Dean Emilie Townes

Dean Emilie M. Townes’ Fall Convocation remarks, as delivered on August 26, 2022 each opening convocation, we have begun by remembering those who have died since we were last together in May and to celebrate the new births during this time as well today, we remember those killed… Read More

Bone-deep love calls us to live our lives out of the possibilities found in wholeness, self-reflection, justice, peace, a new heaven and a new earth, hope and not our shortcomings—that rest on greed, self-centeredness, avarice, coveting, despair. Amazing love moves us to grow in compassion, understanding, and acceptance of each other. A far better place to be morning by morning and day by day. Read More

Somehow, no matter what the world hands us we give back love, we stand for goodness, we live our faith, we live with integrity. we live God’s grace large, we stand with the least of these, we build bridges of salvation, liberation, justice, joy, and deep spirit that can carry the depth and breadth of humanity over them. Read More

Lament is not about helplessness or hopelessness. When done in community, we name that which is causing us to be tempted by despair with as much precision as possible and then begin to take steps to address—if not eradicate—that which keeps us from a more just world. Read More

Each month, Dean Emilie M. Townes writes a letter to alumni and friends in the Divinity School’s e-newsletter, the Spire. We are releasing this month’s reflection early to mark Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40 day season of Lent in the Christian calendar. Here Dean Townes reflects on the… Read More

As my yearlong research leave from the Divinity School was winding down this past summer, I found myself imagining how I might put some of the resources in my endowed chair to work for the benefit of our school and the wider community. The notion… Read More

Prospective master of divinity and master of theological studies students are invited to join Dean Emilie M. Townes and a featured faculty member for an informal dinner and faculty research presentation. On Tuesday, 3 November 2015, Jaco Hamman, director of the Program in Theology and Practice and associate professor… Read More

On Thursday, September 25, Dean Emilie Townes led an open forum in which she spoke briefly about her continuing vision for Vanderbilt Divinity School. Dean Townes opened the remainder of the breakfast to an open dialogue with attendees. Watch the Community Breakfast on our… Read More

In advance of all of our public lectures and community events at Vanderbilt Divinity School this year, we plan to interview each of our lecturers. Our first event highlighted is our Community Breakfast on September 25, 2014. (Register by following this link)… Read More

Long-time VDS supporter, Cal Turner, was at VDS on Tuesday, April 15, for a lunch and reception with the current Turner Scholars and former Scholars who continue to live and work in the Nashville area.  Twelve pastor-mentors also attended to express their thanks to Mr. Turner for his generous gifts. Read More