51视频 marked Women鈥檚 History Month with several events on campus that celebrated community, connection, and the contributions of women and gender minorities to our local and global community.
As part of the month-long observance, the seminary hosted an International Women鈥檚 Day lunch in early March in its dining hall. The event brought together students, faculty, and staff for a time of fellowship, creativity, and shared reflection.
鈥淚t was both joyful and meaningful to witness the ways in which the women and gender minority students in our seminary community uplift and empower one another,鈥� shared the Rev. Jeehei Park, PhD, Associate Professor of New Testament. 鈥淚 felt enriched by the creativity, wisdom, and support shared during the celebration. I’m deeply grateful to Tatiana and Brynn for their thoughtful organization of this event.鈥澛�
Attendees participated in a welcoming and inclusive environment that encouraged individuals to express themselves authentically. The gathering included opportunities for conversation and connection, as well as hands-on activities that fostered community-building among participants. Guests were also invited to bring friends, family members, or mentors, extending the celebration beyond campus and strengthening relationships across communities.
鈥淚t was wonderful to join together with fellow women and get to know each other a little better through the International Women鈥檚 Day lunch,鈥� shared Tatiana Suggs-Perea, Director of Communications, who helped organize the lunch. 鈥淭he women of 51视频 are some of the most creative, compassionate, and caring people I know and I am glad we were able to honor them.鈥�
Later in the month, a Women in Ministry Roundtable was held and invited all female-identifying Master of Divinity students to learn more about navigating ordained ministry as a woman. The lunch included a panel conversation with women faculty including the Rev. Nancy Frausto, the Rev. Madeline Hawley, the Rev. Jeehei Park, PhD, and Rev. Dr. Dominique Robinson.聽
Quote from Jeehei
Through this gathering, 51视频 affirmed its commitment to cultivating an inclusive and supportive community, while creating space to celebrate and uplift the voices and experiences of women and gender minorities.
Later in the month, 51视频 celebrated the Feast of Oscar Romero and honored the Women Martyrs of El Salvador. During El Salvador鈥檚 Civil War, four U.S. church women – Ita Ford, Maura Clarke, Dorothy Kazel, and Jean Donovan – were raped and murdered by U.S.-backed Salvadoran National Guardsmen on December 2, 1980, while assisting refugees. Additionally, Elba Ramos and her daughter Celina were killed in 1989 alongside Jesuit priests, highlighting the violent repression targeting those serving the poor during the civil war.
At the service of remembrance, Master of Divinity senior, the Rev. MaryJane Plote, preached and the Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce, interim dean and president, presided. The event was filled with beautiful music by the Chavez Family band, posters featuring photos and quotes from Oscar Romero鈥檚 life, books from the Harrison Library on the topic, and special prayers. One of those prayers was written by MDiv middler, Sam McRae, who wrote an original prayer for the opening of the service:
Holy and Merciful God, we give you thanks for the life and example of your daughters Maura, Ita, Dorothy, Jean, Elba and Celia who heard the call of your servant Saint Oscar Romero to serve your people of El Salvador; we acknowledge their imperfections, their missteps, and their struggles; we celebrate their love, their dedication, and their devotion to follow wherever you call. Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who thirst for your justice, and ache to do your will, may see ourselves within the faces of these, your daughters, and be encouraged; give us their strength and courage in your ultimate freedom to be peacemakers in times of war, disciples in times of darkness, and servants who faithfully work as the hands and feet of Christ. In your mercy, O Lord, give us, as you gave to them, the hope of salvation and the promise of eternal life; in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, Advocate, and Friend, Amen.
Following the service, the whole community was invited to enjoy traditional El Salvadorian pupusas in the dining hall.
At the end of the month, the student-led annual Payne-Harvey Lecture featured the Rev. Gayle Fisher-Stewart, PhD this year. Read more about this exciting event and Fisher-Stewart鈥檚 time on campus here.
Together, these gatherings offered opportunities for reflection, learning, and celebration, highlighting the many ways women and gender minorities continue to shape the life of the Church and the wider world. Through shared meals, thoughtful conversation, worship, and community engagement, 51视频 honored the legacy of those who have come before while encouraging the next generation of leaders to continue the work of justice, compassion, and faithful service.