Dr. Yolanda Smith, Yale professor and conference chair, announced a rich schedule to the REA Board of Directors during their annual spring retreat. Dr. Smith noted the conference, titled Let Freedom Ring, will include such nationally known pastors as Reverend Dr. Dwight D. Andrews of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Atlanta. Andrews serves both as senior minister but also Associate Professor of Music at Emory University. In addition, Dr. Andrews has taught at Rice and Harvard Universities. In 1996 Andrews was named the first Quincy Jones Visiting Professor of African American Music at Harvard. Dr. Smith announced additional presentations by Reverend Frank Brown, President of Concerned Black Clergy of Atlanta, and Dr. Anne Wimberly, Executive Director of Youth Hope-Builders Academy at the Interdenominational Theological Center. Smith anticipates other notable Atlanta ministers and dignitaries will provide presentations during the conference.

The conference, scheduled November 2–4, incorporates tours and meetings at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Sheraton Atlanta, and First Congregational Church. Conference participants will collaborate creatively around issues of justice and youth in congregational leadership, including presentations by the Fund for Theological Education’s Greenhouses of Hope initiative and creation of a Justice & Peace Story Quilt. Faith Ringgold, Distinguished Professor of Art at the University of California, San Diego, originated this genre of art. Ringgold initiated the 9–11 Peace Story Quilt project with the InterRelations Collaborative and Dr. Grace Yun of the University of Connecticut, Stamford.  The REA conference promises to live up to its theme, Let Freedom Ring! Religious Education at the Intersection of Social Justice, Liberation, and Civil/Human Rights. Smith and past president Mary Hess note the timeliness of the conference in light of the upcoming national election.

The Religious Education Association, an Association of Professors, Practitioners, and Researchers in Religious Education, gathers international educators and leaders from various faiths and cultures. Founded in 1903, the REA is the oldest professional society dedicated to research and professional development for educators and practitioners in the field of religious education. For additional information see the conference website http://www.religiouseducation.net/rea2012/

The meeting, focusing on the theme “Let Freedom Ring” will take place November 2–4, 2012 at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia. Submission guidelines may be found at: http://www.religiouseducation.net/rea2012/call/, and all submissions must be made through the online form. 

A news story on the CTI website as well as a printer-friendly flyer offer more information about the inquiry and its interdisciplinary slate of leaders and speakers.

With theological ethicist Stephen Pope of Boston College and philosopher Robert Roberts of Baylor University as its leaders, the yearlong residential project also features two interdisciplinary pairs of symposium guests: Yale University psychologist Paul Bloom in conversation with moral theologian Jean Porter of the University of Notre Dame, and Stanford University neuroscientist William Hurlbut in dialogue with University of Glasgow theologian Werner Jeanrond.

A full request for proposals will be posted on the CTI website in May, and an online application period will take place from September 1 to November 30, 2012. Application inquiries may be directed to apply@ctinquiry.org.

Ideal candidate profile:

• degree: Ph.D
• experience: research connected with Theology or Religious studies (Sociology or Religion, Psychology of Religion, Church history, Oriental studies etc.)
• publishing experience, preferably in editorial acquisition, would be an asset
• current status: recognized as an expert in his/her field
• good and numerous relationships in the scientific community in relevant field
• languages: native or fluent English, other languages would be an asset
• skills: computer and internet proficiency
• personality: strong communication skills, good negotiator
• requirements: home computer and internet connection

As to the role of Associate Editor, we would expect you to:

• research and identify book topics with strong sales potential and recruit experienced and competent authors
• recognize potential new authors and cultivate working relationships with them
• obtain proposals from potential authors, determine the quality of the proposals
• find and liaise with reviewers; present the proposals to Versita,
• assist Versita in evaluating book proposals and manuscripts,
• review the final manuscript; seek assistance from reviewers, if needed.

The job of Associate Editor is part-time and may be easily combined with other duties.
Compensation for Associate Editors will be based on the number of books published.
Candidates interested in the position are requested to send their CV and list of publications to Dr. Katarzyna Tempczyk: ktempczyk@versita.com

The rank is open. Faculty and salary will be set according to qualifications and experience. A Ph.D., Th.D., or equivalent and experience in ministry, lay or ordained, are requisite. Women and ethnic minorities who belong to the United Methodist as well as those from within the broader Wesleyan tradition (e.g., African Methodist Episcopalian, Christian Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Wesleyan Church, Church of the Nazarene, et. al.) are encouraged to apply. Nominations and applications should be sent to Ms. Indonesia Wilson, Interdenominational Theological Center, 700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive S.W, Atlanta, GA 30314.

Applicants who have recently received their doctorate, or expect to receive it during the current academic year, should include an official transcript for the highest degree held and three letters of reference. Gammon Seminary/ITC is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.