Alumni News
Prof. Emeritus Walter E. Fluker awarded 2023 Four Freedoms Award from The Roosevelt Institute
In a recent press release, The Roosevelt Institute announced its 2023 Four Freedoms Awards recipients. This year’s ceremony will take place in September in Hyde Park, NY, home of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Boston University School of Theology Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor Emeritus of Ethical Leadership Walter E. Fluker will will receive the Freedom of Worship award, which is one of four awards given by the Roosevelt Institute to “exemplify core freedoms that uphold our democracy: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.” He will be honored for carrying on the legacies of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and former Boston University Dean of Marsh Chapel Howard Thurman. This award will be given to him in recognition of his “helping students navigate the ethical questions of today to being a thought leader for Black churches.”
BUSTH Celebrates Class of 2023
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, the Boston University School of Theology held its annual convocation ceremony. Friends and families of the graduates gathered in Marsh Chapel for the hooding and diploma ceremony, and many more were able to watch live online (see recording below). 100 students officially graduated during the ceremony, with 81 present to receive their diplomas in person.
“I bring you greetings on behalf of the Boston University School of Theology. Let me say it is good to be in this place,” welcomed Dean Sujin Pak, as the congregation applauded. “I welcome you each on this joyous occasion as we gather together to recognize and applaud the achievements of our 2023 graduates. We extend a special welcome to family, to friends, to partners, to mentors, who have come near and far. This is your celebration, too.”
Dean of Marsh Chapel Robert Allan Hill Delivers 2023 BU Baccalaureate Address
The following is an excerpt from BU Today’s article “Importance of Learning, Virtue, and Piety Invoked at University’s Baccalaureate Service” by Joel Brown published on May 21, 2023, featuring Dean of Boston University Marsh Chapel and STH Professor of New Testament and Pastoral Theology Robert Allan Hill.
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“For a moment this morning, let me upend my own disregard and maybe yours” for that sort of tradition, said Rev. Robert Allan Hill, dean of Marsh Chapel, this year’s baccalaureate speaker. “Because it may well be that they have a point. They’re chary of, wary of, treading upon that circle and that seal, and there may be a reason, a subconscious reason, but a reason nonetheless.
“It is because the words in that seal are potent, they have power, they have electricity, a kind of juice to them,” said Hill, who is also a School of Theology professor of New Testament and Pastoral Theology.
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Dr. Patrick B. Reyes (STH ’11) Appointed Seminary Dean of Auburn Theological Seminary
This was originally published by Auburn Theological Seminary and can be found here.
Auburn Theological Seminary is excited to announce the appointment of Patrick B. Reyes, Ph.D., as our Seminary Dean. Patrick brings impressive credentials, relationships, and vision as well as a deep commitment to the next generation of spiritual leaders. As Seminary Dean, Patrick will report to the President and will be involved in all areas of program and operations for mission coherence.
“I have been following Patrick’s work and leadership for some time and he is one of his generation’s bright lights. I am thrilled that he has accepted my invitation to join Auburn’s team, particularly at this point in our history when inspiring just societal change calls for even deeper investments in leaders now, and for the thoughtful cultivation of tomorrow’s faith and justice leaders,” said Auburn Theological Seminary President, Emma Jordan-Simpson.
Patrick is a Chicano writer, theologian, and executive leader and the award-winning author of The Purpose Gap and Nobody Cries When We Die. He comes to us from the Lilly Endowment’s Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) as the Senior Director of Learning Design where he provided strategy and direction for FTE’s diverse programs, grants, and teams supporting the next generation of pastoral leaders. In addition, he led the historic fellowships supporting scholars of color, the Institutional Doctoral Network, and partnerships in theological and higher education.
Patrick hosted the Sound of the Genuine podcast where listeners are invited into the vocational journey of spiritual and religious leaders, and spearheaded research and resource design. He is a peer among public theologians and deeply respected among faith and justice leaders and funders. He is the current Board President of the Religious Education Association and serves as the Co-Dean of the Freedom Seminary for the Children’s Defense Fund which is in session during the annual Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry, offering an immersive experience for diverse seminary students from across the country to engage and cultivate prophetic voices with communities on the margins.
Patrick provides leadership on several boards in theological and higher education, publications, and the nonprofit sector, supporting the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and Chicano spiritual and cultural leaders. In the last decade, he has been recognized for his service and scholarship by Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Boston University, Claremont School of Theology, Drew University, Duke Leadership, Children’s Defense Fund, Hispanic Theological Initiative, Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy, and Raices Latinas among others.
Patrick was recently inducted into the Morehouse College MLK Jr. Collegium of Scholars, and the Council of Independent Colleges NetVUE selected The Purpose Gap as the Big Read for 2022-2023. He lives in New Mexico, where he and his family embrace the cultural and religious traditions and communities they have inherited.
Patrick will play an integral role in Auburn’s mission to deepen theological and educational frameworks that will prepare faith and moral leaders for the challenges of the modern world as a seminary without walls.
“Throughout its storied history, Auburn has seeded a moral, spiritual, and theological vision for this nation’s religious communities and their leaders. The invitation to serve alongside Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan Simpson and the staff feels like a call from the ancestors to do sacred work on behalf of our descendants. It is a gift and honor to join the team in our shared work to bring joy and love from the deep wells of our sacred traditions.“ Patrick B. Reyes, Ph.D.
Dr. Donald N. Broughton (DGE ’54, STH ’59, GRS ’65)
This obituary was originally posted by Little & Davenport Funeral Home and can be found here.
Donald Norman Broughton of Gainesville, GA died peacefully on May 7, 2023, at the age of 90. His funeral will take place at Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville, on Saturday, June 17 at 11 AM. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
Born in Marblehead, MA to Norman H. Broughton and Eloise McRae Broughton, Don retained a lifelong love of New England. After a brief tour of duty in the Navy in 1951, he obtained undergraduate degrees from Boston University and Syracuse University (1954, 1956), and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Boston University (1959). During his studies he was Education Assistant to the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman at Marsh Chapel (B.U.), and served Methodist churches in Kirkville, NY and South Middleboro, MA. He was ordained as a Methodist minister in 1959.
In 1964 Don and his family moved to Georgia, where he became Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of History and Social Science at Oxford College of Emory University. He earned a Ph.D. in Social Ethics from B.U. in 1965, but in 1968 he moved to Atlanta, changed professions, and obtained a Ph.D. in Psychology from Georgia State University. From 1973 until his retirement in 2014 he maintained a robust private practice as a Clinical Psychologist. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology and an active member of the Georgia Psychological Association and the American Academy of Psychotherapists. He was proud to serve as President of the G.P.A. and to chair the Committee on Professional Ethics for both the G.P.A.and the A.A.P. He conducted numerous workshops on Professional Ethics, Couples’ Therapy, and Group Therapy.
Don is survived by his first wife Elizabeth, mother of his children Jonathan Broughton (Alechia), Janette Broughton Reynolds (Mark), Christopher Broughton (Jennifer), and Carolyn Broughton Prickett (Tim). He married Susan Olson in 2003. Don’s large extended family included his stepson Robert Wood (Linda), twelve grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Norma Broughton Pizzo, Kenneth Broughton (Stella), Linda Broughton Tunney (Jim), and numerous nieces and nephews. His brother Leonard Broughton (Linda’s twin) died in 2013.
Don loved his wife and family, the sea, woodworking, gardening, reading, travel, and classical music. He was proud of his Scottish heritage and his membership in the Clan MacRae Society. In his final years he enjoyed sitting on his back porch, watching the birds, trees, and clouds. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Doctors without Borders or the Friends of Music program at Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville.
Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
Reverend William Burdick (STH ’64)
This obituary was originally posted by Ball Funeral Chapel, Inc. and can be found here.
William Elbert (“Bill”) Burdick, died April 30, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after a prolonged illness, surrounded by loving family members.
Born November 18, 1937, Bill grew up in Western Pennsylvania. He attended Grove City College, the University of Virginia, and Florida State University, graduating with a degree in economics. He also attended Boston Theological Seminary at Boston University, where he met his wife of 60 years, Sue Moore Burdick. After ordination, Bill served seven United Methodist churches in the Western Pennsylvania and Western New York Conferences. His ministries focused on racial justice (accompanying Dr. Martin Luther King on the march from Selma to Montgomery), marginalized populations, and innovative programming, including “Clowns for Christ.” He relished annual Fat Tuesday services with lively jazz celebrations.
He was a member of the Akron Volunteer Fire Company, the Greece Volunteer Ambulance Corp, and the New York State Fire Chaplains’ Association. In retirement, Bill volunteered with the American Red Cross, delivering resources to victims of natural disasters (including Hurricane Katrina). For many years, Bill and Sue were active members of the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ in Coral Gables, Florida.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Louise, and Elbert (“Ed”) Burdick, his sister Ruth Burdick Patten, brother-in-law George (“Blair”) Patten, his sisters-in-law, Jeanne Moore Lindahl and Marjorie Moore Forehand, and wife, Sue.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Natasha (Ted) Carstens, his son, Joseph (Laura) Burdick, his four loving grandchildren: Rachel (Ross) Phillips, Edward Carstens, Jakob Burdick and Andrew Burdick, his brothers-in-law Ken (Linda) Moore and Keith Forehand, many nieces and nephews, and his loving friend Carol Snodgrass.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2pm Sunday, June 18 at Asbury First UMC (Rochester, NY) where Bill had served as an Associate Pastor. A memorial service at the Coral Gables UCC will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of choice. “May the Lord watch over us, while we are apart from one another.” Genesis 31:49.
Reverend Joseph H. Crocker (STH ’53, STH ’54)
This obituary was originally posted by Direct Cremation of the Seacoast and can be found here.
The Reverend Joseph H. Crocker, of Wells, ME, peacefully passed on to eternal life at Watson Fields Assisted Living in Dover, NH, on April 27, 2023 at the age of 95. He was surrounded by three generations of his beloved immediate family, as well as his adopted “extended family” – Watson’s deeply caring staff, many of whom, like his four grand-children called him “Papa Joe.”
Joe grew up in Saugus, MA and spent most summers with extended family in his parents’ hometown of Freeport, Nova Scotia. He graduated with a BA from Tufts College in 1950 and received his Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology in 1954. Steeped in music from an early age, Joe played trombone with marching and dance bands in high school and college, and sang with the BU Seminary Singers and countless congregations across the world.
As an ordained Elder in the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church since 1954, Joe initially served as pastor of local churches in West Roxbury, Allston, and Dedham, MA, where, as a young, single, forward-looking clergyman, he was beloved by his congregations, and especially the youth. His work in the mid-1960s as Executive Director of the Hattie G. Cooper Community Center and Director of the Ecumenical Center, both located in Roxbury, MA, were catalysts for his wider engagement in social justice efforts on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement in Boston MA, Vicksburg, MS and Selma AL.
In 1967 Joe married Marilyn (Mari) Miller, his wife of nearly 56 years. He was appointed by the Methodist Conference to serve as staff of the Ecumenical Institute, Chicago, IL in its educational programs of church renewal and international Human Development Projects in impoverished urban and rural communities. Joe, with his family, lived and worked in nations on six continents, inspiring and training local leaders and sharing effective methods of socio-economic community development. He later returned to local parish ministry in Orlando FL, Winthrop, MA and Providence, RI before retiring in 1997.
Having always been a “man on the move, committed to mission,” retirement was a challenge for Joe. Within a year he found a delightful 1794 Cape-style farmhouse in West Newfield, ME, to which he and Marilyn moved, and thrived for nearly 20 years. During that time Joe tried his hand at environmentally gentle practices, and learned how to run a sit-down lawnmower in summer and snow-blower for the 150 -foot driveway in winter. He continued his decades-long support to the NE Conference’s Covenant of Accompaniment with the churches of Iglesias de Cristo in Nicaragua, and the people there whom he had grown to know and love.
In 2016 Joe and Marilyn moved from West Newfield, ME to Wesley-by the Sea, Wells ME — an independent retirement community for United Methodist Pastors. There he thrived, until chronic, progressive dementia necessitated his move into Assisted Living.
Joe is remembered with love by family, friends, parishioners and work colleagues around the world as compassionate, kind, approachable, faithful, committed, and wise. His welcoming smile, hearty laugh, sparkling blue eyes and strong baritone voice linger in our memories.
Joe leaves behind his wife, Marilyn Crocker of Wells, ME; his twin sons and their wives, Benjamin and Karen Crocker, and Jonathan Crocker and Jenna LeMieux of Arlington, MA; and his four grandchildren: Daniel, Matthew, Caroline and Fiona Crocker. He was predeceased by his only, and deeply loved, sibling, June Crocker Whitenect, of Freeport, Nova Scotia.
The family expresses abundant gratitude for the care extended to Joe by Beacon Hospice – in Maine when Joe was still living at home, and in New Hampshire while Joe was at Watson Fields.
A memorial service will be held June 11, 2023 at 2 PM, at the Church on the Cape, Kennebunkport, ME. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center (www.splcenter.org); the United Methodist Global Ministries Advance Special 12109Z (www.umcmission.org); and the Alzheimer’s Association of ME (www.alz.org).
Connectional Ministries Intern, Part-Time (Summer), UMC
The Connectional Table (CT) of The United Methodist Church is seeking a Connectional Ministries Intern for about 15 hours a week over the summer. The CT is where ministry and money are brought to the same table to coordinate the mission, ministries, and resources of The United Methodist Church. An intern’s responsibilities would be tailored to fit their interests and skills, potentially including:
• Planning, executing, and attending board and committee meetings
• Participation in project management related to evaluation, the budget, advocacy, legislative campaigns with in The UMC, and other projects
• Communications, including writing, content creation, and editing
• Help with the theological grounding of the CT’s work through leading devotions/spiritual practices or writing
• Research
The right candidate would be knowledgeable about United Methodist polity, adaptable, and motivated. We are happy to work with the requirements of an interested student’s academic institution to ensure academic credit is received. The Connectional Ministries Intern would also receive a stipend.
If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to connectionaltable@umc.org.
Additional Information: https://www.umcct.org/
Africana Spirituality Chaplain, Full-Time: Medford, MA
The Tufts University Chaplaincy is a dynamic hub supporting religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life for all members of the Tufts community on all of Tufts’ campuses. The University Chaplaincy provides pastoral care, supports religious and philosophical communities, educates about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world, and promotes multifaith engagement within Tufts’ tradition of progressive thought in education. Through its programming and initiatives, the Chaplaincy is actively committed to Tufts’ initiative in becoming an anti-racist institution and is welcoming to, and inclusive of, all people regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Reporting to the President, the University Chaplain leads the University Chaplaincy team, which currently includes seven Associate Chaplains (Buddhist, Catholic, Humanist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant); three administrative, program, and music staff; one chaplain intern; and thirteen student workers. The University Chaplaincy works with 15+ campus religious and philosophical communities that offer over many weekly gatherings and special programs. Beyond its work supporting these communities, the University Chaplaincy offers multifaith programming and services for the whole University and its staff serve as liaisons to various departments and schools and are members of various University committees related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, campus life, and mental health and wellness. The department also manages the care and use of Goddard Chapel and the Interfaith Center.
What You'll Do
The Africana Spirituality Chaplain provides spiritual and cultural leadership, organization, advising, and support for Tufts' Afro-indigenous and Afro-diasporic communities. Through a global and pluralistic lens, the Africana Spirituality Chaplain centers the needs of the Tufts students of African descent by: supporting students and offering collaborative programs with both the University Chaplaincy and the Africana Center; facilitating educational and experiential programs reflecting the diversity of the traditions within Africana Spirituality; building relationships through active engagement with existing communities across Tufts’ campuses; coordinating and supporting the spiritual and cultural practices of the community; providing spiritual and pastoral care and leadership in service, social justice, and multifaith initiatives; supporting the administrative needs of the Africana Spirituality Chaplaincy; and connecting the Tufts community with the greater Afro-indigenous and Afro-diasporic communities of metro Boston.
What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
- Graduate degree or equivalent training in divinity, theology, religion, philosophy, chaplaincy, or a related field
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in chaplaincy/religious/community leadership, which may include internships and field education
- Demonstrated knowledge of traditions and practices connected to Afro-indigenous and afro-diasporic traditions, with the ability to support and encourage a diverse and pluralistic community
- Demonstrated experience in multifaith dialogue and engagement
- Experience in higher education and understanding of young adult development through a student empowerment and community-organizing approach
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master of Divinity degree
- Ordination, licensure, or other certification
- One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Pay Range
Minimum $51,400.00, Midpoint $64,250.00, Maximum $77,100.00
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire, promotion, or transfer.
Equal Opportunity Employer - minority/females/veterans/disability/sexual orientation/gender identity.
Apply Here: https://jobs.tufts.edu/jobs/18956?lang=en-us
Music Director, Part-Time, Episcopal: Jamaica Plain, MA
St. John’s Episcopal Church in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts is looking for a talented and enthusiastic Music Director to join our ministry team and lead our vibrant music program in collaboration with the Rector. Music is a vital part of our parish life. We have two excellent, well-cared for instruments (piano and organ), a dedicated volunteer choir, a lovely gothic revival sanctuary with amazing acoustics and a positive reputation in the community as a home for good music. Come join us to exercise your talents and gifts to make beautiful music in a wonderful spiritual setting.
Job Description for Music Director
According to the Canons of the Episcopal Church, “It shall be the duty of every member of the clergy to see that music is used as an offering for the glory of God and as a help to the people in their worship in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer and as authorized by the rubrics of the General Convention of this Church. To this end, the member of the Clergy shall have final authority in the administration of matters pertaining to music. In fulfilling this responsibility the member of the Clergy shall seek assistance from persons skilled in music. Together they shall see that the music is appropriate to the context in which it is used. “
(Title II Canon 5 – Constitution and Canon of the Episcopal Church - 2015).
Duties and Responsibilities
General: The Music Director of St. John’s Episcopal Church is a spiritual leader of the congregation and serves at the pleasure of the Vestry under the direct supervision of the Rector. This is a part-time salaried position for 10 hours/week. Working closely with the Rector, other staff, and lay leaders, the Music Director’s principal responsibilities are to coordinate and lead music for worship.
Our ideal candidate: would have or be in pursuit of a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in music or have equivalent experience, be an excellent choral conductor with strong interpersonal skills, be able to help people form strong, healthy teams and community, be a skilled musician on both organ and piano, and be familiar and comfortable with the Anglican/Episcopal style and tradition of worship while being open to diverse musical styles and genres.
Setting: St. John’s Church is a eucharistically-based faith community of neighbors and families celebrating different understandings of the Christian faith within the Episcopal Church. As we attempt to live out our call to be the body of Christ in the world, we strive to be a beacon of justice-seeking and creativity, and to honor St. Benedict’s teaching: ‘Let all who enter here be received as Christ.’ Located in the vibrant Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, we are part of a diverse, welcoming and exciting community. Average Sunday worship at St. John’s attendance is 50+ people in the program year, 20+ in the summer months, with approximately 125 active members of all ages. We have a volunteer choir with 8 to 10 regular members, a Mason Hamlin baby grand piano in excellent condition and a fine Hook Opus 303 pipe organ in the second phase of a three-part restoration.
Specific: The duties and responsibilities of the Music Director include:
● Prepare the choir for their role as musical worship leaders by regular communication, preparation and twice weekly rehearsals during the September to June program year, Rehearsals are currently Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. (3 hours/week)
● Provide musical leadership at regular worship through playing organ and piano at worship services, including practice and preparation, while also conducting the choir during the program year. (4 hours/week)
● Plan weekly worship music in concert with the rector. (1 hour/week)
● Work with the church staff to help prepare the weekly bulletin and other occasional communications
with the parish, such as emails, blog posts and video clips. (30 minutes/week)
● Communicate regularly with church staff and choir members (email, phone calls, text). (30 minutes/week)
● In consultation with the rector, give oversight and management of St. John’s Music Budget as determined in consultation with St. John’s Vestry.
● Provide musical leadership at special services in Holy Week, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and other special services, including coordinating participation of special musicians and soloists.
● Coordinate the care and maintenance of the parish’s piano and organ.
● Provide music for weddings and funerals, as needed (compensated separately as additional service).
● Implementation of Vestry decisions and parish goals in coordination with the Wardens and Vestry.
● Other duties and responsibilities as determined by and in consultation with the Rector.
Total hours - 10 hours/week
Compensation: Commensurate with education and experience, including paid vacation, modest continuing
education funds, and free use of the sanctuary (when available) for rehearsals and performances
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To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to: Music Director Search
c/o St. John’s Episcopal Church
PO BOX 300230 Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 or
via email to ted@stjohns-jp.org.
Additional Information: www.stjohns-jp.org