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The sixth annual Nancy A. Hardesty Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Christian Feminism Today, has been awarded to M Burke.
Mx. Burke will complete their Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree this fall through Nazarene Theological Seminary. Burke was awarded theology student of the year by Nazarene Theological Seminary in both 2017 and 2019.
This fall Burke is looking forward to working with youth again and embarking on the adventure of teaching at the secondary level. They currently lead a youth group at a local United Methodist Church and are a member of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Columbia, Missouri where they reside.
Burke is especially interested in intersectional Christian feminism and in helping other white feminists to work toward anti-racism. In their scholarship application they write, “the oppressed can also be oppressors. White women occupy a space of oppression from the patriarchy, while also being participants in racism. They are oppressed, but also are oppressors and they benefit from white privilege. Therefore, I hope to continue to challenge white Christian people to not only be feminists, but to be anti-racists as well. This starts with my own journey of learning about racism and working to become anti-racist.”
Burke is also passionate about building relationships with feminists from other faith traditions and bringing eco-theology and eco-feminist-theology into the mainstream faith conversation. In addition to bringing academic conversations to everyday persons Burke also call Christian feminists to “take practical action in their own lives and in the lives of their faith communities. Even simple things like setting up a recycling program at a local church is important to eco-justice.”
The Nancy A. Hardesty Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student who aspires to exemplify the values and achievements of Nancy A. Hardesty, a founding member of the Christian Feminism Today organization, formerly known as EEWC (Evangelical and Ecumenical Women’s Caucus). The purpose of the $1,000 scholarship, awarded every June, is to help a student who wants to be in a leadership role that supports and promotes Christian feminism. Read more about the NAHMS here.
To make a donation to the Nancy A. Hardesty Memorial Scholarship fund, please click here.
