The Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) announced today that it will confer honorary degrees on four persons with distinguished and faithful ministries in social justice: Ms. Katya Fells, The Most Reverend Michael Geoffrey Peers, the Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson, and Dr. Charles Willie, at the School’s May 20, 2004 commencement ceremony. The commencement address will be delivered by Archbishop Peers.
Katya Fels is founder and executive director of On the Rise, Inc., a Cambridge, Massachusetts, nonprofit dedicated to working with women who are homeless and in crisis and who are unable to get the level of support and services they need from traditional providers. Ms. Fels has developed a model for working with women who face a multiplicity of issues, generally including trauma and domestic abuse, which is built on a foundation of multiculturalism and inclusion.
The Most Reverend Michael Geoffrey Peers is the recently retired Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. As Primate, Archbishop Peers brought a special concern to encourage greater inclusiveness in the life of the church and to address major issues facing Canada and the world from a Christian perspective.
The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, has focused much of his ministry on helping congregations and clergy in conflict, and in studying congregational dynamics, conflict, and mediation. He has also worked closely with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund for affordable housing and the New Hampshire Endowment for Health, a foundation working for access to health care for the uninsured.
Dr. Charles Willie, Professor Emeritus at Harvard Graduate School of Education, is a sociologist whose areas of research include desegregation, higher education, public health, race relations, urban community problems, and family life. He served as a consultant, expert witness, and court appointed master in major school desegregation cases in larger cities such as Boston, Hartford, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Little Rock, Milwaukee, San Jose, Seattle, and St. Louis; and others. In Philadelphia in 1974, Dr. Willie participated as a lay-preacher in the irregular service of ordination for the first eleven women priests in the Episcopal Church of the United States.
When making this announcement, EDS President and Dean Steven Charleston said, “EDS is proud to recognize Katya Fells, Archbishop Peers, Bishop Robinson, and Dr. Willie for their leadership in the areas of justice, compassion, and reconciliation. These principles are at the core of EDS as we work to develop leaders for Christ’s Church and the world who will serve all of God’s people. These men and woman stand with us. By bestowing the Doctor of Divinity degree on each of them, we celebrate four people of vision, integrity, and gospel courage.”
The Episcopal Divinity School commencement is scheduled for Thursday, May 20, 2004 at 2:00 pm.
Episcopal Divinity School is a respected center of study and spiritual formation for lay and ordained leaders with a strong commitment to justice, compassion, and reconciliation. Formed in 1974 with the merger of Philadelphia Divinity School and the Episcopal Theological School, EDS offers doctor of ministry and master’s degrees, as well as certificates in theological studies. Located on an eight-acre campus just a few blocks from Harvard Yard, EDS is a member of the Boston Theological Institute, a consortium of nine eminent theological schools, seminaries, and departments of religion.
