Facebook Twitter Flipboard Email Copy Real Estate How ‘Night Before Christmas’ creator also spawned NYC’s Chelsea

From New York-

To keep the city from riding roughshod over his farm, he took the central orchard and donated it the Episcopal Church to build the General Theological Seminary, established in 1817. But that still left much of Moore’s land ripe for development. As the 1820s progressed and New Yorkers began moving uptown, Moore began to have second thoughts about the evils of real estate. Instead of visions of sugar plums, he saw dollar signs.

Around this same time, Moore wrote “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.” He was probably inspired by the traditions (and stout figure) of a groundskeeper who worked on the Chelsea farm and was a descendant of an old Dutch family. The poem kept alive the Dutch tradition of Saint Nicholas as the bringer of presents. Moore even gave the reindeer Dutch names: Donder and Blixem (better known as Donner and Blitzen) mean thunder and lightning. It was published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel in December 1823. For years, historians have questioned whether Moore is the poem’s true author, though he did publish a version of it under his own name in 1837.

More here-

https://nypost.com/2019/12/18/how-night-before-christmas-creator-also-spawned-nycs-chelsea/

Blue’s Clues: General Seminary, etc.

From Scott Gunn-

“This Committee concludes that the relationship between the General Convention and the General Theological Seminary is not mutually beneficial.”

I’m shocked, shocked I tell you. I don’t think anyone expected they’d find something different, but it is worth the time to investigate and not assume a conclusion. Please do read the whole report for specifics about why the relationship is not beneficial, both from the perspective of GTS and from the perspective of General Convention. They also note some ways things could be better.

For what it’s worth, I think that unless General Convention is going to provide funding, it’s hardly fair to attempt to exercise oversight. Otherwise, what’s the benefit to the seminary to agree to come under authority? Right now, all the seminaries other than GTS are independent (more or less). We certainly could go the route of nearly every other denomination and fund theological education at the denominational level, which would then justify some oversight. But we’re not going to do that. We can barely afford evangelism after we pay for administration and governance, so we’re certainly not going to take on the additional and considerable expense of theological education. (Prove me wrong, bishops and deputies, please!)

More here-

https://www.sevenwholedays.org/2018/04/25/blues-clues-general-seminary-etc/

‘THEOLOGICAL’ THEOLOGY AND MINISTERIAL TRAINING

From The Living Church-

This academic year, in preparation for ordained ministry, I have been studying at General Theological Seminary. As I anticipate ordination, I have been reflecting on my experience of formal theological education over the last thirteen years, and thinking what it will come to mean in ministry.

The purpose of theological education is not obvious. While some academic institutions and most churchly ones continue to offer ostensibly theological education, many of the Church’s members and clergy nevertheless do not acknowledge that theology has much of a purpose. A few days ago, a priest whom I had just met congratulated me for studying at GTS, which, she alleged, thankfully prepares “worker priests” rather than “scholar priests.”

More here-

http://livingchurch.org/covenant/2017/05/15/theological-theology-and-ministerial-training/?platform=hootsuite

Convention & General Seminary

From The Living Church (with link to the survey)-

The Committee to Study the Relationship of General Theological Seminary and General Convention has asked for wide participation in a survey it issued Nov. 29. These are two of the questions appearing on a SurveyMonkey page:

How familiar are you with the historical relationship between General Convention and General Seminary?

Do you believe the current relationship between General Seminary and General Convention is beneficial?

The Rt. Rev. Arthur Williams, chairman of the committee, writes:

General Convention 2015 Resolution D075 (“Reinvigorate the Accountability of General Theological seminary to General Convention”) frames the work of the Committee to Study the Relationship of General Theological Seminary and General Convention.

The committee, chaired by the Rt. Rev. Arthur B. Williams, Bishop Suffragan retired, Diocese of Ohio, has four additional members: the Rev. Cathie Caimano, Diocese of North Carolina; William Cathcart, Esq., Diocese of Oklahoma; Dianne Audrick Smith, Diocese of Ohio; and the Rev. Sylvia Vasquez, Diocese of California.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/convention-general-seminary

As Union Theological Seminary Plans to Sell Air Rights, Some See a Moral Quandary

From The New York Times-

For nearly two centuries, Union Theological Seminary has brought together scholarship and faith on behalf of social justice. But recently the religious institution has found itself pursuing a more earthly occupation: trying to navigate New York City’s brutal real estate market without doing damage to its soul.

This summer, faced with the prospect of major renovations, the seminary on the edge of western Harlem announced that it would sell its air rights and bring in a developer to build a tower of luxury condominiums on its campus, a two-block-long complex built around a grassy quadrangle in the early 1900s. While the profits from the tower will underwrite the enormous cost of refurbishing a host of aging buildings, the project has provoked impassioned condemnation from both faculty members and students who worry that the school will betray its mission by exacerbating the already profound effects of local gentrification.

More here-

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/15/nyregion/as-union-theological-seminary-plans-to-sell-air-rights-some-see-a-moral-quandary.html?_r=0

Archbishop of Canterbury response to US Episcopal Church Resolution on Marriage

From Anglican News-

The Archbishop of Canterbury today expressed deep concern about the stress for the Anglican Communion following the US Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops’ resolution to change the definition of marriage in the canons so that any reference to marriage as between a man and a woman is removed.

While recognising the prerogative of The Episcopal Church to address issues appropriate to its own context, Archbishop Justin Welby said that its decision will cause distress for some and have ramifications for the Anglican Communion as a whole, as well as for its ecumenical and interfaith relationships.

More here-

http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2015/06/archbishop-of-canterbury-response-to-us-episcopal-church-resolution-on-marriage.aspx

An Inspiring Respite

From Vanity Fair-

Finally, a self-described “urban sanctuary” that lives up to its billing. Though located in the most hopping part of Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, the new High Line Hotel sits within the tranquil, cloistered grounds of the General Theological Seminary, a venerable Episcopal institution that dates from 1817 and occupies a prime block fronting 10th Avenue. Formerly an apple orchard, the property was part of a vast estate that stretched from what is now Eighth Avenue to the Hudson River and belonged to Clement Clarke Moore, a wealthy gentleman who in 1822 penned the Yuletide classic “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” A few years ago, the seminary sold a few of the red-brick, English Gothic–style buildings on its campus. What were once dormitories are now the High Line Hotel. 

While retaining handsome original features such as stained glass and elaborate fireplace mantels, the design firm Roman and Williams came up with a look for the property’s 60 rooms that blends eclectic Americana with European style. Little of the vintage furniture matches. All rooms are equipped with terrariums and Model 202 rotary phones manufactured by Western Electric in the 1930s (now updated with digital technology). There is a bar-café in the cozy lobby, and while the hotel lacks a restaurant, its soaring, ornately paneled 3,300-square-foot refectory seems destined to become Manhattan’s next buzzy event space. “Former seminarians and priests have been popping in and pointing out the rooms where they used to party,” says Tyler Morse, a co-developer. “You have to remember, these are Episcopalians. It’s a much more liberal situation than with, say, the Catholics.”

More here-

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2013/10/high-line-hotel-tour-photos

GTS Posts Mediation Update

From The Living Church-

A further step in the Organizational Mediation Process by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center at the General Theological Seminary took place on Thursday, November 20, with the first meeting of the Logistics Committee via conference call facilitated by Bill Blank, the LMPC Associate Director.

The 14 members of the Logistics Committee represent all stakeholders in the GTS community: current students, staff, faculty, Board of Trustees members, spouses and partners, and alumni. Each member of the committee was appointed by their respective group.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/gts-posts-mediation-update

Bishops Endorse Ex-Episcopalian and Champion of the Poor Fr. Paul Wattson for Sainthood

From Aleteia-

Grace works in strange ways. The path to sainthood of Fr. Paul Wattson, whose cause for beatification was endorsed by the U.S. Conference of Catholics Bishops last week, may have begun with a practical joke one fateful day in 1844.

On that day Wattson’s father, Joseph Wattson, was kicked out of an Anglican seminary for joking that he was secretly a Jesuit.

The General Theological Seminary in New York City was cracking down on anything that smacked of  “Popery,” including the reading of the extremely popular tracts of John Henry Newman, which called for a return to the more liturgical traditions of the past.

More here-

http://www.aleteia.org/en/religion/article/bishops-endorse-ex-episcopalian-and-champion-of-the-poor-fr-paul-wattson-for-sainthood-5810098102337536

Striking Professors At General Theological Seminary Respond Positively To School's Offer

From Huffington-

The eight General Theological Seminary professors who have been on strike over working conditions at the New York City school have tentatively agreed to return.

The so-called "GTS Eight" have responded positively to the seminary's offer of "provisional employment for the remainder of the academic year."

The professors are currently in negotiations with the board of trustees, Rev. Dr. Amy Bentley Lamborn confirmed to The Huffington Post. She declined to offer further details.

More here-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/22/general-theological-seminary-professors_n_6030660.html

Hope For General Theological Seminary As Board Will Consider Rehiring Faculty

From Huffington-

The embattled General Theological Seminary will keep its controversial dean and has offered to negotiate employment possibilities with the majority of its faculty who quit teaching classes and were subsequently fired. One trustee has resigned over the board’s decision.

Last month, eight full-time professors quit teaching classes and attending official seminary meetings or chapel services until they could sit down with the seminary board to discuss concerns about the seminary’s dean, the Very Rev. Kurt Dunkle.

The seminary board accepted the resignations of the faculty, which the professors said they had never offered. The dispute left the flagship Episcopal seminary scrambling to find teachers for its classes.

More here-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/20/general-seminary-board-_n_6017608.html

Bp Dietsche of NY issues statement on GTS, calls for reinstatement of faculty

From The Cafe-

This statement was sent as an email to the Diocese this morning

Sunday, October 19, 2014
My brothers and sisters,

I write to you following the resolutions of the Board of Trustees of General Seminary on Friday regarding the continuing conflict involving the seminary dean and the majority of the faculty. I believe that you have a right to know my thoughts and convictions on this matter.
More here-

http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/seminaries/bp_dietsche_of_ny_issues_state.html

Hundreds sign worker justice petition to Episcopal Presiding Bishop

From Ekklesia-

Within a few hours over 550 people have already signed a petition to the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the US, calling for reinstatement of eight fired seminary professors.

The move follows the intransigence of the Board of Trustees of General Theological Seminary in New York, a flagship Episcopal institution, over their sacking of most of the GTS faculty for a protest and work stoppage concerning allegations of abuse and a hostile work environment against the Dean and President.

The Board has dismissed the allegations against the Dean through a private investigation involving an outside lawyer, but have ignored or bypassed due process and the procedures set out in the Seminary's own handbook, say supporters of the dismissed professors.

More here-

http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/20961

General Seminary trustees issue statement

From ENS-

 On October 17, 2014, The General Theological Seminary issues this statement:

“Shaping the future leaders of our Church is a responsibility we take very seriously; to that end, the concerns raised by eight members of the Faculty were given full consideration by both the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee. Our chief goal is a fruitful and fulfilling school year for our students.

“We are above all an institution of the Church, and we – both as individuals and as officials of the Seminary – strive to conduct ourselves in a manner befitting our guiding Christian principles. In this spirit, the Board has reviewed the findings of an independent investigation and reached three resolutions.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/10/17/general-seminary-trustees-issue-statement/

Thousands back call for reinstatement of 'GTS Eight'

From Ekklesia-(with link to the petition)

A petition calling for the reinstatement of eight sacked faculty members at General Theological Seminary in New York is receiving huge support.

Over a thousand people have signed the petition in just 48 hours.

Supporters have urged as many signatories as possible before a meeting between the seminary board of trustees and the professors scheduled for Thursday 16 October. Former Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold will facilitate the meeting, it has been announced.

In addition, some 1,200 academics have now pledged not to work with GTS until the situation is resolved (http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/20931), over 1,000 people are involved with an online-support group and several hundred are involved with the reinstatement campaign through Twitter (@safeseminary and @Reinst8GTS8)

More here-

http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/20944

On the Clock: General Theological Seminary and the Fate of Protestantism

From Patheos-

In conversations with my students at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, I’ve been asked, “Why does the crisis at The General Theological Seminary matter?  Doesn’t The Episcopal Church have too many seminaries anyway?”  The answer, of course, is, “Yes, it does.”

Even if the in-coming class of seminary freshmen in The Episcopal Church was divided by the number of seminaries that the church has and those students were then assigned in equal numbers to the church’s schools, that strategy could not possibly guarantee the future of theological education at each of those locations.  And even though no institution of higher education can be sustained by tuition alone, none of our seminaries have the kind of endowment that would make the math work.

Read more:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/whatgodwantsforyourlife/2014/10/on-the-clock-general-theological-seminary-and-the-fate-of-protestantism/#ixzz3GDC6eLVM

From church triumphant to ‘least of these’

From The Washington Post-

News articles about turmoil at General Theological Seminary had immediate impact on those of us who attended Episcopal seminaries.

But the news “went viral” far beyond that small coterie and for reasons beyond nostalgia.

For one thing, it’s a juicy soap opera. Faculty playing hardball, then finding themselves unemployed. A dean pushing back, then losing credibility as word about him spread. A board looking confused and high-handed. Students wondering if they, too, should go on strike.

More here-

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/from-church-triumphant-to-least-of-these-commentary/2014/10/14/a95694c4-53b8-11e4-b86d-184ac281388d_story.html

Former Presiding Bishop Griswold to facilitate GTS Faculty/Trustees meeting

More from the Cafe-

Former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold will facilitate the Oct. 16 meeting between trustees of the General Theological Seminary and eight professors whose employment is at the core of the dispute involving complaints about the conduct of the school’s dean and president.

The General trustees agreed Oct. 13 during a teleconference to have the facilitated discussion with the aim of achieving greater clarity, understanding, and reconciliation, according to trustee Chair Bishop Mark Sisk (retired of New York).

A meeting between trustees and the professors was already scheduled for Oct. 16. The addition of a facilitator is a new development, one apparently suggested by the eight professors and agreed to by the board. The board asked Griswold to fill that role.

More here-

http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/seminaries/former_presiding_bishop_griswo.html

General Theological Seminary and Progressive Christianity

From Patheos-

The crisis at General Theological Seminary probably hasn’t been felt very far beyond the walls of The Episcopal Church. That’s not surprising. General is hardly a large seminary and, like most of our denomination’s seminaries, its faculty and student body is comparatively homogeneous, denominationally speaking. But the crisis has certainly rocked our little corner of the church-world. In part, because the dispute between General’s faculty and its President-Dean became the instant subject of conversation in the social media; in part, because the out-sized board represents such a large slice of the church’s life; and, in part, because the unique history of General’s founding makes it a creature of the national Church, its General Convention, the House of Bishops, and – by inference – the concern of the church’s Presiding Bishop.

Read more:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/whatgodwantsforyourlife/2014/10/general-theological-seminary-and-progressive-christianity/#ixzz3FvVh9sTW

Two Important Articles on the Future of Seminaries

From Patheos- (with links)

For those involved in seminary education or administration, you might want to read these two pieces.

First, The Rise and Fall of the American Seminary by Tom Ehrich. A provocative piece, esp. in light of the GTS labour dispute in New York, but probably truer for mainline seminaries.

Does the Episcopal Church — or any mainline denomination — need all of its seminaries? Probably not. To judge by recent graduation rates, it probably needs only four. Two of the eleven have already closed. Hence the anxiety leading to conflict, as tenured faculty, cost-cutting deans and anxious trustees collide. Many congregations are in the same situation.


Read more:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/euangelion/2014/10/two-important-articles-on-the-future-of-seminaries/#ixzz3FjzZlste