Bishop, Author to Speak at Methodist University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 17, 2008
MARIA SIKORYAK-ROBINS
DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS

FAYETTEVILLE, NC—Bishop Woodie W. White (right) will speak at Methodist University’s spring convocation in Reeves Auditorium at 11:00 a.m., Friday, Feb. 1, 2008. White is bishop in residence at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Ga. White’s speech is titled “Our Common Ground.” The event celebrates Black History Month and is free and open to the public.

During the height of the Civil Rights Movement, he was a leader among those who attempted to break down the barriers between white and African American Christians. In 1961, he was appointed the first black pastor of a predominantly white congregation in the history of Michigan Methodism. White was appointed as associate, and two years later, appointed as senior pastor. In 1963, he was jailed in Jackson, Miss., as part of an inter-racial team of Methodists fighting to open white Methodist congregations in the South. His witness for racial inclusiveness continued, and in 1967, he was the first black clergy person to be appointed to a staff position in the Detroit Annual Conference.

In 1969, he became the first executive director of the new United Methodist Church’s Commission on Religion and Race. White served in this capacity until his election to the episcopacy in 1984 by the North Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. He served as an episcopal leader for twenty years—presiding over annual conferences in Illinois and Indiana. In both episcopal areas, he was the first African American bishop to administer these conferences.

During 1996-1997, he served as president of the International United Methodist Council of Bishops. In his episcopal retirement, he has taught at the Candler School of Theology of Emory University as its bishop in residence. According to Dr. Peter Murray, McLean professor of history at Methodist University, throughout White’s ministerial career, he has advocated that racial justice and reconciliation are integrally linked to racial inclusiveness and that the Gospel message must be inclusive in order to be authentic.

He was born in New York, N.Y., and graduated from Paine College in Augusta, Ga. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Boston University’s School of Theology. White holds honorary degrees from nine colleges and universities. He is the author of four books. Married to Kim Tolson, White has five children.

White will be introduced by Landon Bentham, president of Methodist University’s Student Government Association. The Methodist University Choir, directed by Professor Michael Martin, will perform special music.

Methodist University is an independent four-year institution of higher education with over 2,100 students from 41 states and 30 countries. Methodist University offers over 70 majors and concentrations, three master’s degree programs, and 19 NCAA III intercollegiate sports. For more information contact Dr. Peter Murray, McLean professor of history, at (910) 630-7075 or e-mail