The guest lecturer for the 2019 John Shelby Spong and Christine Mary Spong Lecture Series will be the Rev. Dr. Javier Viera of Drew University, speaking on the topic "Does the Christian Church have to die in order to be resurrected?"
We will gather at 9 AM for a continental breakfast, followed by the lecture at 9:30 AM and ending at 12:30 PM. Bishop and Mrs. Spong will be in attendance.
The Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera is the 14th Dean of the Theological School at Drew University, where he also serves as the university's Vice Provost and as Professor of Pastoral Theology. At Drew he has led the transformation of the school's curriculum, launched new degree programs and initiatives, and led efforts that have increased enrollment and fundraising. His scholarly interests center on inter-religious dialogue and adult learning and development.
Prior to his service at Drew, Dr. Viera served in congregational ministry for two decades, leading rural, suburban and urban congregations, most recently serving as Executive Minister at Christ Church, New York City. Dr. Viera is a graduate of Florida Southern College, Duke, Yale, and Columbia universities and is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico.