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Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Wright named inaugural Fred Rogers Fellow

Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Wright named inaugural Fred Rogers Fellow

by Public Relations | June 11, 2024

LATROBE, PA – Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Wright will serve as the inaugural Fred Rogers Fellow in Theology and Ministry, effective July 1.Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Wright

The Fellowship is offered in partnership between the Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. It honors the ministry and legacy of Rogers, who graduated in 1962 from the Seminary and whose work—expressed through in his children’s television role of Mister Rogers—is recognized at the Institute.

“Like Mister Rogers, I have devoted my life to the intersection of Christian ministry and community,” Dr. Wright said. “In ‘The Message’ Bible, John 1:14 exemplifies the God who lives within our communities and invites us to follow: ‘The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.’ No one better exemplified faith through the lens of ‘the neighborhood’ than Fred Rogers. I hope I find ways to expand his legacy for a new generation.”

The Fellow will serve a two-semester, postdoctoral appointment pursuing research within the Fred Rogers Archive and teaching at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Wright will research Mister Rogers’ “neighborhood ethic of care,” and the theology bolstering this ethic can be applied to children, especially those in urban environments.

“Fred Rogers was one of the most effective practical theologians in contemporary history, and we are grateful Dr. Wright will work to deepen our understanding and application of that legacy,” said Emma Lee, associate director of the Institute. “Dr. Wright's particular interest in theology and practice through the lens of ‘the neighborhood’ and his commitment to building new offerings and ideas for adults and children will be a great service to families and the advancement of Fred Rogers' legacy."

Dr. Wright has extensive pastoral ministry experience, including more than 25 years of service at Love Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia. He has been managing director at Main Street Wilmington, program manager at Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation, president and professor of practical theology at Missio Seminary and Pennsylvania State president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention.

 

About the Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College

Rogers found a home for his archive and his vision on the Saint Vincent College campus in his hometown of Latrobe. Since 2003, the Fred Rogers Institute has continued his legacy for a new generation of educators and students—imagining how to inspire children to thrive as confident, competent and caring human beings.

 

About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Rooted in the Reformed tradition and in relationship with Christ-followers from other traditions, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary forms culturally competent and contextually agile Christian leaders for church and society.

 

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