Integrating faith and practice Delda Skinner, the third graduate, learned about the then brand-new program during a visit to the seminary campus. A former student who dropped out of studies for a master's degree in religion after one of her four grown children fell ill, Skinner paused in the library for a chat with Spong, who recommended the program he had recently designed. She found that work for the degree nurtured not only her spirituality but also her love of art. She said that the degree program has proved so successful that the seminary has now launched a certificate program of special studies in discipleship and spiritual formation for those seeking some of the education but who aren't interested in a master's degree. Faculty members have come to love teaching students in the program, she said.
Professors thoroughly enjoy it.
These are students who are seasoned in inquiry and who are eager to be in the classes. Adjunct professors love to come because it offers them a chance to teach integrated faith and practice, something they don't get to do in the secular world. Further information about the program may be obtained from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, P.O. Box 2247, Austin TX 78768-9946. McCormick is associate director of the Office of News and Information of the Episcopal Church.