ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 9, 1996 TAG: 9611110092
SECTION: RELIGION PAGE: B-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
Teacher says president trying to force him out
RICHMOND - A Union Theological Seminary professor has accused the school's president of trying to force him out over philosophical and theological differences.
Jack Dean Kingsbury, a New Testament scholar who has taught 20 years at the seminary, said that after student complaints, seminary President Louis Weeks removed him from the classroom without following grievance procedures. Four days later, Kingsbury said, his suspension was lifted and a grievance process started.
At the core of the dispute is a longstanding controversy over whether to update the seminary's Christian message for the 21st century or leave traditional teachings untouched by modern influence.
Kingsbury, an ordained Evangelical Lutheran Church in America minister, describes himself as an advocate of traditional teaching. He said Weeks sides with the modernists. Kingsbury said he is opposed to what he views as the modernists' lack of commitment to church tradition. ``They take their orientation from cultural trends,'' he said.
But Weeks said the seminary ``continues to pay attention to teaching of the Scriptures and to its heritage in offering training in skills needed for the ministry. I applaud the fact that we have faculty members with different theological perspectives.''
-Associated Press
Composer to visit
Marty Haugen, Lutheran liturgical composer and director of sacred music, will give a concert and workshop Nov. 22-23 at Roanoke College. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with registration, evening prayer and a concert. Call 375-2301 to register.
'Beyond Shadowlands'
A drama, "Beyond Shadowlands," is scheduled Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in duPont Chapel of Hollins College. It is based on writings of British author C.S. Lewis and his wife, Joy Davidman. A discussion follows. The play is free.
AIDS healing service
A healing service for people with AIDS and their families and friends is planned Nov. 16, 3 p.m., at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 1021 New Hampshire Ave, Lynchburg.
150th anniversary
St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Abingdon will celebrate its 150th anniversary Nov. 23-24. The historic parish was established in a frame building on Main Street; that structure burned in 1924 and the present stone church was built the next year. Guest preacher at a 5 p.m. service Nov. 23 Saturday is Bishop F. Neff Powell, new leader of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. Call 628-2719.
Advent retreat
An Advent retreat is planned Dec. 6-7 at Phoebe Needles Center, Franklin County. The overnight event costs $50 if registration is made by Friday; call 483-3381. Leader Chris Barrett directs Tabor Retreat Center near Lynchburg. Barrett will introduce participants to several spiritual disciplines from the Roman Catholic tradition. The center is at 732 Turners Creek Road between Callaway and Ferrum.
'Messiah' studies
An Advent study of Scriptures on which Handel's "Messiah" is based is planned in two Western Virginia communities. Beginning Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. a series will begin at Lexington Presbyterian Church. It will continue through Dec. 11; William McCorkle, choir director, will augment the study with music. Trinity Ecumenical Parish at Smith Mountain Lake will begin a five-week study Nov. 24 at 9:20 a.m. Pastor Gary Scheidt will lead it.
Clergy breakfast
"Good News About SAD Facts: A Look at Seasonal Depression" will be the theme of the Nov. 26 clergy series breakfast, 7:30-9, in conference room A, Lewis-Gale Medical Center. It will be led by Dr. David W. Hartman of Lewis-Gale Clinic. Reservations for the free breakfast may be made by calling 776-4730 by Nov. 22. The breakfast brings together clergy and health professionals.
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