@bodyhead: The search for a new University chaplain has been postponed because of the ongoing search to replace President John DiBiaggio, and Revered Patricia Budd Kempler will hold the interim position for at least another semester.
After Reverend Scotty McLennan vacated his 16-year post this past January to accept a job at Stanford University, Kempler was appointed to hold the position until June 2001. Her tenure has been extended through December 2001, and could last longer if no official appointment is made.
While the presidential search is not inhibiting the University from conducting a search for a new chaplain, the University is hesitant to make a selection without consulting the new president. Although the Board of Trustees is responsible for making the chaplain appointment, the person will have to work closely with the University president.
"It seems appropriate to allow the new president the opportunity to make the decision regarding the future of the University chaplain position, since that position currently reports to the president," said Judy Olson, the executive associate to the president. Once the new president is chosen, the chaplain position could be filled immediately.
Selecting a new chaplain is an important process because of the prominent role the figure plays on campus.
"I see the University chaplain as a special resource when dealing with interfaith relations, ethical issues, and community conflicts... [as well as] promoting general sanity on campus, good relations among religious communities, and productive, civil discussion in the Tufts community," Rabbi Jeffrey Summit said.
The position of University chaplain was created during the mid-1980s by then-President Jean Meyer to unify religious life on campus. Though its original job description included acting as a coordinator, resource, and mediator among Tufts' various religious communities, the role has since expanded.
The University chaplain oversees the Jewish, Protestant, and Catholic associate chaplains, and is an advisor to other religious groups on campus, often serving to resolve inter-faith conflicts.
The chaplain also often works with students who have no religious affiliation. During the Tufts Christian Fellowship controversy last spring and fall, McLennan was instrumental in helping the community deal with the sensitive issues that were raised. The University chaplain "serves as a mediator and spokesperson for all," Summit said.
The University chaplain's other duties include "pastoral care and counseling... ceremonial functions at University events, consultation on religious and ethical issues, teaching, and administrative responsibility for Goddard Chapel," according to Protestant Chaplain Reverend Steven Bonsey.
The new chaplain will have the opportunity to revamp details of the role, and Olson arranged several meetings earlier this semester at which students, faculty, and staff discussed the position. The dialogue focused on how and why the position is important to the community, and what changes they would make to the position to help foster further growth within the community. No major conclusions were reached.
One concern Summit has is whether the new position will be a full or part-time job. "I believe very strongly that the role is very essential on campus, and so it is important to have a full-time chaplain. The right person could be extremely helpful to the school," he said.
