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THEME AND PLENARY PRESENTATIONS Navigating Difference In/Through Pastoral Theology: A Work-in-Progress We had the occasion to explore, as a community, how we work in our care and counseling, our teaching and research, on matters of difference - in regard to race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic class, gender, language. We invited speakers - Nancy Ramsay, Harrison Ray Anderson Professor of Pastoral Theology at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Marsha Foster Boyd, Director, Accreditation and Leadership Education, at The Association of Theological Schools (ATS); and Emmanuel Lartey, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Care at Columbia Theological Seminary - to present a work in progress through which we could overhear context-specific issues, questions, approaches, and strategies, posing to each the following questions: What is the core challenge of diversity and plurality in your life and work? What are the developmental challenges you face? What works? How do you construct pastoral theology within and for that situation? We invited conference participants to engage in table conversation - in response to the presentations - guided by the following questions: What have you heard today that helps you to think and act differently in regard to a particular challenge of diversity in your context? What one thing do you commit to taking with you and trying to implement? We achieved, in many respects, our intended objects: increased self-awareness and formation for the work of care and teaching; a sense of the common struggle in negotiating difference; developing strategies relevant to our own particular contexts. We extend our thanks to Mary Clark Moschella for her Work in Progress presentation; to those who chaired theological study groups (Karen Scheib, Charles Scalise, Rod Hunter, Peggy Way, Glenn Asquith, Francesca Nuzzolese, Rick Mixon, Herb Anderson, Bonnie Miller-McLemore); to those who led workshops (David Hogue and Cliff Guthrie, Andy Lester, Karen Scheib, Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, Lee Butler, Rick Mixon, Jim Poling, Richard Wallace, Insook Lee, Francesca Nuzzolese, and John Blevins). A special thanks to Ron Sunderland (The Foundation for Interfaith Research and Ministry), for the generosity both of his thoughtful luncheon address and a monetary gift to the Society. We want to extend a special thanks to those who did the organization for the Society Party. AAPC colleague Mary Ann Van Buskirk graciously hosted the party in her lovely home. Iliff students made all the arrangements for a delicious selection of foods and drinks: Anne Dondapati, Don Rickard, Karen Storlie, Carol Jeunnette, and Linda Land-Crosson. Highlights of Participant Evaluations of the 2002 Study Conference Notably positive evaluations were given to almost all aspects of the program's content - the theme itself and most presentations and other aspects of the program received evaluations of "very valuable" or "valuable." The party - environment, food, and conviviality - was highly praised. Problems with the program included inadequate space and time for special interest groups, desire for more participatory workshops, and desire for more direct engagement with the plenary speakers. The hotel was positively reviewed in terms of the quality of the sleeping rooms, staff services, amenities, and overall environment. Problems with the hotel included: the relatively high price of the sleeping rooms, the inadequacy of the space provided for the social hour, and inadequate food service for the banquet. As always, in planning the next conference, the Steering Committee is trying to take into account the most valued aspects of the program and to avoid the problems noted. Highlights of Business Meeting Minutes of the June 2002 business meeting will be provided in the Spring Newsletter and reviewed at the June 2003 meeting. Of particular importance were these items: Conference Shortfall: The 2002 study conference will be underwritten to a degree higher than usual by the modest Society bank account. The shortfall is due to lower than usual attendance (96) and to higher conference expenses incurred because of the unavailability of the Comfort Inn. Insufficient submissions delay Journal expansion: The Journal continues to work toward two issues per year. One issue of the Journal was distributed by mail in January 2002, with hopes of distributing the second issue at the conference, as usual. Unfortunately, due to insufficient submissions for publication, the second issue was delayed. Co-editors Joretta Marshall and John Patton reiterated their appeal for submissions. Teresa Snorton Elected New Steering Committee Member: The 2002 Nominating Committee (Rod Hunter, chair, with Anne Wimberly, Horace Griffin, and Homer Ashby) recommended that Teresa Snorton join the Steering Committee, and she was elected by voice and acclamation. Nominating Committee for 2003 formed: According to SPT by-laws, the outgoing member of the Steering Committee joins the committee automatically and chairs it, while three additional members are elected by ballot. The Nominating Committee for 2003 is Christie Neuger, chair, Emma Justes, Nancy Ramsay, and Charles Scalise. Highlights of the Society Conversation For several years the Society Conversations have explored how, fully, to engage and also increase the diversity of the Society. This year's Conversation continued that exploration, with table discussion focused on two questions: What would startle us out of our comfort zone into new ways of being? What would allow us to have conversations of depth and trust across differences, conversations what would enrich us personally, as a guild, and in our ministries?
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