Throughout its history, Episcopal Divinity School has been at the forefront of theological responses to a changing world and church. As EDS embraces this current moment of adaptation and change, we believe there is a need for theological education rooted in critical thinking and scholarship informed by a powerful sense of social justice. Liberating theological education requires engaging and responding to the legacy of colonialism in our midst, described by historian and former EDS faculty member Dr. Fredrica Harris Thompsett as “a lethal combination of clericalism, racism, and economic exploitation which turns religion into a tool of the status quo.”
In this five-part podcast series, EDS President and Dean Lydia Kelsey Bucklin speaks with theologians and church leaders committed to theological education that embodies, enacts, and exemplifies transformative theological praxis as we educate and form leaders for social change.
The first episode will be released on September 25, 2024 and will be available across streaming platforms. New episodes will be released every Wednesday through October 16th, leading up to Dean Bucklin’s installation on October 23rd.
Episode 1: Dr. Kwok Pui Lan
In this episode, EDS' new President and Dean Lydia Kelsey Bucklin speaks with Dr. Kwok Pui-lan, recently retired professor of Systematic Theology at Emory Candler School of Divinity and a distinguished scholar who taught for 25 years at the Episcopal Divinity School. Dr. Pui-lan is widely recognized for her work in feminist theology, postcolonial theology, and Asian theology. President Bucklin and Dr. Pui-lan discuss the future of theological education.
Episode 2: The Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook
In the second episode of our podcast series, the Very Rev. Lydia Kelsey Bucklin speaks with Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook, historiographer of The Episcopal Church and former Episcopal Divinity School professor, about the legacy of EDS and its predecessors, Episcopal Theological School (ETS) and Philadelphia Divinity School (PDS). They explore the history, social justice focus, and ecumenical vision of these institutions, highlighting their lasting impact on theological education.
Episode 3: The Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers
In the third episode of our podcast series, the Very Rev. Lydia Kelsey Bucklin sits down with The Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers, staff officer for church planting within The Episcopal Church. Together, they explore the evolving culture of church planting and how new Christian communities are being formed in ways that break from traditional models. From innovative worship gatherings to grassroots community initiatives, Katie shares how these fresh expressions of faith are meeting the spiritual needs of today’s world, inviting listeners to reimagine what it means to “plant a church” in the 21st century.
Episode 4: The Rev. Nancy Frausto
In this episode, the Very Rev. Lydia Kelsey Bucklin interviews Rev. Nancy Frausto, Director of Latinx Studies and Lecturer in Multicultural Ministry at the Seminary of the Southwest. They discuss the essential role of Latinx ministry in the Episcopal Church, focusing on Nancy's work with students called to this ministry and the required January-term course on immigration issues. Rev. Frausto emphasizes the need for creativity and adaptability in ministry, urging future leaders to think beyond traditional church boundaries to engage meaningfully with the evolving needs of their communities.
Episode 5: Bishop Matthew Heyd
In this episode, the Very Rev. Lydia Kelsey Bucklin interviews the Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd, Bishop of the Diocese of New York and Vice Chair of the EDS Board of Trustees. Bishop Heyd reflects on the Episcopal Church's pivotal moment where the message of announcing a new age, rooted in love and grace, is more vital than ever. He also discusses the need for transformation in leadership and how we must rethink the way we form leaders to build the beloved community.