This just in from Mary E. Hunt at WATER.Letty Russell, feminist theologian, died peacefully at home last night (July 12, 2007) after a valiant and graceful struggle with cancer. Shannon Clarkson was with her. They were accompanied near and far by legions of friends and colleagues. May she rest in the peace she envisioned and worked for throughout her life of scholarship, service, hospitality, and friendship.
WATER extends sympathy to Shannon on this great loss. May Letty's memory be a blessing and her work a source on inspiration to the many people around the world whose lives she touched.
-Mary E. Hunt
Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER)
Silver Spring, Maryland
Letty was editor, with Shannon Clarkson, of the Dictionary of Feminist Theologies. She devoted much of her energy in recent years to supporting the work of women theologians in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the global South. She was professor of theology emerita at Yale Divinity School.
Here is some recent audio -- Letty's recent lecture at Harvard, "Encountering the 'Other' in a World of Difference and Danger."
With Mary and many others, I give thanks for Letty's life and work. May the angels sing her into paradise and may her legacy thrive on this earth.
For all the saints, who from their labors rest. . .
ReplyDeleteI saw Shannon at the lecture in June. I almost didn't recognize her, so I asked someone, I think. She appeared to be pre-occupied, but well cared for.
ReplyDeletePrayers for our dear sisters, and for ourselves, who mourn.
You mean Letty, not Shannon, yes?
ReplyDeleteDid you know her?
Oh dear. What a loss. Thanks for letting us know. Letty's writings had a great influence on me.
ReplyDeleteNo, Shannon. I had an interview with her in West Haven in the Eighties; another "Nothing now, but keep looking and it's nice to know you, thanks, and keep in touch." which I failed to do. Painful story. Sorry. I didn't see where I was being led.
ReplyDeleteI think my new sleeping pill is kicking in soon. Ta ta, all. Yes, please: "All y'all."
Jane R., did I do that right? :)
ZZZZZZZZZZZ
Jane--
ReplyDeleteLovely to see the photo of Letty and to make acquaintance with your blog. Great links!
Perhaps you could consider linking to EEWC.com, a good site for biblical feminists, tended by Letha Scanzoni.
Anne Eggebroten
Anne, thanks for the visit! And thank you for reminding me of EEWC and letting me know they have a website. I will put them on the list to the right, and also when I have a bit more time, will write up a post about them. Hope you are well. Stop by any time.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Anne, there's more on Letty above.
ReplyDeleteI am not an academic, but I have a solid baccalaureate degree and three Master's degrees. Letty was one of my favorite teachers of all time. Her influence is timeless.
ReplyDeleteMark F. Nichik, MS, MBA