The Academic Deans of the Washington Theological Consortium Schools invite all faculty members and program directors of WTC schools and institutions  to join us for this Virtual Faculties’ Convocation during this time of racial reckoning for our schools and faith communities. The Webinar will be from 7:00-8:45 on Monday, October 5, and the theme will be:

“Toward Anti-Racist Theology and Practice: Transforming our Teaching” with Dr. Eric Williams

Dr. Williams is the Curator of Religion for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Dr. Williams has taught history, religion and African-American studies at several institutions across the country. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh, an MDiv from Duke University, an MA from McCormick Theological Seminary, and a BA from the University of Illinois at Chicago.  Williams has taught theology, history and African American Studies at Western Theological Seminary; Ashland Theological Seminary (Detroit); Iowa State University; Shaw University; Boston College; and Harvard University.  His current research examines the meanings of religion within Africana histories and cultures and the role and influences of African religions in the Atlantic world. Williams is a co-editor of the T&T Clark Handbook of African American Theology and is currently completing a manuscript which explores theological significations in African American Pentecostal thought. Williams’ research and studies have taken him around the world, from South America to Africa, and from the Caribbean to Europe. He considers himself a transatlantic commuter, a collector of words and an emergent jazz-man in the world of ideas. He is an ordained minister of the Church of God in Christ. Being deeply committed to both the life of the mind and the life of the Spirit, Williams desires to utilize his faith and learning to serve the church, the academy, and the broader society.

Responding will be Dr. Jenise Janssen. 

Dr. Janssen is a Christian educator, author, and scholar presently serving as Associate Professor of Christian Education at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. Her research focuses on faith transitions in life, particularly the transition from adolescence into young adulthood, using ethnographic research as a primary tool of inquiry. She also designs, writes, and consults in the area of curriculum development and best practices in faith formation in communities of faith. Her 30+ years in youth and pastoral ministry equip her well as a scholar-practitioner with a passion for student learning. Dr. Janssen brought her research to reality, creating the STREAM Youth Theology Institute at the School of Theology, funded by a grant she wrote to the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Her books include: Fostering Faith: Teaching and Learning in the Christian Church (Valley Forge: Judson, 2014), Reclaimed: Faith in an Emerging Generation (Valley Forge: Judson, 2015), Educating for Redemptive Community: Essays in Honor of Jack Seymour and Margaret Ann Crain (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2015), and United Against Racism Facilitator’s Guide (Washington: Friendship Press, 2018). She is also the author of numerous articles and curriculum resources, and two forthcoming books. Dr. Janssen is editorial director for Friendship Press, the publishing arm of the National Council of Churches.

The will explore fresh ways to reimagine theological formation and they will explore pedagogies and practices of student engagement that create more equitable learning environments.

The evening will include Q & A from respondent and audience, and a meeting of Faculty Interest Groups to discuss events for the academic year which can follow up on this theme.

Interest Groups Can Include:   Biblical Studies, History/Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, Ethics, Practical Theology Education, Preaching and Worship, Pastoral Care, Missions/World Religions,  Ecology and Theology, and Art and Religion.

Participants must pre-register for the event  below and a webinar link will be sent to them via separate email at a later date.

Visit this link to register.