bradley Bauer (STH '12) along with 6 other UCC and Presbyterian clergy and lay people have created a new 7-part series on exploring the connections between our spiritual lives and our work in the world. The new world is published by Lumunos and can be purchased here.
W.E.B. Du Bois Offers Lessons to this Generation of Citizen Activists
The above is an excerpt of the full opinion article, originally published in the Boston Globe on February 23, 2018. Please see the full opinion article here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2018/02/23/bois-offers-lessons-this-generation-citizen-activists/Grzxw0bwxRr3Q08JeSv8WN/story.html
Take Action: Gun Safety Resources
The senseless acts of gun violence in this country have left us confused, devastated, and furious. Action requires our urgent attention. For those of you who want to be involved in the conversation and communal action, here is a list of resources that could be helpful to get you started.
Please keep checking this space, as we will update as more information becomes available on upcoming events or new resources.
- Everytown for Gun Safety: Everytown for Gun Safety is an American nonprofit organization which advocates for gun control and against gun violence. Everytown was founded in 2014, combining 'Mayors Against Illegal Guns' and 'Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America'.
- Laws on guns and other weapons here in Massachuetts: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-law-about-guns-and-other-weapons
- Firearm Safety on Boston University campus: https://www.bu.edu/safety/network/safetyfiles201712payattentionlearngoose-jpg/firearms-weapons/
- Upcoming Events: http://time.com/5165794/student-protests-walkouts-florida-school-shooting/
- March 14: National School Walkout
- March 24: March for Our Lives
- April 20: National High School Walkout
Dr. Herman O. Kelly (STH ’83), chosen to receive The Kumba Community Member Award from Louisiana State University Barney African American Cultural Center
Dr. Herman O. Kelly, the Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana was chosen to receive the Kumba Community Member / Organization Award as part of the 2017-2018 Louisiana State University Black History Month Celebration by the LSU Barney African American Cultural Center.
More on Dr. Kelly can be read here.
Rev. Dr. David Poindexter (’56 & ’57)
The Rev. David Poindexter, a 1956 and 1957 Boston Univeristy School of Theology graduate, passed away February 8th in Portland, OR. More about his life can be read in the New York Times.
Howard Thurman Papers Project Part of Cooperative Awarded Grant
The Howard Thurman Papers Project, in conjunction with Stanford University, is a Digital Publication Grant Winner from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, for the Project Modern African American Freedom Struggle Digital Publishing Cooperative. The Project is on a team working with Stanford University to build a sustainable system for the digital publication and discovery of historical records. This cooperative brings together three long-standing documentary editing projects: The Martin Luther King, Jr., Papers Project, the Papers of Clarence Mitchell, Jr. and of the NAACP Washington Bureau, and the Howard Thurman Papers Project, with the help of Stanford University Libraries, to plan a digital publication platform centered around collaborative thematic digital archives in modern African American history.
"[Dr.] Walter Fluker and I look forward to collaborating on this project throughout 2018 as we continue to bring more recognition to the work of the Howard Thurman Papers Project and the School of Theology," says Managing Editor and Associate Director of the Howard Thurman Papers Project, Silvia Glick.
Please read the full press release here: https://mellon.org/resources/news/articles/mellon-foundation-nhprc-announce-digital-publication-grant-winners/
Nikita McCalister (STH’05): Senior Pastor and Associate Executive Minister
Rev. Nikita G. McCalister is an ordained minister of the Gospel. She is the Senior Pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church in (Pawtucket, RI) and the Associate Executive Minister for the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island.
She received her B.S. (Central Michigan University), MBA (University of Detroit Mercy), and M.Div from Boston University School of Theology.
She is married to Rev. Jabulani McCalister, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (Providence, RI.). She is the proud parent of two wonderful children: Jaden McCalister and Azriel McCalister.
What advice would you give a current STH student?
I would advise a current STH student to take full advantage of the Boston Theological Institute (BTI). At the time I attended STH, I took my Greek from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Christian Theology from Boston College, Social Justice from the Episcopal Divinity School, Administration from Harvard Divinity School, Preaching from Gordon-Conwell, and Baptist Polity from Andover Newton Theological School. I realize that some of these options are no longer available and that we have very erudite professors at STH, but I think “outside” exposure broadens one’s perspective in beautiful and enriching ways. I say, humorously, broadening your horizons is important even if only to increase your appreciation for what you do have.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment since graduating from STH?
I feel that a list accomplishments as a measure of success is irrelevant. There are many accolades, speaking invitations, and regional and national opportunities I could mention. But, if I am pressed to answer that question, I would say my greatest sense of accomplishment is the honor of being used by God. I seek to be an obedient disciple of Christ. I am overwhelmed and amazed at the opportunities I have to do just that...to be a beacon of love and light to the world.
Why did you choose to accept the position of Associate Executive Minister for Administration with the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island?
I accepted the position of Associate Executive Minister for the American Baptist Churches because of my deep love for my denomination, our congregations, and all of God’s people. In addition, I feel this role allows me to use my varied gifts, skills, and abilities. I feel that my work at the regional level is an extension of the ministry God has assigned.
What skills or experiences would benefit someone who wants to be a senior pastor?
I believe that every pastor should acquire administrative and business skills. I think more and more congregations are in need of people with savvy business acumen (i.e., the array of financial issues, management, investment property, and fund development).
How do you manage two jobs and a family? What advice would you give someone who is going to be in a similar position?
I have found that bi-vocational leadership is not that uncommon. But I believe that both of my “appointment or charges” utilize my skills set. Furthermore, I think that healthy family structures have support systems. I am incredibly blessed with a supportive, loving, engaged spouse who is gifted, talented and committed to our ministry of marriage and family. Hence, we set clear boundaries with our congregations, and we prioritize time for ourselves (date nights) and our children (family nights).
Can you give us an example of a mistake you have learned from during your career?
I think one of the mistakes I made early in my career was underestimating my own worth. I think that theologically I interpreted servant leadership as humble pie. And because I was so grateful for certain opportunities in cracking the “stained glass ceiling” that I did not articulate the social and economic injustices I experienced or witnessed. But I have since learned how to advocate for myself and other women in ministry. I now know that my preparedness, qualifications, experiences, and uniqueness are valuable. Thus, I have learned to advocate for others and myself.
What was the most important experience you’ve had that has helped you in your career?
I think one of the most important experiences I had during seminary was the assignment to worship in a setting that was different from my own tradition and write about the liturgical and theological differences. This experience opened up my experience of God in such a profound way. I was forced to look at my own biases and preconceived notions. I learned that I had placed God in a box based on my limited assumptions and expectations. This exercise has truly allowed me to stretch beyond myself. I do not claim to know everything about God, but I have learned that God is bigger than I previously imaged. Subsequently, I have been able to travel abroad on mission trips and participate in ecumenical associations and worship services with a greater appreciation for the incarnational ways of God. Even as I am fully committed to my theological doctrine, I am more willing to open myself to the mystery of God that allows me to experience God in new remarkable ways.
Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah (’03) Selected as Secretary for the Global Christian Forum
Boston University School of Theology graduate, Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah has been newly selected as the Secretary for the Global Christian Forum. After a February meeting at the Taizé Community in France, the Global Christian Forum Committee said on Feb. 12 Essamuah was chosen to serve in the central role of its Secretary, the person who leads the alliance of Christians on a daily basis.
More can be read here.
Mourning 17 Lost Lives
Mourning 17 Lost Lives: Mourning a Culture of Violence
Dear Beloved Community,
News of the horrific mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, is almost too much to bear, but we stare violence in the face once more, and 17 precious lives are lost, with others injured, and families and friends left distraught in loss and horror. The STH community prays for the students, teachers, and families of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. I hope we can also turn our grief into vigorous protest of this country’s culture of violence and into determined efforts to create alternative cultures of compassion and non-violent action.
This moment calls forth lament and repentance. This is a season of mourning for the human family and a season of Lent for Christians. The leaders of the Parkland high school had prepared students for events such as this, but guidelines about what to do in such an event are never really preparation for the worst conceivable act. The horror of this moment calls us to pause and allow these deaths to permeate our souls, to throw us into the depths of lament.
The horror also calls us to be conscious of the widespread violence and destruction that marks the United States during these years of devastation upon devastation. The New York Times reports on FBI records that document more than 40 school shootings since 2000, including the recent Benton, KY, shootings and the 2012 mass shooting in Sandy Hook, NJ. The Times also reports that three of the deadliest shootings in modern US history have taken place in the last 5 months. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/14/us/parkland-school-shooting.html?emc=edit_th_180215&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=62784827
Denial is not an adequate response today; neither is a brief pause to say “Oh, how terrible.” We are called to lament with our whole bodies. We are called to repent and turn around. Lenten traditions include a heavy focus on repentance, often construed as repentance of individual “sins.” Today is a time to repent of our own and our society’s bent to violence and our internal failures to live with full-bodied compassion. Today is a time to repent our own and our society’s support for violence by refusing to address root causes, such as habits of “othering,” scapegoating, and retaliating, whether in local and international politics or in families and schools. It is also a time to address ways that we “enable” practices of violence in turning our faces away, in allowing (passively or actively) political maneuvers that violate others, and in refusing to remove supports for a gun culture.
Today is a moment of shock. May it shock you and me into deep searching of ourselves, our religious communities, and our local and global relationships. Let us turn our prayers to the people of Parkland, FL, and to the world. Our distinctive faith traditions (Lent for Christians and Yom Kippur for Jews) turn us toward repentance and toward active turning around for the sake of the world. Traditions of fasting, praying, doing good works, and meditation vary across Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and others, but our traditions offer deep wells from which we can draw for the sake of Life. May we allow them to nourish and guide us!
May none of us forget the 17 vital people who lost their lives to violence in Parkland. May each of us find the spiritual courage to join in repentance and turning around!
With deep sadness and hope,
Mary Elizabeth