Not much changing in “Changing Scenes”

To the editor:

It was difficult to miss the irony of the “Changing Scenes” (pages 30–31) in the Spring 2016 issue. Under that heading is the report of the selection of 10 new presidents and deans, all men, all white (perhaps with one exception). Rather than reflecting change, this reality perpetuates old paradigms of leadership that are decidedly out of step with U.S. and Canadian culture and much of ecclesial life. A survey of recent issues may display occasional diversity in the selection of leadership, but not much.

I realize that In Trust has no control over who is selected by seminary boards of trustees. But as an organization, it is committed to innovation and to strengthening boards as schools respond to the radically changing scene in church and society. If the problem symbolized by the 10 photographs is not on the agenda of In Trust now, I hope it will be in the near future. 

(The Rev.) John H. Thomas

Senior Advisor to the President

Visiting Professor in Church Ministries

Chicago Theological Seminary