Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 January 2003 — Page 11

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2003 PAGE B1

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Salt and Light

By Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin

Too good \o be a secrel 1

Religion important to life of city

My guest columnist this week ■is Dr. Edward Wheeler, president ofthe Christian Theological Seminar}', Indianapolis. By DR. EDWARD WHEELER It has been said that Christian Theological Seminary' is one of Indianapolis’ “best kept secrets.” While being a “best kept secret” may be a positive statement for some things, it is not a good thing for either a business or an educational institution. Therefore, I want to thank my friend and co-laborer in the gospel, Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, for giving me the opportunity to tell the CTS story to the readers of The Indianapolis Recorder. CTS is a fully accredited graduate theological seminary. It is the only such institution in Indianapolis. Our mission is “to form disciples of Jesus Christ for church and community leadership to serve God’s transforming of the

world.”

The seminary is related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) but at any one time we will have over 30 different denominational groups as well as Catholics and Jews in our student body. Over 20 percent of our student body is African American and about 55 percent of all degree students are female. We also welcome students who want to audit a class for no credit or students who want to take a course, but who are not seeking a degree. In addition to the Master of | Divinity degree (which several denominations require in order for a person to be ordained for ministry) CTS offers five other master’s degrees, including two counseling degrees, and Doctor of Ministry degrees in practical parish ministry and pastoral care and counseling. Beginning in the fall of 2003, CTS will offer new doctoral programs that will operate on a non-residency basis. The history of Christian Theological Seminary goes hack to the formation of the Butler University Sehool of Religion in 1,925. In 1958 CTS received a separate charter and incorporation and has operated as an independent institution since then, even though the two schools retain a positive working relationship. CTS was formed because there was a growing sense that the demands of living in an ever changing world required religious leaders who were well-trained in Christian thought, history, traditions, Scriptures and in how all these things could be applied to living life more fully and consistently as a Christian in the world. There was a belief that “learning and burning” could go together and that having thoughtful ministers and Christian leaders was helpful to building God’s kingdom on Earth. If the need for trained and qualified ministers existed over 75 years ago, that need has increased in our time. While 1 celebrate the wonderful and faithful ministries that many of our predecessors had despite limited educational opportunities, I am glad that more and more persons are realizing that the hard work of ministry (which incltules but is much more than preaching) requires trainmK ' ► SALT, Page B3

By BRANDON A. PERRY Staff Writer Indianapolis was a buzz this year with numerous religious activities. Here are some of the top religion headlines from

2002.

The Augusta Christian Church of Indianapolis (Disciples of Christ) made histoty by welcoming its first AfricanAmerican female pastor, Rev, Jacquelyn Powell. In other firsts, Bishop Wilton G. Gregory of Belleview, 111., became the first African-Ameri-can president of the U.S. Conference of (Catholic) Bishops. Hundreds of clergymen and citizens from different parts of Indiana gathered at the Statehouse to protest proposed legis-

lation that would tax property of Indiana churches and charities. During his speech at Butler University's commencement. South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu addressed many serious issues, including the war on terrorism, poverty and the spread of AIDS in Africa and around the world. National recording artist Kirk Franklin also visited Indianapolis appearing at Eastern Star Church during a nationwide tour to get listeners acquainted with his new album. “The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin." Another visitor to thecity was nationally known evangelist Rev. Dr. Millicent Hunter, who arrived in Indianapolis to speak during the 2002 Women's Day Conference at First Baptist Church North. Thousands of people gathered at the RCA Dome during Indiana Black Expo weekend for the Celebration of Praise Worship Service. A joint effort by IBEand Eastern StarChurch. this became the first community IBE gospel event since the early 1990s. On the music scene. The Righteous Riders, an India-

Rev, Dr. Millicent Hunter

Righteous Riders

napolis-based gospel rap group on the Tvscot Records label, was nominated for a Stellar Aw ai d in the category of I lip I lop Gospel CD of the Year. Due to expansion, Messiah Missionary Baptist Church held a special moving celebration as thev relocated to 5b 10 E. 38' i St.

Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr. of Eastern Star Baptist Church.

IN THE SPIRIT

Pastor Rev. Charles Smith presides over the Khrist Kwanzaa ceremony at St. Rita Catholic Church.

The Bethel Women of Distinction of Bethel A.M.E. Church sponsored a traditional Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve for the homeless and hungry. These women have provided sack lunches every Tuesday for several years. (Photos/C. Guynn)

“Angels Sing” Quinn Barney, age ten, relaxes after the video taping of "Angels Sing" at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Barney auditioned and was selected to participate as a soloist In the Treble division of the Indianapolis Children's Choir during their recent concert, "Celebrate the Season" that was televised locally on channel 13 Christmas morning. The Indianapolis Children's Choir is one of the most successful children's choral programs in the United States consisting of more than 1700 children and youth in 18 choirs. Barney's rendition of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" was uplifting and Inspiring. (Photo/John Hurst)