Members of Columbia Theological Seminary (Decatur, Ga.), St. James Church (Charleston, S.C.), First Church (Spartanburg, S.C.), and Fourth Church (Greenville, S.C.) joined those from the college to help communities change in the U.S.’s globally diverse climate,
The two-day conference featured an opening discussion by Charles C. Heyward Sr., pastor of St. James Church. Carlos F. Cardoza-Orlandi, professor of World Christianity at Columbia Theological Seminary, followed with an opening presentation.
Friday evening and Saturday morning featured more in-depth discussions among conference attendees. The group talked about encounters, interactions, and change, all based on their personal experiences.
The Lilly Endowment Conference, named for the philanthropic foundation sponsoring the event, was brought about as a result of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) belief that the growing diversity within our society and the globalization of the world’s economy will significantly impact the 21st century. According to the PC (USA), the church and its related colleges, universities, and seminaries share a responsibility for preparing people to live faithfully and serve well in a world that is increasingly interconnected and multicultural.
To begin the conversation around the issues of globalization and cultural diversity, Presbyterian College secured a grant from the Lilly Endowment on behalf of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities, the Committee on Theological Education, and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
The Lilly Endowment Conference held at Presbyterian College was one of five awarded across the country. Based in Indiana, the Lilly Endowment is a private foundation that supports the causes of religion, education, and community development.
