Clergy Days Keynote Speakers: October 2 – 3
As part of Clergy Days, Catawba and the Lilly Endowment invite clergy and community members for two days of reflection, worship, education, and fellowship. Admission is free and open to all.
- Shane Claiborne — October 2
10:00 – 11:00 am Keynote and Book Signing, Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
Shane Claiborne is a prominent activist, best-selling author, and founder of The Simple Way in Philadelphia. Known globally for his advocacy against gun violence and the death penalty, his work has taken him from the streets of Calcutta with Mother Teresa to academic stages at Harvard and Princeton. Claiborne is a co-founder of Red Letter Christians, a movement committed to living out the teachings of Jesus with radical grace and action.
- Jacqueline Bussie — October 3
9:30 – 10:30 am Keynote, Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
An award-winning author and public theologian, Jacqueline Bussie is beloved for her wisdom, warmth, and inclusive vision of faith. Her acclaimed books—including Outlaw Christian and Love Without Limits—have inspired audiences worldwide to embrace resilience, hope, and love across difference. Bussie’s work offers practical tools for building inclusive Christian communities, rooted in compassion and authenticity.
Patrick Brown: October 16
7:00 pm, Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center
Patrick Brown, owner of Brown Family Farms & Produce in North Carolina and profile subject of The Bitter Southerner’s feature “The Black Earth,” brings a powerful story of justice, resilience, and renewal. Brown purchased Oakley Grove Plantation, where his ancestors were once enslaved, transforming it into a place of sovereignty and regenerative agriculture. His work blends farming innovation, environmental advocacy, and community empowerment. Brown also serves at the nonprofit Nature for Justice, advancing equity for Black farmers and sustainable practices for future generations.
Brown’s story—also the focus of Catawba’s 2025 Summer Reading program—explores the intersections of environmental racism, systemic injustice, and triumph through community.
