Kwasi Thornell Appointed Pastoral Theology Lecturer

CDSP has appointed the Rev. Dr. Kwasi Thornell as a lecturer in pastoral theology. He begins teaching this fall.

Thornell, who holds an MDiv and DMin from Episcopal Divinity School, has served urban congregations in Detroit, New York, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, and was canon missioner at the Washington National Cathedral. He served on the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church from 2000-2006.

In 2007, Thornell was one of the founders of the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, a tuition-free Episcopal school for children from traditionally underserved communities in Washington, DC. He retired to California in 2009 and has worked as a tutor and mentor and as interim rector of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Oakland, California. In the summer of 2016, he taught a continuing education course in pastoral theology at CDSP.

“Our curriculum emphasizes mission, discipleship, and evangelism, and Kwasi’s long experience in congregational and urban ministry gives him practical pastoral expertise that can help our students take what they learn in the classroom out into the world,” said the Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers, academic dean. “We are delighted to welcome him back to CDSP.”

“I am honored and excited to join the Church Divinity School faculty,” said Thornell. “I believe that pastoral care is one of the most important aspects of parish ministry and that we need to take it seriously in preparation for serving the church. I am also excited to assist in developing programs that will include our community in engaging in the world from Holy Hill.”