2024 Barton Lecture and Banquet

The annual Perkins Summit for Faith and Learning offers a wide range of theological mini-courses for laypersons, community leaders and clergy. Somewhere between seminary and Sunday School, Summit leverages the rich learning community of Perkins School of Theology to provide a unique, self-paced experience in theological education—for the church and world. Come for a half-day or spend the whole two days with us. Participants are free to design a customized Summit plan!

Friday, August 23, 2024 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Click HERE to Register!

Please note: Registration is required for attendance.

2024 Barton Lecturer

Dr. Erica M. Ramirez, Director of Applied Research at Auburn Seminary

Dr. Erica Ramirez is currently the Director of Applied Research at Auburn Seminary. She was previously the Richard B. Parker Assistant Professor of Wesleyan Thought at Portland Seminary in Oregon. Erica holds a PhD in Sociology of Religion from Drew University and an MA in Religion in Public Life from Wheaton College. With interests in religion, contemporary politics, and culture, Ramirez is particularly interested in “how radical religious traditions present as a challenge to and resource against social oppression.” Erica recently wrote about evangelical politics for The Washington Post, Religion News Service, and Political Theology Network. A fifth-generation Texan, Erica lives in San Antonio with her husband Chris and their children: Judah, Julia, and Camilla.

The Barton Lectureship:

The Roy D. Barton Lectureship was established in 1995 to honor Dr. Barton for his distinguished service to the seminary and his equally distinguished service to the Hispanic United Methodist Church. Dr. Barton served as the founding Director of The Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program (then called the Mexican American Program) and Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Perkins School of Theology from 1974 until his retirement in 1995. The purpose of the Barton Lecture is to disseminate knowledge of Hispanic/Latin@ theology and ministry to benefit the academy, the church, and the wider public. Through the lectures, participants have heard from the leading Hispanic/Latin@ scholars in theological education and church leaders who have significantly impacted the Hispanic/Latin@ church and community. The lectureship has included the following among the many speakers: Dr. Justo L. González, Dr. Daisy L. Machado, Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr., Dr. Loida Martell, Dr. Hugo Magallanes, Dr. Fernando Segovia, Dr. Harold J. Recinos, and Eric D. Barreto.