The Pastoral Theologian-in-Residence Chair

The Pastoral Theologian-in-Residence Chair at the Florence McDonnell Center has been established by the Board of Directors to provide leadership, scholarship and vision in the fields of pastoral theology, counseling, psychotherapy, spiritual formation and direction. The Pastoral Theologian-in-Residence is invited to occupy the Chair for a period of time, and to contribute formative thought, reflection, and leadership in one or more of the fields above. He/she will accomplish this by the various gifts the theologian brings to the Center. These objectives may be brought to fruition through writing, lectures, teaching, seminars, public preaching and speaking in a program approved by the Board of Directors.

The present occupant of The Pastoral Theologian-in-Residence is The Rev. Canon Thomas H. Conley, Th.M., retired Canon Pastor of the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta. Canon Conley brings to The Chair 42 years of experience in pastoral ministry, counseling, psychotherapy and spiritual direction. There are several goals for his occupancy of the Chair.

1. To provide vision and leadership for the further development of the Florence McDonnell Center through his creative vision, writing, teaching, preaching and community leadership.
2. To be a presence at the Center for spiritual direction and formation.
3. To write articles and books on spiritual formation, spiritual direction, guidance and conversation, and other issues relevant to his work at the Center.
4. To provide leadership in the establishment of ministries and programs for clergy and clergy families.
5. To assist in the procurement of an endowment of The Chair that will serve future generations.