Two Truett Seminary Students Chosen for International Ethics Fellowship in Europe

April 18, 2016

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WACO, Texas (April 18, 2016) – Sam Davidson and Daniel Headrick, students at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University, were among 12 seminary and divinity school students selected from more than 700 applicants by the Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE) to participate in a two-week European program this summer that uses the conduct of clergy in Nazi Germany as a launching point for course study on ethical issues facing religious leaders today.
Davidson is a second-year Master of Divinity student at Truett with plans to pursue doctoral studies in theological ethics following graduation. He works as a graduate assistant and as head ice-cream maker at Heritage Creamery in Waco.
“What I am most hoping for and expecting from the FASPE experience is the opportunity to discuss concrete ethical questions across cultural and religious differences,” Davidson said. “I want to understand what motivates and sustains people of other faiths or of no faith at all. I want to candidly state our different starting points and have honest discussion, rather than superficially equating pluralism with an essential homogeneity.”
Headrick is a second-year Master of Divinity student at Truett who worked as an attorney prior to entering seminary. He holds a bachelor’s degree in religious studies as well as a law degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He serves as an attorney for the law firm Paine Bickers and as pastor of Willow Grove Baptist Church in Moody, Texas.
“As a Christian minister and attorney, I am very excited about the opportunity FASPE will give me to engage in genuine dialogue with people of different faiths about the many profound issues raised by the Holocaust,” Headrick said. “I believe FASPE will help develop leadership skills for my ministry in situations where the congregation has the occasion to engage in interfaith dialogue and in relation to matters of public importance.”
Davidson, Headrick and the other Fellows will spend 12 days attending lectures with a range of guest speakers and participating in seminars run by FAPSE faculty. The program intends to integrate historical, cultural, philosophical and literary sources, survivor testimonies and workshops in cities critical to the study of World War II.
“By educating students about the causes of the Holocaust and the power of their chosen professions, FASPE seeks to instill a sense of professional responsibility for the ethical and moral choices that the Fellows will make in their careers and in their professional relationships,” said C. David Goldman, FAPSE’s founder.
The FASPE Seminary Fellows will begin their program in Berlin on Sunday, June 19. They will travel to O'?wi'?cim, Poland, called Auschwitz by Germans, and Krakow, Poland.
by Bethany Harper, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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ABOUT GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary provides theological education leading to the Master of Divinity, the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, the Master of Theological Studies, or the Doctor of Ministry degrees that are centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ and consistent with historic Baptist commitments to prepare persons to carry this gospel to the churches and the world. Within the M.Div. degree program, students can choose concentrations in Biblical Studies and Theology, Christian Education, Ministry Leadership, Missions and World Christianity, Worship Leadership, Spiritual Formation, Sports Ministry, and Youth/Family/Student Ministry. Truett Seminary also offers four Dual Degree programs – an M.Div./MSW and MTS/MSW through a partnership with Baylor’s School of Social Work, an M.Div./Master of Music through a partnership with the Baylor’s School of Music, an M.Div./MBA through a partnership with Baylor's Hankamer School of Business, and an M.Div./J.D. degree through a partnership with Baylor’s School of Law. Visit www.baylor.edu/truett, to learn more.