This past Friday
the Baptist Center for Ethics awarded me “Baptist of the Year.” I am very grateful for this honor, and I will
share the mercifully brief response I offered.
Of course, I appreciate any good will that accrues for Central because
of such an award. It has been my place
of ministry for 21 years now, and I have the privilege of a vow of stability in
our seminary. This is what I said:
The
Baptist Center for Ethics is one of the most entrepreneurial and creative
entities in the CBF constellation. For
25 years this prophetic partner has called us to be more just as a people. Regularly this small staff pursues BIG
projects that illumine critical concerns and offer new perspectives. Race, interfaith issues, gender equity, ecological
education and advocacy, immigration reform, prison reform, and global justice
issues are among the thoughtful initiatives of the Center.
This past year, BCE
engaged the new papal encyclical Si
Laudato, which calls for new practices in light of the global environmental
deterioration and its impact, especially on the poor. Can you imagine: Baptists learning from
Catholics? I love it!
One
of BCE’s creative innovations is to name a Baptist of the Year. By doing this, they ensure that the nominee
will give—at least for that year! I sure
did—and talked my seminary into buying a whole table. There are usually just a
couple of us back in the corner; today Central is well represented.
This
award draws attention to varied pathways of ministry: public service, race
relations, peacemaking, environmental justice, engaging the needs of
incarcerated women, philanthropy, and theological education. (Glad that last
one got in there!) Theological education
has been my life’s work. God put me on
the planet to love students and stir the pot.
God has preserved my vocation over these many years.
Since
this award began 11 years ago, BCE has honored some of my heroes: Al Gore, Emmanuel McCall, Wayne Flynt, Linda
Leathers, Glen Stassen, and my dear friend Babs Baugh. It is remarkable to be in their company.
When
she learned of this award, one of my friends asked if it came with a cape. I wish it did so that I might be in more
places more quickly. Only the Holy
Spirit is omnipresent, but I am chasing her example as best I can.
I appreciate the
presumptive (love that word!) reasons for the award, and I will strive to be
worthy. Dag Hammarskjöld observed,
there is “the humility that comes from others having faith in you . . .”
Indeed! Thank you.
Molly
T. Marshall
Central prepares creative and
entrepreneurial leaders.
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