DONOR SPOTLIGHT: JUNE 2011

Tell us a little about yourself.
I teach environmental theology and ethics at Christian Theological Seminary and am a Presbyterian minister who has worked on ecojustice for twenty-five years. “Ecojustice” means economic plus ecological justice together “for the wellbeing of all human beings on a thriving earth.” I also do a lot of interfaith and community partnership work for CTS. I live in Fall Creek Place where I tend my lawn organically and mow with an electric mower. I love to see the neighborhood birds and rabbits enjoy the clover and the thistles that grow along the fence. I ride a bike for exercise and to explore downtown and I also love any boat that does not have a motor, especially sailing.

Why did you first support KIB?
David Forsell, a former student of mine, invited me to a luncheon. I was very impressed with the way KIB does asset-based neighborhood development all over the city, but especially in some of the most neglected and troubled neighborhoods – real ecojustice in action!

What keeps you involved?
KIB is worth long-term support. They keep getting better and better, and have grown wonderfully creative at leveraging resources for multiple positive effects.

Do you have a favorite place in the city?
I love to ride my bicycle on the downtown canal. I never know what I’m going to see there – I’ve even seen Elvis! I always stop to rest at the Frank and Judy O’Bannon bench by the steam clock in front of the Indiana State Museum, and enjoy watching the kids jump when the clock goes off. But even more, I appreciate the extraordinary architecture and grounds of the place where I work, Christian Theological Seminary on W. 42nd St. It is light, airy, and lovely, right on the canal and river. I’ve seen grebes, turtles galore, and there is a family of red foxes that lives on the grounds.

Do you have a favorite flower or tree?
I love lilacs, in part because they are associated with the death of my all-time hero, Abraham Lincoln, being in bloom the night he died. But nothing beats old growth forest, of any kind. They are the cathedrals of the natural world, filled with spiritual light.