Earlham School of Religion

06/11/2026

Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate the retirement of Dean Gretchen Castle from the Earlham School of Religion. During her five years of leadership, Gretchen served ESR with dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to both students and faculty. Her steady guidance and care have left a lasting impact on the ESR community.

The Earlham School of Religion, Earlham College, and Bethany Theological Seminary communities extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gretchen for her faithful service. We wish her a joyful retirement and every blessing as she begins this new chapter of life.

06/03/2026

On his final day of teaching at Earlham School of Religion, Jim Higginbotham stepped out of the classroom for a few minutes to connect with an Access student online. When he returned, he found the whiteboard covered with messages of gratitude, encouragement, and love from his students.

Reflecting on the moment, Jim wrote:

"I'm humbled almost beyond words—yeah, I'm still an academic, so not really—but I stepped out of the classroom to talk to another student online, and this is what the in-person students wrote. What a gift for the last class I'll teach at Earlham School of Religion."

After decades of faithful teaching, mentoring, and accompanying students on their journeys, it seems fitting that Jim's final class would leave him with a lesson of their own: the lasting impact of a life devoted to education, ministry, and community.

Thank you, Jim, for the countless ways you have enriched ESR and the lives of those who have had the privilege of learning from you.

05/18/2026

This past weekend, we celebrated two beautiful milestones at Earlham School of Religion as we honored the ESR Class of 2026.

On Friday evening, students, faculty, family, and friends gathered for our Baccalaureate Service , a meaningful time of worship, reflection, gratitude, and blessing as we recognized the journeys that have shaped these graduates. We were especially grateful for Dean Gretchen Castle’s inspiring address as she also prepares to conclude her faithful leadership at ESR.

On Saturday, we celebrated Commencement with joy and pride as the ESR Class of 2026 crossed the stage and stepped into new chapters of ministry, service, scholarship, leadership, and vocation.

Congratulations to all our graduates. Your resilience, wisdom, compassion, and commitment to justice and spiritual formation continue to inspire us. We pray blessings over the road ahead and give thanks for the gifts you have shared with the ESR community.

Peace and congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓

05/06/2026

What a beautiful afternoon we shared on Monday as we celebrated the retirement of Dr. Jim Higginbotham after more than two decades of faithful service to ESR.

Jim has shaped countless lives through his teaching, mentorship, pastoral presence, and deep commitment to ESR’s mission. We are profoundly grateful for the wisdom, compassion, and care he has offered our community over the years.

Thank you, Jim, for your remarkable ministry and leadership. May this next chapter bring you joy, rest, and abundant blessings! ❤️

04/22/2026

Friends, It’s Earlham Day! 🎉

We invite you to support the work of Earlham School of Religion. Your gift, no matter the size, helps form leaders for a more just, compassionate, and spiritually grounded world.

Follow this link to make your gift https://alumni.earlham.edu/portal/earlham-day?tab=give&designation=e17e5277-cfdf-4e49-b32b-3fac97318db5

Thank you for your continued love and support! 🙏

04/15/2026

Earlham Day is also ESR Day! Please join us on April 22 and make Earlham Day memorable.

04/11/2026

Join us in celebrating ESR’s Lakshmi Piette Walker on the publication of her book. She writes “I'm delighted to share that my book on intentional Christian community - Dwelling Places: The Practice and Witness of Intentional Christian Communities" - is finally out, with 20% off during the month of April “🎉

https://scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9780334067306/dwelling-places
More info on the book available via this Q&A blog post: https://scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/blog/dwelling-places-qa-with-lakshmi-piette-walker

Do share and advertise with people and networks who might be inspired and encouraged by the witness of intentional Christian communities!

03/18/2026

Curious about spirituality, meaning, and the deeper questions of life? Explore the Spirituality Studies Track at ESR.

Whether you’re discerning a call, deepening your personal journey, or pursuing academic excellence, you can enroll in a program or audit a class and start right where you are. Dr. Elena Nur Lloyd-Sidle, Assistant Professor of Spirituality, is happy to connect with anyone discerning this path.

👉 Ready to begin? Register or audit a course today: https://esr.earlham.edu/

03/05/2026

Join us for the 2026 Perkins Family Lecture Series featuring Noah Bishop Merrill, who will present “For the Sake of the Joy: Meetings, Pilgrimage, and the Re-Olding of Quakerism.”

📅 April 24
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 On-site at Earlham School of Religion & online via Zoom

We’d love to have you with us, whether in person or virtually. Click below to register!

https://esr.earlham.edu/event/26-perkins-family-lecture-for-the-sake-of-the-joy-noah-bishop-merrill/

Thee Quaker First Friends - A Quaker Meeting, West Richmond Friends Meeting, Friends World Committee for Consultation Section of the Americas, Quaker Leadership Center, Indianapolis First Friends Friends General Conference

Noah Bishop Merrill brings this year’s Perkins Family Lecture: For the Sake of the Joy: Meetings, Pilgrimage, and the Re-Olding of Quakerism Noah Bishop Merrill, General Secretary for New England...

02/19/2026

Friends,

We are excited to announce that the Dean position is now posted!

If you or someone you know in the Quaker world is called to innovative, mission-driven leadership in theological education, we invite you to learn more and apply at the link below:

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=af17eb32-b7ad-4f2c-8d25-781ac5b31aa0&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&jobId=580126

Please share widely!

First Friends - A Quaker Meeting Quaker United Nations Office, Thee Quaker, West Richmond Friends Meeting