Presbyterian survey of seminary life revealed a pressing need among students of color, which at the time represented a small percentage of seminarians attending various theological institutions nationwide. The study found that, in some cases, there were very few seminarians of color per campus, and most frequently, they were not members of the same racial or ethnic group.
The Rev. Ruth-Aimée Belonni-Rosario Govens is a testament to the leadership development that takes place through the Conference for Seminarians of Color.
Three alumni and now staff members of the Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries (RE&WIM) helped individuals understand the critical role of the Conference for Seminarians of Color and the Leadership Development & Recruitment for Leaders of Color in the development of leaders of color for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
When Edward Byron Elam, Ryan Atkinson and Ralph Lowe arrived in Clinton, Tennessee, in 2019 to participate in Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries’ Conference for Seminarians of Color held at the Children’s Defense Fund’s Haley Farm, they had no idea that they would connect with individuals with whom they remain close one year later.
In a session titled Caring for your Soul, the Rev. Gloria Mencer, interim associate pastor for pastoral care and outreach at New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville, Tennessee, reminded participants during last month’s Seminarians of Color Conference that it is important that as pastors they learn to care for their own souls.
Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries kicked off the 40th anniversary of the Seminarians of Color Conference Thursday at the Children’s Defense Fund’s Haley Farm.
