Changing the Margins: Mentoring and Research in the 21st Century

Abstract

This article was first presented as a work in progress by Lee H. Butler, Jr. at the June 2015 annual study conference of the Society for Pastoral Theology in Denver, Colorado. The presentation was originally conceived of as a collaborative work between Lee H. Butler, Jr. and myself, K. Samuel Lee. However, having suffered the loss of both parents at that time, I was not able to participate in the collaborative work. Lee and I decided to elaborate on Lee's original presentation and offer this article as our contribution to a history of the Society from scholars-of-color perspectives. We hope this work supplements the reflections offered in this issue by our colleagues, Nancy Ramsay and Rod Hunter. Lee's original work is first presented below in its entirety with minor revisions. Our voices are stated explicitly. At times, to better facilitate the flow of Lee's writing, my reflections are offered in parentheses. Following Lee's concluding reflection, “The significance of diversity,” I offer my concluding reflection. Suggestions for anti-racist, multiculturally competent pastoral theologians are offered in conclusion.