Jonathan F. Cooper
This is the second part of a two part article. Click here to read part one.
In last month’s Network, we met three rock stars of very different stripes, and two healers. For our second installment we’ll meet some great theological minds (we are Episcopal schools after all), as well as two filmmakers with strong ties to the Episcopal Church.
Our Local Celebrity
After this summer’s royal wedding propelled him into the international spotlight, The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry has become the Episcopal Church’s local celebrity. Though to many of us his incredible sermon came as no surprise, his words on the power of love spoke to millions across the globe. This moment led to a refreshing moment of a religious moment making headlines for all the right reasons. The sermon was the most tweeted portion of the service, BuzzFeed published the entire sermon text (seriously, when does that happen?!), and his words have been streamed on YouTube millions of times. Bishop Curry will be preaching at the Eucharist at Biennial Conference 2018, so if you’re planning on coming, you may wish to come early! Apparently word is out…
The More Theologians the Merrier
Why stick with just one bishop? The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, whowas recently inducted into Atlanta magazine’s inaugural class of 500 most powerful business leaders, has a history of advocating for social justice in his diocese and beyond. As Bishop of Atlanta, he has addressed the Georgia legislature about gun control, spoken up for Medicaid expansion, and has been a vocal and active opponent of the death penalty in Georgia.
The Rev. Dr. Deanna Ferree Womack teaches History of Religions and Multifaith Relations at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, here in Atlanta. Her writing addresses interreligious understanding, Christian-Muslim dialogue, and American-Arab relations. Her most recent research focuses on themes of gender and violence in American Protestant discourses on Islam.
Movie Makers
Meet two acclaimed filmmakers, both with Episcopal ties. Tommy Walker is the son of the first African-American Bishop of the Diocese of Washington, the Rt. Rev. John T. Walker. In September 2008, the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys opened as a tuition-free, K-6 school in response to the serious educational challenges facing African American boys in southeast DC. Tommy Walker has produced powerful documentaries on facets of identity, the most recent of which, The Trans List, was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in 2017.
Katrina Browne’s film Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and was later broadcast nationally on PBS. Katrina’s work has been a contributing factor to the Episcopal Church’s decision to atone for its involvement in slavery. The film was seen by over 1.5 million Americans, and was subsequently nominated for an Emmy. She is now a consultant for the Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community initiative, supporting dioceses in their work to lead truth-telling, healing dialogue and racial justice efforts in their communities.
The Importance of this Work
As those who have attended Biennial Conference in the past can attest, this conference is about much more than the practical concerns of running an Episcopal school, maintaining church-school relations, or improving your school chapel. It is also the time for Episcopal school leaders to come together and discuss the big picture. Episcopal schools have the potential to change the world. These presenters might just be the people to help us do it.
It’s not too late to register. Click this link to learn more.