NEWS
Carter Center invites Bridgeman to Human Rights Defenders Forum
(Jimmy Carter photo
courtesy of the Carter Center)
When former President Jimmy Carter presides over the Human Rights Defenders Forum this summer, MTSO Interim Academic Dean Valerie Bridgeman will be at the table.
Bridgeman has accepted the Carter Center’s invitation to participate in the forum, titled “Restoring Faith in Freedom,” which takes place July 21-24 in Atlanta. She was selected to join fellow human rights activists from more than 30 countries – women peacemakers working to prevent and recover from violent conflict, representatives of international NGOs that support human rights activists, religious leaders resisting repressive policies, influential analysts and authors, and selected government and U.N. policymakers and representatives.
Bridgeman is widely recognized for her work around social justice, from writing to preaching to on-site activism. She was appointed associate professor of homiletics and Hebrew Bible at MTSO in 2015 and has served as interim academic dean since July 2017.
“The expertise and character we experience in Dr. Bridgeman here at MTSO has also been experienced in significant places elsewhere,” said MTSO President Jay Rundell. “The invitation to add her voice to the Carter Center’s forum is further evidence of that.”
“If I had a bucket list, this would be on it,” Bridgeman said of the opportunity to participate in the forum. “I have deep respect for President Carter’s work, particularly for his global work toward women’s rights. I view this as a great opportunity to learn from some of the greatest souls on the planet.”
Methodist Theological School in Ohio provides theological education and leadership in pursuit of a just, sustainable and generative world. In addition to the Master of Divinity degree, the school offers master’s degrees in counseling, theological studies and practical theology, along with a Doctor of Ministry degree.
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CONTACT:
Danny Russell, communications director
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322