AU to welcome theologian Jennifer McBride for Rinehart Lecture on Feb. 22

ASHLAND, Ohio – Jennifer McBride, an author, educator and theologian, will deliver the 2023 Rinehart Lecture in Practical Theology at Ashland University on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. Her presentation is free and open to the public and will be held in room 115 of the Dauch College of Business and Economics (400 College Ave.).

McBride will discuss her recently published book, “You Shall Not Condemn: A Story of Faith and Advocacy on Death Row.” It tells the story of Kelly Gissendaner, the only woman on Georgia’s death row until her execution in 2015, and describes her spiritual transformation through a prison education program and the movement that fought for clemency. Among the themes that emerge are the power of corrections education, the devastation of loss, the possibility of hope and a world without condemnation.

McBride has authored a number of other essays that have been published in scholarly journals and anthologies. Her work has appeared in publications such as “The Christian Century” and CNN.com, and been featured in The New York Times.

Until recently, McBride served as associate professor of theology and ethics and associate dean of doctor of ministry programs at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. In 2022, she joined the ministry team at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in downtown Atlanta and serves as the associate for formation.

McBride holds a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in religious studies from the University of Virginia.

The Rinehart Lecture in Practical Theology is an annual endowed public lecture honoring the memory and continuing work of Don Rinehart, who inspired generations of AU students as a faculty member for 46 years.

For more information, contact Peter Slade, chair of the department of religion and professor of religion at AU, at 419-289-5237 or pslade@ashland.edu.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.