Brite Divinity School and WACC: A Thriving Partnership

On Tuesday, April 22, I traveled to Texas to attend the spring meeting of the Brite Divinity School Board of Trustees. Washington Avenue Christian Church is one of only two congregations outside of Texas that support Brite. Our connection to the school runs deep—Pastor Emerita Janet Long was both an alumna and a Trustee. Returning to my home state and to a place that holds such deep personal and spiritual meaning is always a gift. I’m grateful for your support, which allowed me the time to participate in this important gathering.

In March 2024, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II began his service as President of Brite Divinity School. Before stepping into this role, President Cady was the Senior Pastor of Asbury First United Methodist Church in Rochester, New York. His first year has been marked by unexpected challenges, yet he has led with resilience and grace. Under his leadership, our flagship Disciples of Christ seminary remains strong, and his forward-looking vision is energizing for students, faculty/staff, alumnae/i, and Trustees alike.

Higher education has faced significant challenges in 2025, including threats to funding and increasing pressure to curtail Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Brite occupies a unique position—it is a separate institution, though affiliated with Texas Christian University. While Brite students can access federal student loans, the institution does not receive direct federal funding.

At the beginning of Lent, President Cady reaffirmed Brite’s commitment to DEI as both a core institutional value and a vital expression of Christian witness. In a recent interview with Tim Maddigan, he stated: “Will there be negative consequences for holding to our Christian commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? Possibly. But to paraphrase Mark’s Gospel: what does it profit an institution to gain the world and lose its soul?”

During our Board meeting, President Cady brought to our attention “A Call for Constructive Engagement”—a statement issued by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). You can read it here: AAC&U Statement. President Cady expressed his desire to sign this open letter and requested a formal resolution from the Board in support of that action. I volunteered to draft the resolution, which the Board approved with minor revisions. You can view the final version by clicking the graphic to the right.

Under President Cady’s leadership, Brite continues to fulfill its mission of educating and inspiring people to serve God’s diverse world as leaders in churches, the academy, and public life—working toward a world transformed by God’s love, mercy, and justice. In a time of growing complexity and challenge, we give thanks to God for Brite Divinity School and its faithful embodiment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as core Christian values that bring glory to God (Gloria DEI).

Peace abundant,