March 9, 2006

SMU'S Perkins Youth School of Theology
Sponsors Annual Youth Forum

Session brings teens together for discussions on youth culture, societal issues and theological reflection

DALLAS (SMU) – Dallas-Fort Worth area high school sophomores, juniors and seniors will gather at the annual Spring Youth Forum on Saturday, April 8 on the SMU campus. Sponsored by the Perkins Youth School of Theology at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, the forum is free of charge.

This one-day conference brings together DFW high school students with members of the Perkins community for theological reflection and discussion on issues of youth culture, society, church and adolescents’ struggle to live a liberating Christian faith. This year’s discussion topic, “Is This the End? A Feminist Perspective on Eschatology,” will be led by Dr. Valerie A. Karras, assistant professor of Church History at Perkins.

Forum activities include a youth panel, small group sessions, an open microphone session and a tour of the SMU campus. Teens wishing to attend can print the registration form and discussion essay from the SMU/Perkins Web site, www.smu.edu/theology/PYST/forum, or contact Rev. Tonya Burton, Youth School program director, at 214-768-1333.

The Perkins Youth School of Theology is a two-year, ecumenical program open to high school juniors interested in making life count. It offers a unique opportunity for training and theological reflection for students serving their communities or churches. The Youth School helps prepare future community and church leaders through volunteer projects, mentoring and study, while encouraging cross-cultural partnerships and developing advocacy and leadership skills. Approximately 50 youths now participate in the Youth School.

Perkins School of Theology is one of five University-related official schools of theology of The United Methodist Church. The school was founded in 1911 by the Methodist Episcopal Church South, now The United Methodist Church. Degree programs include the Master of Church Ministries, Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, Master of Theological Studies and Doctor of Ministry degree, as well as the Ph.D. in cooperation with SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.

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Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas with more than 10,000 students and offers degree programs through seven schools. More information about SMU is available at www.smu.edu.