Dear Friends,
Alleluia the Lord has risen! I wish you all a joyous Easter season.
This month, I am pleased to share with you some exciting EDS updates. In February, the EDS board reviewed the insights gathered by our strategic planning consultant who engaged with people across the Church, which included various alums, to shape EDS’ collective vision for the future. From this collaboration emerged an initial mission and vision document, laying the foundation for EDS' next chapter of transformative theological education. Building upon this momentum, this month EDS officially opened its search for a new President.
As I prepare to transition from EDS at the end of June, I am proud of the work that we have been able to do, laying the groundwork for EDS' next chapter. I am confident that EDS will continue to be a catalyst for rigorous, theological and ministerial formation grounded in God’s loving justice.
In this month's newsletter, you will find details about our upcoming events, an update on EDS' strategic plan, and a highlight on EDS alum the Rev. Randy Callendar. Soon, EDS will host an online forum with Dr. Kwok Pui Lan on Spirituality for Social Justice. I hope you will be able to join in these events. If you missed the March edition of our transition news, you can access the newsletter here.
As we embark on this journey of transition and transformation, let us continue to uphold one another in prayer and solidarity, trusting in the love of God. Together, let us forge ahead with hope, courage, and a steadfast commitment to the values that define us.
Blessings to each of you,
The Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas
Transition News
Strategic Planning Update
With the board's decision to proceed with a search for the next president of EDS, our consultant, Katie Glover, is shifting her attention from facilitating strategic planning to supporting the work of the search committee. We are grateful for the time, the wisdom, the creative ideas, and the thoughtful hopes and concerns that our many conversation partners shared with us over these past few months.
Click here to learn more about the search for EDS’ next president.
EDS April 2024 Updates
- New Website: EDS’ new website is live! Visit eds.edu for transition news, upcoming events, and more.
- Alum Resources: Resources for EDS alums, including transcripts, can be found here.
- Alum Facebook Page: EDS has launched a new alum Facebook page! Click here to join.
- New Address: EDS has relocated its office to the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. Our new address is Episcopal Divinity School, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10025. Click here to read the press release.
- New Phone: EDS’ new general phone number is (646) 713-0845. This line will direct you to extension numbers for staff.
- Social media: EDS can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn. Be sure to follow if you aren’t already!
- Frequently Asked Questions: Click here to read answers to frequently asked questions regarding Episcopal Divinity School's transition from Union Theological Seminary.
Program Updates
Spirituality for Social Justice
How do we stay in the fight for a more just future when the arc that bends toward justice is long? How do we maintain hope? What practices, wisdom, sounds, and movements sustain us as we engage the work of social justice?
On Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 9am-3pm ET, join Dr. Kwok Pui Lan, Dean's Professor of Systematic Theology at Emory’s Candler School of Theology, and the Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Interim President of Episcopal Divinity School, for a day-long exploration of spirituality for social justice. The two theologians will reflect on the practices, texts, and wisdom that sustain and inspire them. The online seminar will feature reflections, conversations, discussion groups, music, and liturgy. Special guests include the Rev. Dr. Alan Boesak, the Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde, the Rev. Dr. Claudio Carvalhaes, Archdeacon Rosalyn Kantlaht’ant Elm and the Rev. Jim Merritt.
Click here to register!
EDS News
EDS Supports Greater Access to New Documentary on Philadelphia Eleven
This spring marks the release of The Philadelphia Eleven, a new feature-length documentary by Margo Gurnsey and Nikki Bramley that tells the story of the first eleven women ordained as priests to the Episcopal Church in 1974. In an effort to provide wider access to the film, EDS is proud to announce efforts to sponsor and co-sponsor a number of these screenings, including a special offer for EDS alums.
Click here to read the full story
President's News and Events
- On March 16th, 2024, President Douglas joined the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri for “Healing in the Heartland,” an event which sought to bring communities together in a divisive time.
- On March 25, 2024, President Douglas’ op-ed “A cease-fire is not enough” was published in Religion News Service.
- On April 2, 2024, President Douglas will be the keynote speaker at Harvard Divinity School’s 25th Anniversary celebration of her book Sexuality and the Black Church.
- On April 9, 2024, President Douglas will speak at Yale University’s Center for Theology and Public Policy Conference: “What Are the Moral & Spiritual Issues in the 2024 Presidential Election?”
- On April 11, 2024, President Douglas will be the keynote speaker at Brite Divinity School for their launch of their new Center for Theology and Justice.
- On April 25, 2024, President Douglas will preach at the Episcopal consecration of the Rev. Dr. Anderson Jeremiah in Canterbury, UK.
Alum Corner
Alum Retreat—The Pause: Social Justice for the Long Haul
The work of social justice is not incidental work. It is not easy. To continue to be part of changing the world we must take pauses. It is in the pause that we find God, find hope, and find sustenance for the work. On May 11, join EDS Alum for a one day pause, as we reflect together through scripture, poetry, and prayer in the beautiful setting of Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center. Led by EDS Alums Dr. Elizabeth Magill and The Rev. Canon Lydia Kelsey Bucklin.
Learn more and register here
Alum Film Licenses for The Philadelphia Eleven
In the interest of supporting EDS alums in their ministries and promoting greater access to the new Philadelphia Eleven documentary, EDS will sponsor five film licenses for five alums (valued at $500 each). The licenses will enable alums to host screenings of the documentary in their own communities. To request consideration for this sponsorship, please fill out this form.
The Rev. Randy Kyle Callender, born in Philadelphia to a close-knit Barbadian family, has been deeply rooted in the Episcopal Church from a young age, and currently serves as Canon for Mission in the Diocese of Maryland.
“EDS has truly shaped me into the priest I am today, by instilling in me wisdom, encouragement, and a guiding principle of active involvement in every aspect of ministry, while humbly prioritizing service over personal recognition,” shared the Rev. Callender.
Read Rev. Callender's full alum spotlight here
Join us on Zoom every third Thursday at 1pm ET for Connect: Monthly Gathering of EDS Alums, where we will connect with one another, hear about the diverse contexts EDS alums are serving in their work and ministry, and stay up to date on all things EDS!
The next Connect session will take place on April 18, 2024 at 1pm ET featuring Lucretia Mann.
Registration is required—click here to sign up!
Job Postings
EDS is happy to share job listings with alums as they become available. Please click here to see the job postings on our website. If you are hiring and would like to share an opening with EDS, please email [email protected].
As EDS enters this transformative strategic planning process, we are confident that together we will shape a future that honors our rich heritage while embracing the ever-evolving needs of theological education. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments ahead!