New film portrays role of two YDS grads in keeping Nazis out of Southbury, CT in 1930s
In the summer of 1937 an associate of the German American Bund purchased 178 acres of land in the town of Southbury, CT. The Bund claimed to promote American values in German American Youth. The organization, however, had a hidden message: to spread the Nazi philosophy of Adolf Hitler on U.S. soil. Two YDS grads who were pastors in Southbury did not buy the Nazi line and played central roles in keeping them out of town. A new film describes how they did it. >Go to story
Janet Ruffing: understanding the winds of the spirit in the 21st century
The topic of mystical experience might sound too mysterious—too raw and bewildering, too personal—to talk about. But Janet Ruffing, professor in the practice of spirituality and ministerial leadership, knows it’s too real to ignore. For some three decades, Ruffing’s vocation has been spiritual direction, the practice of helping others grow closer to God. >Go to story
Sorensen Lecturer E.J. Dionne seeks balance between individual, community
Armed with humor and a passion for what America can be at its best, Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne delivered the Sorensen Lecture at Yale Divinity School on Nov. 27. Speaking on the topic “Our Divided Political Heart and the Election of 2012,” he described the presidential race as the ‘We take care of our own’ election. >Go to Story
International journalists stress depth, fairness in religion coverage
When the International Association of Religion Journalists (IARJ) was launched earlier this year, its mission was clear: to begin a conversation among journalists across the globe about how religion journalism can employ accurate and balanced reporting to foster understanding. On Nov. 15, students and faculty at Yale Divinity School had the opportunity to join this conversation when members of the IARJ steering committee visited to take part in the panel discussion “Faith Across Oceans: Leading International Journalists Talk about the Religion Beat.” >Go to story
YDS Sustainability reduces waste, has students singing “Hallelujah!”
On November 14, YDS Sustainability organized a surprise flash mob at Coffee Hour to promote the fall Compost, Recycle, and Reuse Campaign. The event declared “It’s the End of the World As We Know It” and introduced more reusable mugs to the community, significantly reducing the daily waste created by disposable cups. Students responded instantly with “Hallelujahs” to the tune of Handel’s Messiah. >Go to story
Storytelling, peace building at first YDS Peaceweek
Maryann Knag '04 M.A.R. brings faith and scholarship to 6 Bible studies in 2 states
Portraits of eminent theologians and social philosophers donated to Yale Divinity School
UPCOMING EVENTS
Youth Ministry: Now colloquium, Dec. 4
On Tuesday, Dec. 4, noon - 1:30 p.m., Rodger Nishioka, the Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary, will speak on the topic “Bible Study that Transforms.” This lecture will focus on practices of opening the Bible with young people in ways that change lives and liberate. The luncheon and lecture will be held in the Old Refectory. Free lunches may be reserved by emailing kelly@youthministryinitiative.org.
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Due to the holidays, the January Notes from the Quad will be published on Jan. 14. |
More Faculty on the Road 
Bishop Mano Rumalshah, bishop emeritus of the Church of Pakistan’s Diocese of Peshawar, has joined the Berkeley community for the current academic year and is also a visiting fellow at Yale Divinity School for 2012-13. Rumalshah was raised and educated in Pakistan but has pastored congregations in both England and Pakistan. The Diocese of Peshawar is in the deeply troubled territory of western Pakistan that borders Afghanistan. Rumalshah also served for five years as general secretary of the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (USPG). The 311-year-old USPG supports the work of Anglican Churches in over 50 countries, partnering with them in order to “seek a world reconciled, an end to poverty and futures transformed with hope.” Rumalshah and his wife are dedicated to developing interfaith relationships and cross-cultural communication. While at Berkeley, Rumalshah will teach, engage students in conversation, and assist in worship.
