Extra Credit Opportunity next Tuesday

Dean of Duke University Chapel to Speak next Tuesday at Agnes Scott College

-- Dean of the Chapel at Duke University the Rev. Samuel Wells regularly navigates the challenges and opportunities of crafting inspirational messages to multicultural audiences.

Wells shares his learning when he delivers the 2007 James Ross McCain Faith and Learning Lecture "Speaking the Truth in a Culture Committed to Diversity," Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Gaines Chapel, Presser Hall, Agnes Scott College. The event is free and open to the public, but a ticket is required. Information and reservations: 404-471-6430.

"Rev. Wells takes a good look at how we can live our lives authentically in a very diverse culture," said the Rev. Kate Colussy-Estes, Julia Thompson Smith Chaplain at Agnes Scott College. "I look forward to his particular take on how we can represent ourselves genuinely while respecting difference. With his background in community work and his new calling to the college campus, I welcome his insight."

In his role at Duke Chapel and as research professor of Christian ethics at Duke Divinity School, Wells works to connect the academic and spiritual lives of the university�s students, faculty and staff. In addition to overseeing planned worship, counseling and preaching, Wells serves as a focal point for ethical and theological discussions on campus on a wide range of topical issues.

Born in Canada, and raised in England, Wells served as a parish priest at Cambridge prior to his appointment at Duke in August 2005. He has devoted himself to parish work -- especially in underprivileged areas -- and to a scholarly career that has earned him a reputation as one of the major theologians writing on ethics today.

Wells graduated from Edinburgh University with a B.D. in systematic theology, from Merton College, Oxford with an M.A. in modern history and from Durham University with a Ph.D. in Christian ethics.

Before training for ordination, he served as a community worker in inner city Liverpool. From 1991-2005 he conducted parish ministry in the Church of England.

Wife Jo Bailey Wells, former dean of Clare College, Cambridge University, now serves as director of Anglican Studies at Duke Divinity School. They have two children.

The James Ross McCain Faith and Learning Lecture is sponsored by the college committee on faith and learning, created to encourage and maintain an ongoing spiritual/intellectual dialogue on campus. It is named for James Ross McCain, Agnes Scott College�s second president (1923-1951).

A reception follows the lecture in Rebekah Scott Hall, Katharine Woltz Reception Room.