29 October–Theology in Public: Reflections on Clinical Pastoral Education

Monday, Oct 29th
12:00-1:20 pm
Swift 201

The Theology Workshop continues exploring our fall theme–Theology in Public–by reflecting on the practice of theology in the particularly vulnerable and marginalized “publics” where Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) takes place.
CPE is a nationwide educational initiative that places ministry students of diverse religious backgrounds in hospital and hospice settings, as well as social service organizations, prisons, and street ministries, to serve as chaplains: ministers of healing, listening, solidarity, advocacy, and companionship.  Practicing pastoral theology at the bedside, in the prison, and on the streets can present special challenges and insights for the academic study of theology.

Our panelists will reflect on how accompanying sick, lonely, and displaced people required them to re-imagine such theological categories as healing, redemption, and incarnation, and how the space of the settling itself — sanitized or dingy, bustling or abandoned, locked down or out of doors — shaped their theological practices.

Join us on Monday, October 29th, for a panel discussion with Ruthie Coffman, Topher ElderkinHannah Gustafson, and Thandiwe Gobledale, moderated by Kevin Boyd, Director of Field Education at the Divinity School and Supervisory Candidate with the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education.  All are welcome, and no advance preparation is required.

This workshop is free and open to the public.  Lunch will be served.

Persons with a disability who believe they may need assistance, please contact Aaron in advance at athollander@uchicago.edu.