Statement from the Rev. Dr. William Harrison, President, LTS
“As President of LTS, I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Kayko Driedger Hesslein as William Hordern Professor of Theology. Dr. Driedger Hesslein brings deep roots in Lutheran theology and a strong presence in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, including in Western Canada.
Her record of publication, both academic and popular, is impressive. She has a growing national and international profile as a public speaker who connects the riches of theological reflection with the challenges of contemporary life. Dr. Driedger Hesslein is a major contributor to LTS’s twin priorities of: 1) increased engagement with the ELCIC where we serve, in the “Our Classroom is Western Canada: We Meet There in Mission” project, and 2) sharing in a more integrated and developed Saskatoon Theological Union. We believe that Dr. Driedger Hesslein will carry forward the tradition of the Hordern Professorship: deep engagement with the gospel from a Lutheran perspective, in our place and time.”
Statement from the Rev. Dr. Kayko Driedger Hesslein, William Hordern Professor of Theology, LTS
“Since August 2020, I have been immersed in the life of LTS through teaching, administration, and research. I have learned the history of LTS, surveyed the current needs of the ELCIC and LTS's role in that, and worked closely with LTS's STU partners. At this year's Convocation, I was blessed to be present as students I taught in their first year of class graduated, and deeply touched to participate in the ordination of one of them.
These past two years affirmed for me a call that I have been hearing since my own first year of seminary twenty-four years ago when my theology professor, Dr. John Hoffmeyer, suggested that I continue to "do theology" and think about a future in seminary teaching. Since then, I have walked the path of ministry in such a way as to respond most fully to this call: serving in congregational ministry, earning a PhD in Systematic Theology, and continuing to keep one foot in the congregation and one in the academy.
I have been proud to serve as LTS faculty for the last two years and enthusiastically shared with fellow teaching theologians in other countries LTS's commitment to Lutheran theological education, to right relationships with Indigenous peoples, and to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Dr. William Hordern was committed to Lutheran theology and to the work of racial justice, and I am honoured to continue in his footsteps and those of the first holder of the Chair, Dr. Gordon Jensen, as we all respond to the Spirit's call to serve the whole church for the good of God's creation.”
To hear one of Professor Driedger Hesslein’s recent lectures, titled: “Decolonizing Theology: In the seminary, in the church, and beyond”, please click on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD7zjhRNFSY