The Rev. Peter Matthews ’95 spent much of the last six years as pastor of two large churches in southern Ohio, creating programs that focus on racial reconciliation, youth empowerment, and feeding and clothing the needy. While at St. Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cincinnati, he founded Holistic Inc., a social services organization of which he is still president, to equip individuals with specific, practical skills to maximize their potential. He found ministry both rewarding and frustrating, as he expanded the congregation but not the resources needed to carry out all his ideas.
During his years at Denison and Princeton University, where he earned a master of divinity degree in 1999, Matthews developed a global vision of Christianity. He spent one semester in South Africa as that country shed the reins of apartheid and another studying in France. He became fascinated with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his ability to bring multiracial constituencies together to understand one another.
Last spring, Matthews returned to his global perspective, and was accepted in a joint M.A./Ph.D. program for Ecumenical Studies at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute in Celigny, Switzerland, as the first African-American student in its 59-year history. Its mission “to prepare people to be agents of reconciliation, mutual respect and cooperation among Christians and with all God’s people of good will” fits his ideals.
Before beginning his studies last October, Matthews wrote his first book, Passing the Plate: Offerings of Hope and Healing for Humanity, a series of essays to bring together multiple generations of African-American preachers. He has begun work on his doctoral thesis on King’s international influence and plans to finish by 2008.
Before beginning his studies last October, Matthews wrote his first book, Passing the Plate: Offerings of Hope and Healing for Humanity, a series of essays to bring together multiple generations of African-American preachers. He has begun work on his doctoral thesis on King’s international influence and plans to finish by 2008.