Hood Theological Seminary Holds 1885 Society Annual Dinner

The HTSNAA 1885 Society Dinner is a special occasion dedicated to fellowship and celebrating both alumni and the seminary. The evening of November 16th, beginning at 6:00 PM EST, commenced with registration and a warm welcome. Dr. Timothy Freeman, President of the Hood Theological Seminary Alumni Association (HTSNAA), extended greetings, and the Chaplain of the HTSNAA, Dr. Yolanda Alston-Foster, led a prayer.

The official welcome and occasion were presented by Rev. Eleanor Wilson. Dr. Vergel Lattimore, the seminary president, then addressed the attendees, offering greetings and inviting everyone to be part of the HTS community.

Frederick Cannady, representing the Student Government Association (SGA), extended warm greetings and a hearty welcome to the guests at this annual event. The guest speaker was introduced by HTSNAA Vice President Dr. Reginald Keitt. The theme for the event, “Making Disciples Using Hybrid Ministry,” set the tone for Dr. Corey Walker’s impactful speech, which provided valuable insights for all in attendance.

Dr. Corey Walker gave these highlights: We find ourselves at a critical juncture for humanity. The current trajectory of our civilization, marked by exploitation, the violation of human values, and the squandering of resources, cannot persist. This unsustainable path has led to upheavals, affecting both the innocent and the guilty.

In 1968, Charles H. Long pointed out that the visibility of the black community in America presents both a challenge and an opportunity—a call to develop a theology of freedom, one that embraces the concept of a new humanity. The theme "Making Disciples Using Hybrid Ministry" prompts us to reflect on how we can renew our commitment to envisioning a new humanity within our immediate society and church, particularly during this moment of shared crisis.

Understanding that the medium is the message, technology becomes a crucial tool for advancing our theological imagination and fostering new forms of community. However, as Dr. Walker emphasizes, technology alone cannot transform bad theology into liberating theology. It may inadvertently contribute to the creation of negative communities and distorted self-understandings.

While hybrid ministry offers numerous blessings, it requires a profound theological reflection and practice. If we fail to respond to the current moment with a deep theological understanding that facilitates liberation and the freedom of all people, we risk preaching a flawed theology—one that should be allowed to fade away.

In simple terms, any theology that denies the humanity of any part of God's created order is inherently flawed and should be discarded. It is imperative that we embrace the challenge of crafting a theology that is life-giving, loving, and liberating. A black seminary, with its unique approach and interpretations, exists to help us comprehend the reality of our world without simply imitating the dominant society's narrative…

We stand as a testament to the promise of a loving, liberating, and life-giving God, bearing witness to the hope that God is a deity of justice rather than an advocate for empire. God aligns not with injustice but with those who tirelessly strive for justice each day. Our stance as witnesses emphasizes that God does not take sides in favor of the rich against the poor, the unjust and powerful, or the wealthy over the marginalized; rather, God stands with the oppressed.

We extend eternal gratitude to Dr. Corey D.B. Walker for his poignant reminder that we bear the responsibility of ensuring that technology is utilized in a manner that promotes a profound and thoughtful theology, one that authentically continues the mission of Jesus Christ.