October 2, 2019
Dear Howard University Community,
The Reverend Cain Hope Felder, Ph.D., established scholar, author, biblical commentator, professor, editor and preacher, has submitted his final earthly assignment. He passed yesterday at the age of 76.
Born in Aiken, South Carolina, Felder never planned to become a scholar in New Testament language and literature. As with many things in his life, he seemed predestined to his course. Since childhood, Felder consistently came in contact with clergy and ministers who helped guide his interests toward biblical studies. He graduated from Howard in 1966 with a degree in philosophy, Greek and Latin. Felder also held Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Philosophy degrees in biblical languages and literature from Columbia University in New York; a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York; and a Diploma of Theology from Mansfield College at the University of Oxford in England.
Prior to his return to alma mater, he taught within the Department of Biblical Studies (1978–1981) at Princeton Theological Seminary. It wasn’t until he began teaching at Princeton that he realized the uniqueness he possessed as a knowledgeable African American within his profession. From 1969 to 1972, Felder worked as the first executive director of Black Methodists for Church Renewal, the Black caucus of the United Methodist Church, which was headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Originally ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church, he served as pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in New York City (1975–1977) and was later ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Until his death, Felder served as an elder in the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he was appointed by Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson as the resident biblical scholar for the district. Dr. Felder served as professor of New Testament language and literature and editor of The Journal of Religious Thought at the Howard University School of Divinity. He also served as chair of the Doctor of Philosophy program and immediate past chair of the Doctor of Ministry program. He maintained his standing as a member of faculty from 1981 until he retired and accepted professor emeritus status in 2016.
In 1990, he founded the Biblical Institute of Social Change (BISC), headquartered in Washington, D.C. From 1998 to 2001, Felder served as chair of the implementation panel for the National Center for African American Heritage & Culture at Howard University. He also held prominent positions within the American Academy of Religion, Rockefeller Brothers Fund for Theological Education, The Middle East Studies Association, The Black Theology Project, The Inter-religious Foundation for Community Organization and the Society for Biblical Literature. A world-renowned scholar, he was a sought-after lecturer, consultant and media interviewee.
Known notably for his scholastic achievements and endless contributions to African American Hermeneutics, Dr. Felder was also a dear friend and extraordinary colleague to many. I am grateful to have known the gentle giant. He was the consummate professional; approachable while always maintaining high standards.
In the summer 2016 edition of the Howard Magazine, Felder was highlighted, in the Alumni Profiles section, summarizing his feelings about Howard thusly, “I don’t know if I could have been more productive as a scholar in any other place but here,” Felder said. “Because, in a genuine sense, I really felt so relieved to be back in D.C., to be here at Howard.” That same year, he celebrated his 35th and final year teaching at the place he considered to be the start of it all.
The path ordered and ordained is one that’s trodden by the appointed and the anointed, laid specifically for those following behind. The Reverend Dr. Cain Hope Felder laid a path of enlightenment, through his scholarship and preaching, that has made the steps of those who follow him lighter and fuller. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.
Excellence in Truth and Service,
Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA
President
|
|
|
|
