EDS to Honor Harris with Doctorate
Episcopal News Service. March 23, 1989 [89063A]
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (DPS, Mar. 23) -- The board of trustees of the Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) has voted to award one of its members, the Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris, an honorary doctor of divinity degree during commencement exercises on May 25.
Harris, recently consecrated Suffragan Bishop of Massachusetts, and the first woman bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion, has been an active trustee of EDS since 1982, serving on the nominating, strategic planning, and development committees.
Prior to her tenure as trustee, Harris spent time on the Cambridge campus in preparation for her general ordination exams, the examinations required of all persons preparing for ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church.
Harris is the first bishop to sit on the EDS board of trustees since 1974, when the seminary was formed by a merger of the Philadelphia Divinity School and the Episcopal Theological School. During its fall meeting, the board expressed its desire that Harris continue her tenure as trustee, despite her elevation to the episcopacy.
In addition to receiving her honorary doctorate, Harris will give the commencement address to the graduating class.