First Annual FATC Seminary Community Worship Service

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Four seminaries in the Atlanta metro region came together on October 29, 2001 for the first annual Seminary Community Worship Service, hosted by Faith And The City. The ecumenical event drew more than 100 participants, including students, staff, and faculty from the seminaries, representatives from Faith And The City, and members of the congregation of Central Congregational United Church of Christ, where the service was held. Participating seminaries included Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Columbia Theological Seminary, Interdenominational Theological Center, and McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University.

The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. James T. Laney, former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, president emeritus of Emory, former dean of Candler, and cofounder and co-chair of Faith And The City. Laney called the church to play a larger role in bringing justice to a world threatened by terrorism and by economic inequities. "As followers of Christ...we have bought into the idea that the pursuit of self-interest would benefit the world -- the gospel of Adam Smith, not the gospel of Jesus Christ," Dr. Laney reminded the gathering. "The Church is called to be 'the salt of the earth' and 'the light of the world.' We are called to be peacemakers and reconcilers...agents of justice to awaken our nation to its great calling under God, the purpose for which this great nation was founded and for which we continue to strive -- and which, by God's grace, will come to pass."

Joy Kim, a student at the Interdenominational Theological Center, offered a moving vocal solo in Korean and English of the traditional hymn, "Old Rugged Cross." Seminary heads, faculty, and students led an ecumenical communion celebration open to all in attendance. Following the 10 a.m. service, participants shared lunch and informal discussion.

Faith And The City plans to host a Seminary Community Worship Service each year as one of a number of initiatives that expand opportunities for the participating seminaries to work together in preparing students for careers as public religious leaders. Other collaborations between Faith And The City and its partner seminaries include developing and teaching courses, arranging internships, and conducting forums and conferences for students, staff, and faculty.

Click here to learn more about FATC Initiatives.