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In previous online versions of Perspective, I have written about what February's United Methodist General Conference in St. Louis might mean for Perkins, I would like here to offer a personal reflection. Among the experiences that have influenced my understanding of theological education are the years I spent on varied theological faculties — at Yale, Wesley, and Duke — along with teaching at Howard and at Methodist seminaries in South Korea and Russia. Even more formative in some ways [...]

By Dean Craig C. Hill Following the called General Conference in St. Louis in February, those of us in the United Methodist church find ourselves in a season of deep uncertainty. The decision to adopt the Traditional Plan has enormous but as of yet unknowable implications for our future as a denomination, for our local churches and for every United Methodist institution, including, of course, its theological schools. The question “Where do we go from here?” remains unanswered. As [...]

By John A. Martin, Director of Development Rarely a week goes by without news of some seminary or school of theology in financial trouble. Sometimes, those difficulties are self-inflicted, such as by getting deeply in debt, and other times, complications come because of external influences over which the school has very little control. Perkins is fortunate to be part of SMU, a financially stable university. One of the seven schools that compose the University, Perkins is proudly held up [...]

A seminary is more than a place for intellectual pursuits; it’s also a community and a laboratory for personal growth. In divisive times such as these, the ability to form relationships across barriers and differences becomes even more important to the church and to the world. With that in mind, Perspective invited seven current Perkins students for a roundtable conversation with Dean Craig Hill and facilitator Mary Jacobs, and asked about their experiences as members of the Perkins community. [...]

By Sam Hodges When the 1969 entering class of Perkins gathered for a group photo, the men wore coats and ties. Most of the women did, too. Still a small minority, they had been left out of the administration’s one-page mimeographed instructions for how to dress for the photo. So, to get a laugh and make a point, they wore coats and ties over their skirts. Some added contrast by carrying handbags. Copies of the photo still get circulated, [...]

Perkins School of Theology announced John M. Esquivel as the recipient of the 2019 Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award. He was recognized on March 28 during the opening worship service of the three-day Perkins Theological School for the Laity in Perkins Chapel. The Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award is presented annually to a layperson in the United States who embodies the Christian faith and commitment of service to Christ in the church, community and world as exemplified by Judge [...]

By Bruce Tomaso Cynthia Fierro Harvey (M.Div. ’99), bishop of the Louisiana Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church, was chosen as the 2018 recipient of the Perkins School of Theology’s Distinguished Alumnus/a Award. The prestigious award was presented to Bishop Harvey at a dinner banquet on Nov. 12 at Perkins. The Distinguished Alumnus/a Award recognizes Perkins graduates who have demonstrated effectiveness and integrity in service to the church, continuing support for the goals of Perkins and SMU, outstanding [...]

The Art of Resilience: Latinx Public Witness for Troubled Times September 20–21, 2019 The Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions of Perkins School of Theology will host a two-day event that will gather Latinx scholars, artists, religious leaders and community activists to explore how academic research, religious practices, the arts and public engagement address the current social climate of Latino/a-phobia, gendered and race-based public policy. Daisy Machado, Union Theology Seminary of NYC; Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, Duke University; [...]