Recent Fellows

The Class of 2009:

Paul P. Clever founded the Good Earth Farm and Common Friars, two inter-related ministries, in Athens, OH.  These ministries strive to make a connection between discipleship and sustainability by growing food for the hungry, engaging people in meaningful work and community, and fostering intentional prayer. In 2009, with Paul as the only full-time farmer, they were able to grow and donate more than 10,000 pounds of food for 25 local food pantries. Paul did this through hosting three volunteer days a week with more than 300 different people volunteering on the farm over the course of the year.  "I did not expect my favorite part of this work to be lunch," says Paul.  "Our volunteer days often have a diverse crowd, all of whom sit down for lunch and enjoy interesting conversation. I have learned that this is at the heart of what we do.  The farm table brings together the teachings of the Gospel, the workings of our hands, and the practice of our heart.  It is not always easy." Paul spent winter improving the infrastructure of the farmhouse, making presentations on new monasticism and the good earth, and doing strategic planning with the eight other members of the Common Friars. Top priorities include building a chapel, revising the Common Friar’s rule of life, and establishing micro-businesses to ensure long-term financial sustainability. The Common Friars aim to build a twenty member community in three years. 

The Rev. Kathryn L. Reinhard began work toward a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology at Fordham University, New York, NY in September 2009.  While her primary focus will be on Christology, particularly in the context of challenges facing the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, Kathryn is currently conducting research on the relationship between religious pluralism and African Anglicanism, which explores how Christian-Muslim relations in countries such as Nigeria and Uganda have shaped the African Anglican stance on homosexuality.  She has two publication submissions currently pending:  one on the role of the Holy Spirit in St. Augustine's Trinity, and a second which uses performance theory as a way of understanding communal (and in this case patriotic American) identity.  In addition to sharing her knowledge through academic writing and pursuits, Kathryn hopes to strike a balance between the practical and academic and to "foster and encourage lay people to think about God, and to think about the ways God relates to their everyday lives."

The Rev. Edward E. Thompson began his graduate studies at George Mason University's Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR), Arlington, VA, in the Fall of 2009.  Ted is examining the dynamic of religions and religious belief in peace building, both in diffusing conflict, and in the aftermath of serious social turmoil.  In addition to having a background in Asian Studies and experience with Japanese-American Episcopalians, he intends significant study of Islamic tradition.  In January 2010 Ted will participate in a work/study trip to Syria that involves "citizen diplomacy" between Syria and the West as one approach to addressing the Arab-Israeli conflict.  He is also very interested in addressing conflict at the congregational level.  "I remain convinced that reconciliation is at the heart of the Church's mission," Ted says.  "In regard to our denomination, I think we have learned a great deal in the past few decades about how to help congregations move through conflicted times.  But there is still more to learn in order to better use all the knowledge that exists."

The Class of 2008

The Class of 2007