Cranmer Lecture

All are welcome to the second annual Cranmer Lecture at Reformed Theological Seminary on the evening of Thursday, September 1. This year’s lecture will be given by the Rev. Canon Dr. Justin S. Holcomb.

His lecture will be titled, “Good Lord, Deliver Us: Trauma and Anglican Liturgy.” Anglican liturgy contains rich resources for trauma-sensitive ministry. According to the American Psychological Association, “One half of all individuals will be exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.” Every individual has either experienced trauma or someone very close to them has. To honorably and effectively recognize and respond to trauma, we must have a basic understanding of the nature of trauma and how it affects people and communities. We will explore the numerous spiritual effects caused by trauma as well as the hope and healing available that is reflected in the Christ-centered and Scripture-filled liturgy of the Anglican tradition. After the lecture, Dr. Holcomb will discuss the theme more fully with Dr. Elizabeth Pennock, Assistant Professor of Counseling at RTS Orlando and expert in trauma-informed counseling. They will also take questions from the audience.

Dr. Holcomb is an Episcopal priest and has served as the Canon for Vocations in the Diocese of Central Florida since 2013. He serves on the board of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments), HeartSupport, Leaders Collective, and The Living Church Foundation. Justin and his wife, Lindsey, helped co-found REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) in 2009. Justin has written, co-authored, or edited more than twenty books on numerous topics including abuse, theology, and biblical studies. He is currently editing a multi-volume series on global Christian theology titled From Every People to Every People: Theology in Context. Justin teaches theology at RTS Orlando, where he has been an adjunct professor since 1999. He has taught the course “Abuse and the Church” numerous times at RTS and other seminaries. Justin previously taught at the University of Virginia, Emory University, Agnes Scott College, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He also serves as a visiting professor at Westminster Seminary California and Nashotah House. Justin and his wife, Lindsey, live in Orlando with their two daughters.

A dessert reception will be served following the lecture. There is no cost for this event, though we do ask attendees to please register using this link: https://rts.regfox.com/rtso-cranmer-lectures-fall-2022.