Author: Andrew Kimble
Rev. Dr. William Bobby McClain (STH’62, ’77)
The following obituary was written by Kathy Gilbert and originally published on November 19, 2020 by United Methodist News. It can be accessed here. The Rev. William Bobby McClain, the Black theologian and civil rights leader who championed the United Methodist worship book “Songs of Zion,” died after a short illness on Nov. 18. He […]
Dean Mary Elizabeth Moore’s Fall ’20 Letter to Alumni & Friends
Dear STH Alumni/ae & Friends, This extraordinary year has reminded all of us at the School of Theology that we are part of an extraordinary community. You are a cherished part of that community, and we are grateful for all that you do for the school and in the world. Both the pandemic and the […]
Rev. James M. Lawson Jr. (STH’60) Honored with “Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr. Day” by Los Angeles County
The following story was originally published on September 15, 2020 by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. It can be accessed here. On a motion by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to proclaim September 22 as “Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr. Day.” September 22, 2020 will mark […]
Reverend Gilbert H. Caldwell (STH’58)
The following obituary was written by Heather Hahn and originally published on September 8, 2020 by United Methodist News. It can be accessed here. The Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell called himself a “foot soldier” in the U.S. civil rights movement. But many across his beloved United Methodist Church remember him as a general for justice. […]
Rev. Joseph Jenkins (STH’76) and Rev. Leodis Strong (STH’75) pay their last respects to John Lewis
At the steps of Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama, where Rev. Leodis Strong (STH’75) serves as senior pastor, Rev. Strong and Rev. Joseph Jenkins (STH’76) connected after a memorial service was held for Congressman John Lewis. Rev. Jenkins shares the following note with fellow STH community. Please give a salute of honor to […]
Reverend Gilbert H. Caldwell (STH’58) speaks at Black Lives Matter rally
“Civil rights movement veteran the Rev. Gilbert Caldwell made his way to the podium with the help of a walker at a Black Lives Matter rally in the New Jersey township of Willingboro. More than 1,000 marched through the streets of the town of about 30,000 to protest the violent death of George Floyd […]
Reverend Dr. William B. McClain (STH’62,’77) offers wisdom at UMC Dismantling Racism Town Hall
On July 1, 2020, the UMC Council of Bishops, the General Commission on Religion and Race, the General Board of Church and Society, and United Methodist Women hosted a Town Hall centered on Dismantling Racism. This moving conversation included one of STH’s very own, Reverend Dr. William B. McClain. Click here to read the press […]
Reverend Dr. Ronald Johnson, Sr., (STH’06) reflects on Juneteenth’s significance and Confederate symbols
Rev. Dr. Ron Johnson (STH’06) is featured among Black history professors as they reflect on the significance behind Juneteenth. Rev. Dr. Johnson also authored an op-ed addressing the meaning of Confederate street names and the school mascot in his town. Read more here.
DMin Alums on “How can we respond to the George Floyd riots?”
Here’s a conversation about race, relationships, faith, and agency with Rev. Dr. Theodore Turman (STH’20), pastor of First Baptist Detroit, and Rev. Dr. Shannon Karafanda (STH’18), founder of the #HolyMischief series. Check out this honest and real discussion about race and racial tension.
Rev. Dr. Greg Gray (STH ’15, ’18) called to the Enfield Congregational, United Church of Christ
“The Rev. Dr. Greg Gray began his new job as pastor of the Enfield Congregational, United Church of Christ on March 2, and got in just one live Sunday service before social distancing guidelines. “But, the virus so far has been nothing but a small speed bump in his plans to make the congregation stronger […]