August 9, 2005

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) has planned a fall lineup of lectures and events that explore contemporary issues, from empire building to the Millennium Development Goals.

Author and theologian John Dominic Crossan returns to EDS on September 26 at 10:00 a.m., along with biblical archeologist Jonathan L. Reed, to talk about his new book, "In Search of Paul: How Jesus' Apostle Opposed Rome's Empire with God's Kingdom." Using new historical analysis and archeological discoveries, Crossan and Reed examine vital questions about Paul and the first Christians.

Clergy and lay people are invited to attend the lecture which will be followed by an off-campus luncheon and talk by Crossan on stewardship titled, "Paul and Generosity, Paul and Giving, Paul and Wealth."

Tickets to the lecture are $20 for the first two individuals per parish (one clergy member and guest), and $5 for each additional person, while the lunch and talk are an additional $20 per person. Advance tickets are required as seating is limited; please contact Bill Louie at 617.682.1571 or wlouie@eds.edu.

The Ministry-in-Praxis Seminars return with six seminars scheduled during the 2005-2006 academic year. Using the principles of restorative justice and conflict resolution, the seminars prepare clergy and lay leaders to address conflict in their congregations, with an emphasis on contemporary church crises. The Reverend Canon Ed Rodman, professor of pastoral theology and urban ministry, will lead the seminars, which are scheduled for September 30, October 28, December 2, February 3, March 3, and April 7 (Fridays) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Registrants may attend one or more seminars. For more information or to register, contact Penny Kohn at pkohn@eds.edu or 617.682.1525.

There is also an opportunity to explore creative and multicultural forms of worship and music on October 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Liberating Liturgy: A workshop with Theophilus Appavoo at St. John's Memorial Chapel on the EDS campus. Appavoo, professor of communications, and director of the Communication Centre at The Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary in Madurai, India is one of the most prominent figures of Dalit liberation theology, which is the theology of those oppressed by caste, class, and gender, in South India. Through his experience working among villagers in rural theology classes and teaching in India and the Philippines, Appavoo has developed a keen ability to engage lay and clergy members in empowering theological reflection and is able to turn this reflection into creative expression by the workshop members. The media of expression he uses include music, drama, and puppetry. He is able to transcend differences of language, musical style, and culture to get at the heart of liturgical meaning for a particular audience.

Tickets are $15.00 and $10.00 for students. Pre-registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, contact Penny Kohn at pkohn@eds.edu or 617.682.1525 or toll free 866.4EDS.NOW, ext. 525.

Thanks to support from the Bread for the World Institute, EDS and the Boston Theological Institute (BTI) will host a series of public lectures, accompanied by a discussion based course, on "Faith and the Millennium Development Goals" (MDGs) on Thursdays in the fall. The eight week public lecture series begins on October 6 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.; the class begins September 22, 4:30-6:00 p.m.

For more information, including a list of speakers, and topics contact Penny Kohn at pkohn@eds.edu or 617.682.1525 or toll free 866.4EDS.NOW, ext. 525.

Episcopal News Service