This post has been updated
Eden Theological Seminary and four of her students were given “Blessed Are The Peacemaker Awards” at the concluding dinner of the National Council of Churches General Assembly. Among the students honored were Timothy Murphy, Josh Longbottom, Lori Tisher and some guy named Chuck Currie. Other award winners were the Women’s Division of the United Methodist Church, Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, Interfaith Partnership, Faith Beyond Walls, and Lydia’s House. Several other Eden students, faculty and staff were in attendance. The Rev. Dr. Diane Windler, Eden’s director of admissions, nominated the seminary and students for the awards. The Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon also spoke at the event. All of us were greatly honored to be given this recognition. The citations for the awards read:
Joshua Longbottom
Joshua's awareness the magnitude of suffering in the world came through eight years of serious debate in high school and college. This gave him a chance to test different ideas in the areas of politics, environment, and religion. He is involved in many groups and agencies that promote peace and non-violence, but his tendency is to create new groups to address unmet need, like nationally organizing organic farmers. Serving the church, to transform people's hearts for peace, is how he plans to continue with his model for peace in the world.
Timothy Murphy
Timothy was chosen as a Peace Intern by the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. He was trained by the denomination in issues of racism, immigration, economic exploitation, global mission, and war and peace. He then traveled to several camps and conferences around the US and Canada keeping the passion for peace and justice alive for the youth in the Disciples of Christ.
Lori Tisher
Lori was raised in a family of social activists, but came into her own when she participated in mission trips with her church youth group. Last year Lori lived in Swaziland ministering to young people and people with HIV/AIDS. This experience has changed her life once again as she met Jesus in the people of Swaziland. She plans to continue her ministry with those affected by HIV/AIDS after her graduation from Eden next year.
Chuck Currie
Chuck served as the Director of Community Outreach at Portland's First United Meth
odist Church. He is presently a student at Eden. He administers a widely read and admired social justice website that fosters an understanding of the theological reasons for moving politically regarding issues of peace and justice.
Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary provided musical entertainment. He invited people to join him on stage to sing “Puff the Magic Dragon.” My wife Liz was up on the stage before you knew what happened. I quickly joined her and so did most of the other Eden students there. Peter also made a presentation on Operation Respect, a project designed to reduce violence in schools. For Liz and I getting up on stage with Peter was a wonderful once and a lifetime opportunity. We enjoyed every second of it. We're thinking of asking Peter to hit the road with us and the new band: Peter, Chuck & liz.
One last personal note: It was great fun seeing The Rev. Cecil Prescod, a UCC minister from Oregon, and David Leslie, the executive director of Ecumencial Ministries of Oregon. Both attended the NCC conference over the last several days.
Update: The Eden Theological Seminary web site has some additional pictures of the dinner. Click here to see.
