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To download the document in its entirety which includes the appendices (Schedule for Study Conference, SPT Quick Reference, and Registration Form), please click the following in PDF format (19 pages; requires Adobe Acrobat Reader). 2003 Spring Newsletter THEME AND PLENARY PRESENTATIONS Honoring Multiculturality in Self and Community: Korean American Experiences - An Illustration It is probably more the rule than the exception that negotiating multiculturality is for most of us an everyday occurrence. Whether in our vocations of teaching and care, or in our personal lives, we often deal with issues having to do with cultural difference. We serve people of diverse communities and traditions, teaching students whose theological, psychological, and philosophical orientations, as well as ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds are varied, providing clinical care to people whose ethnic, racial, religious heritage differs from us and from one another. It is also true that each of us is her or himself multicultural: we live in many communities, represent the convergence of various traditions, speak several languages - whether colloquial or scholarly - simultaneously. In this regard, we can properly say that our negotiation of multiculturality is twofold: between - between oneself and another, between one community and tradition and another - as well as within - within oneself as a member of various communities and traditions, within others (vicariously) as members of various communities and traditions. As pastoral theologians who are particular people living in particular contexts, doing pastoral theology that reflects various particular practical theological methods, we will explore these issues concretely, by way of a particular "case." By meeting in KoreaTown we learned from and about the wisdom, traditions, and contributions of the Korean and Korean American communities. Our program mirrors this mandate. That is, we address multiculturality in a way that draws upon these particular resources, but also in a way that may help us to formulate and respond to concrete questions and problems in other settings, in relation to other communities and traditions. Consider the following questions, formulated expressly with respect to Korean American communities and experiences, but relevant, of course, to any and all cross-cultural situations:
Plenary Presentations Most members of the Society are aware of the custom of drawing from among its ranks for leadership in our Plenary presentations, simply because the expertise of our membership extended to the topics we were exploring. This year, however, the Steering Committee concluded that it would be in the Society's best interest to invite someone more expert than any of us to lead and participate in conversation. Andrew Sung Park, Professor of Theology, United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, served as our Plenary Speaker. The author of The Wounded Heart of God: The Asian Concept of Han and Christian Concept of Sin (Abingdon Press, 1993); Racial Conflict and Healing: An Asian-American Theological Perspective (Orbis Books, 1996); and co-editor, with Susan Nelson, of The Other Side of Sin (State University of New York Press, 2001), he is well-versed, theologically, in the Korean and Korean-American context, has displayed expertise in multiculturalism, and has an interest in and respect for the pastoral theological enterprises in teaching and care. Professor Park delivered a 30-minute presentation on the topic, "Theology of Multiculturality in Self and Community." Jim Poling (Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois) offered a response, after which they engaged in a brief dialogue before opening the floor to plenary discussion. On Friday the 20th, Professor Park delivered a second plenary presentation, "The Formation of Multicultural Religious Identity in Korean-American Experience," to which Sharon Thornton (Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care, Andover Newton Theological School, Newton, Massachusetts) responded, and with whom he engagd in dialogue before opening the floor to plenary discussion. It's important to note that we made additional changes to our customary format, to take into account the unique resources of KoreaTown. On Friday afternoon, a third Plenary session was be held outside the hotel, in the form of a contextual workshop. This washeld at a newly built Buddhist temple in KoreaTown, Tahl Mah Sah Buddhist Temple. On Friday evening, we had a "Cultural Celebration and Dinner" in the hotel. A buffet of Korean foods was served on the hotel's pool terrace, followed by a performance of Korean traditional dance and other arts. The Society Party concluded this festive evening. SOCIETY LUNCHEON Our featured Society Luncheon speaker in 2003 was Marie McCarthy, S.P., General Councilor/Leadership Team, Sisters of Providence. WORK IN PROGRESS Our work in progress presenter was Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Christian Formation, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, on the topic, "Cross-Cultured Children." SOCIETY CONVERSATION The Steering Committee identified its concern that we enhance our effectiveness in leading the Society in articulating the issues affecting the field as well in as planning the program of the Annual Study Conference. The Steering Committee has historically spent a majority of its time on the latter task - program planning. In addition, in the past the evaluation form has been the primary source of data for the Steering Committee in its conference planning. While helpful, these data come from a small portion of the membership - those who elect to complete the evaluation form. At the 2003 Annual Conference, the Steering Committee wanted to call on the wisdom of the body to get substantial input on issues affecting the field, as well as personal preferences for future conference program topics. The Society Conversation was used for this discussion and to gather data on vision issues, program topics and potential speakers/presenters. Chris Schlauch and Teresa Snorton facilitated. THEOLOGICAL STUDY GROUPS Each of the study groups focuses on a particular area, though the specific themes evolve, year to year. Under the leadership of two society members, and with a continuing core of participants, groups welcome anyone attending the conference to visit and participate in conversation. Study groups meet annually, providing a small support community for ongoing research and related interests on theological themes. In this regard they differ from workshops, which are one-time contributions during which members present and lead discussions on specific topics. Theological study groups can disband if they have served their purpose, and new study groups can be formed. Anyone interested in becoming involved in a group is encouraged to contact a co-chair person at any time. These groups are not closed; everyone is invited to drop into a group of their choice to "test the waters," or to contact study group co-chairs during the year. Study groups convened on Saturday. Aging, Dying, and Bereavement
The group usually has a presentation that focuses on the work in progress by one of the members in attendance. Following a focused discussion of the presentation we then move to a free-flowing discussion of each persons work. Topics are chosen by the coordinators from among those suggested by attendees, or by invitation of the coordinators. The Church and Christian Formation
The Church and Christian Formation study group enjoys the opportunity to hear and discuss a wide range of case studies on its theme. Sessions present and engage contemporary and historical case studies that critically examine ways in which the church impacts Christian formation of diverse individuals and groups. This year Paul Shrier will present research on evaluating spiritual growth through twelve-step programs, and Roslyn Karaban will be leading a discussion of future directions for our group. Members of the Society who are interested in joining the group and presenting at future meetings are encouraged to contact the convenors. Embodiment
The Embodiment group provides an arena for participants to talk in depth about research projects involving the theme of embodiment--issues of body image as well as issues of sexuality. Participants are welcome to bring handouts (outlines, excerpts, bibliographies, etc.) that describe their work and receive comments and feedback from the group. Anyone having research projects, resources, or other handouts for the meeting should contact the convenors. Religious Practices and Commitment
The Religious Practices and Commitment study group takes up a wide variety of topics under this heading, usually in the form of a couple of paper or informal oral presentations, with discussion following. Past presentations have included book discussions and oral or written reports on empirical research, pastoral counseling, pastoral case studies, and theoretical-reflective topics related to religion, pastoral practice, and issues involved in religious and other commitment. Members of the Society who are interested in joining the group and presenting should contact the convenors. Theological Anthropology
For the past two years the group has met with no clear agenda, but with the intention to offer a supportive and critical ear to those who were working on particular projects, such as dissertations, articles, papers. The sharing of interests and projects has been very enriching and stimulated great exchange and lively discussion. For this coming meeting, we plan to have three papers presented that can focus our conversation on issues of plurality, ethnic diversity, and the importance of valuing the "otherness" of the other in the task of doing theological anthropology. Theological Dimensions of Family
Since its beginning, the group has engaged in a rich variety of activities from paper presentations, syllabi discussions, shared reading, family manifesto composition, and research-in-progress reports. The successful and desired practice of the past three years has centered around an open invitation to participants to come prepared to discuss current research interests and projects. After brief introductions, those who want more time for discussion and feedback on their work identify themselves and the remaining time is divided up accordingly. Members of the Society who are interested in joining the group and presenting should contact Herb Anderson. Herb will introduce some of the themes from a new book entitled Mutuality Matters: The Promise and Peril of Democratic Families edited by Anderson, Miller-McLemore, Ed Foley and Robert Schreiter. Pastoral Theology and Brain Sciences
Members of the Society who are interested in joining the group and presenting should contact the convenors. Economics and Pastoral Theology
We have long realized that pastoral theology, including the practices of care and counseling, always occur in social contexts. Many people are increasingly concerned about the present form of globalization of the economy as a context that is destroying care of individuals, families, and communities. The subject of this working group will be two-fold: 1) to help pastoral theologians "retool" so that they have a basic understanding of the global economy, something they may not have studied in graduate school, and 2) to discuss how pastoral theology might respond to economic globalization and how it might promote practices of care in this context. The initial session will consist of two parts: first, a general introduction to the economic debate in theological literature (Couture), and, second, the debate in specific pastoral theology interpretations (based on Poling's new book, Render Unto God). WORKSHOPS Workshops focus on a particular topic that reflects the current research interests of the presenter. "Realizing the Sacred: Spiritual Direction and Social Constructionism" - Duane Bidwell Questions about the self and its experiences of God are central to the practice of spiritual direction. Most contemporary writing about spiritual direction is rooted in psychodynamic thought, but psychological understandings of the self and the nature of human experience are shifting dramatically. This workshop explored how social constructionist approaches to identity and religious/ spiritual experience might change or inform the contemporary practice of spiritual direction. Case studies and group discussion invited participants to re-imagine the ministry of spiritual direction through a pastoral theological lens shaped by the rhetorical-responsive model of social constructionism. Content: 60% practice, 40% theory. Pedagogy: 75% discussion, 25% lecture. Duane Bidwell, Ph.D., is lecturer in pastoral theology and pastoral counseling and acting administrator of the Pastoral Care and Training Center at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth. "Pastoral Care for Korean Male Perpetrators of Domestic Violence: Program Development for Intervention and Prevention of Domestic Violence in Faith Communities" - Chong-Goo Chang The workshop examined domestic violence as one of the major stumbling blocks among Korean American immigrant families and presents a systematic discussion of the Korean American male batterers in domestic violence in terms of pastoral care. The workshop analyzed the demographic and socioeconomic profile of 231 perpetrators who enrolled in the Korean American Family Service Center's (KAFSC) court-mandated batterers' treatment program; explained cultural and other issues that must addressed in developing faith communities interventions for prevention of family violence; showed the presence of a pressing need for developing not only culturally appropriate intervention program for prevention of family violence but also church-based support group for the batterers and their family members in the faith communities; and showed how we include other churches and organizations' ways of partnering with others to carry out the plan. Chong-Goo Chang has been serving as a clinical manager and pastoral counselor at Korean American Family Service Center since 1997. The KAFSC is a non-profit community based organization established in 1983 to strengthen families, to eliminate family violence, and to promote multi-cultural competence through a variety of service and program. Chong-Goo Chang received an M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Azusa Pacific University, a Master of Divinity at Claremont School of Theology, is an ordained minister, a state registered intern for marriage and family therapy, and currently in the Ph.D. program in Pastoral Care and Counseling Program at Claremont School of Theology. "Dynamics of Shame and Theology of Interrelatedness in the Narratives of Comfort Women" - Jaeyeon Chung The purposes of the workshop were to create space for dialogue to understand the psychological and sociocultural dynamics of shame in the bodies and lives of women and/or men who have been sexually violated, with a special focus on the narratives of Korean comfort women who were drafted to serve as sex slaves for the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, and to construct a pastoral theology of interrelatedness by which communal healing and reconciliation can be brought not only to women survivors but also to the community surrounding them. Employing a pastoral theological method, we approached the workshop with four elements: description (story-collecting), analysis (reflecting the situation in dialogue with the existing psychological and sociocultural theories or traditions), construction (creating a theology), and prescription (proposals for transformative practice) helping the workshop participants engage actively in the constructive work in progress. Jaeyeon Chung is a Ph.D. candidate in the Person, Community and the Religious Practices program at Emory University Graduate School, Atlanta, Georgia. "Human Development and Faith: Life-Cycle Stages of Body, Mind and Soul" - Felicity Kelcourse, Pamela Cooper-White and Alice McNair This workshop was based on a multi-authored book to appear in the Fall of 2003 from Chalice Press. Felicity Kelcourse served as editor for the project and spoke briefly about the joys and pitfalls inherent in the process of organizing a multi-authored book. Pam Cooper-White, who contributed to Part One: The Context of Development, and Alice McNair, who contributed to Part Two: Life-Cycle Stages of Development, shared their experience as contributors. Having described the goals and context for this project we then invited an open conversation on the subject of human development. What are the benefits and difficulties inherent in teaching this subject matter? Which theories, authors and teaching methods have you found most useful in your own courses? If you were to design an improved course based on human development courses you've taken or taught, what changes would you include? Are you critical of human development models you've encountered and if so why? Which theories of human development best lend themselves to understanding human faith and spiritual formation? How do you understand the relationship between developmental narratives and faith narratives? Additional contributors to this project include Ed Wimberly, Roy SteinhoffSmith, Karen-Marie Yust, Terry Gibson, Vivian Thompson, Ron Nydam, Bonnie Cushing, Monica McGoldrick, Russell Davis, Bernie Lyon and Claude Barbre. Felicity Kelcourse is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling and Director of Training for Pastoral Psychotherapy at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. She is also a Fellow in AAPC, Clinical Member of AAMFT, a recorded Quaker minister and maintains a part-time practice in pastoral psychotherapy and spiritual direction. Pam Cooper-White is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, an Episcopal priest and Fellow in AAPC. Alice McNair is Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, NC, an American Baptist minister and Fellow in AAPC. "Spiritual but Not Religious: Pastoral Care in an Additional Key" - Kristen Leslie Pastoral Care stems from a notion that people have at least some idea that a historical connection to the traditions is foundational. So, what happens to the pastoral care we provide when we can no longer assume this religious understanding? What does it mean to provide pastoral care when a person considers themselves spiritual but not religious? Kristen Leslie, Ph.D. is the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at the Yale University Divinity School. "Towards Liberating Discourse on Self" - Kathy Lyndes This workshop proposed to identify some of the possible intersections between self psychology, feminism and womanism. The emergence of self psychology in the latter half of the twentieth century has garnered the attention of the psychoanalytic and social work fields. Feminism has played a crucial role in the development of theories of self by identifying some of the power imbalances in the discourse on self by incorporating gendered constructions of self. Womanism has been pivotal to social analysis and theological reflection with a commitment to integrated analysis of race, gender and class. This workshop began an exploration of self psychology's unique view of self in light of the work of pastoral psychologist Carroll A. Watkins Ali (and her critique of individualistic approaches in traditional pastoral theological method) and psychoanalyst Jessica Benjamin (and her work on identity and self). "A History of Women's Ministries of Care"- Jane Maynard In this workshop, we explored the vital contributions that women have made for centuries to the care and cure of souls. We will also explore the implications of acknowledging these often unrecognized and uncelebrated contributions for the history and definitions of pastoral care and counseling. The facilitator also shared her experiences of teaching an upper level M.Div. course devoted to this topic for the past two years. The Rev. Jane F. Maynard, Ph.D. is Director of Field Education and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, a member school of the Graduate Theological Union. "A Soul Journey" - Douglas Purnell The leader showed a video of work created while at Andover Newton last year as stimulus for conversation about the role of the imagination and aesthetics in practical and pastoral theology. Pastoral theology is a conversation between contemporary experience and the received Christian tradition. Someone formed in and knowing the Christian tradition and attending closely to contemporary human experience requires an act of the imagination to hold the two together. The artist offers an example of how that happens. (When I paint I do so as one formed in the practices of Christian faith, attending closely to contemporary experience and seeking, through a truthfulness to my materials and my being, to create images that reach to where I cannot find words adequate for speech.)The outcome of such conversation for the pastoral theologian is a response of praise and an ethic and action of care and justice. Doug Purnell is both pastoral theologian and artist. He is responsible for the pastoral theology department at United Theological College in Sydney, and is a lecturer within the theology faculty of Charles Sturt University, Australia. He has had three periods as artist in residence at seminaries in the US. Two of those residencies were at The Centre for Arts and Religion, Wesley Seminary in Washington DC (1994,1998), the third as part of the Arts and Theology program at Andover Newton Theological School in Boston MA, (2002). "Publishers Workshop: On Writing for Publication" Kathy Armistead (Abingdon), Jon Berquist (Chalice), and Ulrike Guthrie (Pilgrim) Editors from leading religious publishing houses once again offered forthright yet friendly advice on how to get your academic or professional book published. We discussed contacts and contracts, proposals and royalties, what to expect from the writing and editing processes, how best to get an editor to pay attention to your book idea, how to start getting your name out there, and anything else you care to ask about! This workshop was offered during the special interest slot on Saturday morning during breakfast. SOCIETY PARTY The Society Party has always been hosted by one or another member. In 2003 we departed from tradition. The Cultural Celebration and Dinner/ Society Party was held Friday night in the hotel. PLACE OF CONFERENCE The 2003 Conference was held at the Wilshire-Radisson Hotel, Los Angeles, California. For information on previous Annual Meetings, please visit the following links: |
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