Remembering Rev. Dr. Barbara A. Holmes, President Emerita

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, October 19, 2024 — United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is saddened to have received news of the death of President Emerita Barbara A. Holmes, known affectionately as Dr. B., who faithfully served as United’s eighth President from 2012 to 2016.

Before her career in theological education and seminary leadership, Dr. B. was a practicing corporate attorney and educator. Having received her JD from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in 1984, she spent the next ten years in the legal profession, first as a clerk, and then as a senior attorney. Following experiences she had while volunteering with individuals experiencing homelessness, she enrolled in seminary, receiving her MDiv from Columbia Theological Seminary in 1995 and her PhD in Religion (Ethics) from Vanderbilt University in 1998. Dr. B. was ordained in both the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Prior to her time at United, Dr. B. held various positions at Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS) on the faculty and in administration. In 2005, she made history as the first Black woman to serve as a seminary’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean in the United States, a role she held until 2010. She was also MTS’s Professor of Ethics and African American Religious Studies from 2005 until her call to United in the summer of 2012.

During her tenure at United, she contributed to the seminary’s growing understanding of inclusion and reached out to communities of both racial and religious diversity. In particular, she proactively engaged leaders from Black, Native American, Somali, and Muslim communities.

An artist, Dr. B. was fond of saying that she believed that art was one of God’s primary languages. Working with Associate Dean Margaree Levy (’17), United hosted, “The Gospel According to Jazz” with Grammy-award-winning jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum, a friend of Dr. B’s and MTS student, in 2013. The event, held at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, drew an enthusiastic and diverse audience of over 900 people, inviting new friends to learn about the work that United was doing. Looking back, Margaree reflects, “Dr. B. often spoke of the spiritual possibility that is present in those that are listening and creating Jazz, saying, ‘It takes you to church.’”

With support from the Henry Luce Foundation, a program titled “Out in Gospel” was developed, and local and national artists were invited to participate. The mission of “Out in Gospel” was to provide theological and creative support for LGBTQ+ Gospel musicians within the Black Church. It also educated the wider community about human sexuality, the arts, and worship. Associate Dean Margaree Levy (’17) noted, “‘Out in Gospel’ left a meaningful impact on the community and provided space for difficult conversations. The school had wide-open arms for everyone, and Dr. B. facilitated this work.”

A preeminent womanist theologian and ethicist, she was a prolific author with published works including Joy Unspeakable, Contemplative Practices of the Black Church; Race and the Cosmos: An Invitation to View the World Differently; and Crisis Contemplation: Healing the Wounded Village, published in 2021 by Fr. Richard Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation, where she served as a member of the Core Faculty.

As noted by former Board Chair Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Sartain (’11) upon the announcement of her resignation, Dr. B. “sought to build upon our tradition of progressive leadership, infuse new life into our mission, vision, and values statements, diversify the community, and move United into the age of technology.”

United’s current President Molly T. Marshall, in gratitude for the legacy and impact of her predecessor, shares, “United gives thanks for this remarkable woman of faith and expansive learning. Her time at United called the seminary to new appreciation of African art, holistic spirituality, and racial justice.”

We remember Dr. B.’s contributions to the landscape of theological education, her visionary scholarship, and her service to this vibrant community. Blessed be the memory of President Emerita Barbara A. Holmes.

A full obituary for Dr. B. can be viewed at this link.

Update (October 25, 2024):

Dr. B. served as a Core Faculty member for the Center for Action and Contemplation from 2019 until her passing. Brian McLaren, Dean for the Center, published a moving reflection honoring Dr. B.’s life and scholarship. You can read it here.

The Center’s executive director, Michael Poffenberer, also published his reflections memorializing Dr. B. You can read Michael’s article here.