Gwen Haley
Hartford
Seminary has created a diverse, international, interfaith community
which serves as a microcosm of the world as it should be. The
seminary stresses dialogue between faith traditions and communities,
in the classroom, in its evening programs and in its weekly interfaith
worship service as well. This is not simply a place to attend
classes and study; it is a place in which the ideals of communication,
understanding, compassion and harmony are actively practiced.
I
came to the seminary after retirement from teaching, without any
particular academic goals, simply knowing that I am on a spiritual
journey. I began my studies with the Ministry Seminar as a way
to explore, and then moved into Biblical studies from there. The
teaching here is superb, and the international and interfaith makeup
of the student body makes dialogue in classes stimulating and rich.
Last year I was a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute, which
challenged most of what I have learned about negotiating the world and
my own faith tradition. This semester I am still deeply involved in
the reading connected to WLI and with my new job as the Writing
Consultant for the seminary. Working with students from all over
the world, of Christian and Muslim backgrounds, is enriching my life
as much as my coursework. I have found a new community of
friends and colleagues here, for which I am deeply thankful.
Corporators