Now is the Time: Seminaries Responding to the Graying of Our Congregations

Abstract

We need to find ways of celebrating the elderly in America through support and advocacy of older adults by our religious communities. This can only happen if seminaries educate future clergy how to minister with them and engage older adults in the life and work of congregations. This mandate is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition as well as in the other great world's religions. Shared themes include: • Inclusion. All are invited to sit at the table—black, white, yellow—poor, rich, male, female, young, old—we are all children ofGod and equal in God's sight. • Support and care. This theme is reflected in bearing one another'sburdens; we are responsible for one another. • Empowerment. Advocating for the rights of others, those who aremarginalized by challenges of age, gender, or economic circum-stances, and giving them the tools for empowerment. • Cultivation of virtues. Religion's emphasis on cultivating virtuousliving overflows into care of the elderly. Fighting ageism is not easy, but based on the dignity and worth of all people it is inherent in our theology, hense courses in older adult ministry should be part of our theological curriculum.