Yesterday we lost one of the most valiant and thoughtful theologians, teachers, writers, visionaries and spirits of our generation, the beloved Letty Russell. More Light Presbyterians gives thanks for the life, ministry and legacy of Letty Russell, and we extend our condolence and prayers to her beloved partner Shannon Clarkson.

Dr. Letty Russell was the Professor Emeritus of Liberation Theology at Yale Divinity School. Letty's life, writings and vision touched countless lives and challenged people of faith and the Presbyterian Church (USA) to live into a vision of the realm of God wherein all persons are sacred, all persons are of equal worth, all persons are to be offered full-table hospitality, and all persons are to live together in harmony.

Sylvia Thorson-Smith said of Letty today: "Did you feel a lessening of feminist energy this morning? We have lost one of our most beloved foremothers."

Rev. Talitha Arnold, pastor, United Church of Santa Fe, a student, colleague and friend of Letty and Shannon shared today:

Dr. Russell, or ‘Letty’ as both students and faculty knew her, was one of the pioneers in Liberation, Feminist, and Justice Theology. Her teachings, writings, and advocacy not only helped shape generations of seminarians, both women and men, but also helped transform the mainline Protestant church in terms of women's leadership and justice ministries. She was an early pioneer to give voice to the rights of GLBT persons in both church and society. Her books, articles, and sermons helped provide the framework for denominations like the United Church of Christ to move ahead in becoming open and affirming of all God's people, regardless of gender, race, orientation, class or ethnicity.

An ordained Presbyterian minister, Letty was one of the first women to graduate from Harvard Divinity School. The year of her graduation, the Harvard faculty spent an entire week debating whether or not give "Honors" that year to stellar students, since it would mean giving such an award to a woman--namely Letty. They finally did so.

She was also one of the first women to be ordained in the Presbyterian church. She was also one of the first women professors tenured on the Yale Divinity School faculty. A tireless advocate for justice and the way of Jesus Christ, Letty and her partner Shannon spent the last several years developing a Women's Theological Institute to provide education--and scholarships--in feminist and liberation theology for women church leaders and professors from Asia, South America and Africa.

Mary E. Hunt, of the Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER) sent this note:

Letty Russell, feminist theologian, died peacefully at home last night (July 12, 2007) after a valiant and graceful struggle with cancer. Shannon Clarkson was with her. They were accompanied near and far by legions of friends and colleagues. May she rest in the peace she envisioned and worked for throughout her life of scholarship, service, hospitality, and friendship. WATER extends sympathy to Shannon on this great loss. May Letty's memory be a blessing and her work a source on inspiration to the many people around the world whose lives she touched.

One of the ways we honor a person's life, vision and teaching is to remember... to be ever mindful of Letty's vision of a Church and a world wherein all are embraced as children of God ... and all are invited to be together at God's table of hospitality... and to keep working for the dream of Letty's vision to become a reality.

More Light Presbyterians pause this day in the midst of working for spiritual, ordination and marriage equality to give thanks to God for the life, ministry and legacy of Letty Russell, to pray for her beloved Shannon Clarkson, and all those loved so well by Letty.

with gratitude and care,

Michael

Michael J. Adee, M.Div., Ph.D., National Field Organizer

A Witherspoon conference
on global mission and justice