Create the World of Divine Imagination
By The Rev. Dr. Katharine R. Henderson
We’re celebrating 200 years.
It’s here.
I’m not sure I’ve ever told you how much I love you. But, here’s the thing: when you reach 200, it makes you fierce and bold, and able to do things you’ve never done before.
I am moved by those who have been with us at Auburn for decades as well as new friends we are just getting to know.
You have loved us, encouraged and challenged us be the best we can be.
You have kept us in your prayers, you’ve marched with us. You’ve taken risks to stand with us which means we could take the risk to innovate and change. We’ve grown up together! You’ve sacrificially given to bring us this very moment where we can say that Auburn is made for such a time as this.
I am — we are — so grateful to you for being in right relationship with us.
I have never been more excited or sure of Auburn’s work. We are empowering leaders building multifaith movements for justice across this country, in red, blue and purple states through innovative education and research. Auburn’s work is making all the difference for thousands. We work with those who are part of the resistance and with those who are seeking to repair and weave this country together when sometimes it feels like we’re breaking apart. With them and with you, we are writing the future story of America — a future of inclusion, justice, generosity, and hope — the story of a nation that never has been, but yet could be.
Recently, we welcomed almost 700 of you to our 22nd Lives of Commitment Benefit and Awards Breakfast. We honored women of moral courage, knowing that women’s voices must be heard and their lives celebrated, while they are living! In this year of unprecedented focus on women, we were pleased to lift up the commitment of Reverend Jen, Susan, Isabel, Andrea, and The Resistance Revival Chorus, who symbolize what voices coming together can accomplish!
But our work is not just about honoring others. It’s not about some rarified and exalted place that few can attain.
It’s about accepting the invitation, the call to each of us to be a part of the business of healing and repairing the world in small and large ways. It will take all of us to create a world of divine imagination.
Please take a moment to watch our video, that lifts up all of us who are writing the future story of America.
Rev. Dr. Katharine R. Henderson is President at Auburn.
