Bethany Theological Seminary Hosts Community Workshop

Bethany Theological Seminary is hosting a community workshop entitled, “Between Awe and Action: Fostering a Trauma-Informed Community,” on Monday, October 27th 6:30-8:00 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at the Seminary, 615 National Road West, in Richmond, Indiana.

The workshop will be led by Dr. Heather M. DuBois, assistant professor of Peace Studies, Trauma, and Spirituality at the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry. 

Dr. DuBois is writing Moving Through Impasse: On Identity-based Change in Late Modernity. This book uses the spirituality of John of the Cross and the critical theory of Judith Butler to theorize transformation at the nexus of self and society. Heather holds an undergraduate degree in English and Political Science, masters degrees in Conflict Resolution and Theology, and a doctorate in Theology and Peace Studies. Before joining the academy, she worked in the NGO sector. 

“We are grateful to welcome to campus Dr. Heather DuBois, whose deep work in trauma, peace, and spirituality names the realities of suffering and opens pathways toward healing,” says Dr. Maggie Elwell, assistant professor of Peace Studies and director of Bethany BOLD. “Her scholarship and practice remind us that we are not meant to stay stuck when harm happens; there are ways forward, for ourselves and for our communities. This workshop is a chance to begin that work together.”

This workshop is sponsored by Bethany BOLD, the seminary’s signature, service-based program for exceptional residential students. BOLD, which stands for Build, Organize, Love, and Dare, challenges students to combine their academic studies with an ongoing commitment to service at local nonprofit organizations, addressing real world issues with courage, clarity, and faith. Participating students receive full tuition scholarships, free housing, and a modest living stipend.

This workshop is underwritten by the Jennie Calhoun Baker Endowment, funded by John C. Baker in honor of his mother. Described as a “Church of the Brethren woman ahead of her time,” Jennie was known for actively pursuing peacemaking by meeting the needs of others, providing community leadership, and upholding the value of creative and independent thinking in education. John Baker, a philanthropist for peace with a distinguished career in higher education, and his wife had also helped establish the peace studies program at Bethany with an earlier endowment gift.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Mary Parrett at parrema@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1818.

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