Queen’s College, Faculty of Theology marked 185 years of theological education with our annual Convocation events. On June 3rd, the Queen’s College Alumni Association hosted an educational event at St. Mark’s Church in St. John’s. The event was entitled “Reflections in Faith, Hope, and Love: The Life and Witness of Palestinian Christians.” It included a presentation from our Convocation speaker, The Very Rev’d Richard Sewell (Dean of St. George’s College in Jerusalem), and JulieAnn Sewell (of The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre). Richard spoke to us of the constant resilience of Palestinian Christians living in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank with the ongoing violence of both the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza and Settlers in the West Bank. JulieAnn spoke of the work of the Jerusalem Princess Basma Hospital which treats Palestinian children with disabilities, while hosting their mothers and empowering their families. It was a powerful morning of listening and learning as both Richard and JulieAnn called us into hopeful solidarity with our relations in Palestine and with all those who suffer unjustly.
On June 4th, the Queen’s College community gathered at the Parish of the Ascension for our Convocation proceedings. The proceedings were led by our Chancellor, Bishop John Watton of the Diocese of Central Newfoundland, with prayers offered by Bishop Samuel Rose of the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador and Rev’d Mickton Phiri, Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Western Newfoundland. Fourteen students graduated from six programs. This included students from all three of the Newfoundland and Labrador dioceses, plus students from Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, and a local student from the United Church of Canada. Also, many students were awarded scholarships and awards for their academic, ministry, and community excellence. We are so proud of our students and give God thanks for their many gifts of ministry and academic excellence.
We also presented three honorary doctorates. The Rev’d Canon Reuben Hatcher received the Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) for his many years of parish ministry and hospital chaplaincy. Ms Ina Kearley received the Doctor of Canon Law (Honoris Causa) for her work in church music and music education. Ina currently serves as the organist for both the Parish of the Ascension in Mount Pearl and Queen’s College. Ms Emma Marsh received the Doctor of Canon Law (Honoris Causa) for her many years of ministry in spiritual direction. This is a ministry that she currently continues by providing spiritual direction for many locals, as well as many from around the world via Zoom. The Very Rev’d Richard Sewell spoke to the convocation gathering with an inspiring address on spiritual resilience and hope in these troubled times in which we live.
This convocation also marked the last for our Provost, the Rev’d Dr Joanne Mercer, as she retired on July 1st. Joanne has served as Provost since 2021, and led the College with care and compassion, with a deep commitment to contextual theological education, and with a spirit of innovation and creativity. Faculty and students thank her for her relational approach to leadership. We will certainly miss her and wish her all the best in her retirement. The Corporation of Queen’s College has since announced that the Rev’d Dr Robert Cooke has been appointed as Interim College Administrator, and will launch a comprehensive strategic planning process. This initiative will clarify the college’s vision, strategic directions, and pathway to long-term sustainability over the next five to ten years. The college has also announced the appointment of Dr Michelle Rebidoux as Associate Professor starting August 1, 2026. This is a full-time appointment for one year, with the possibility of extension for two years.