North Park Seminary's Lauren Thurston Receives Notable Fellowship for Professional Ethics Research
In an inspiring achievement, Lauren Thurston, an alumna of North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS), has been awarded the esteemed Fellowship at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE). This fellowship is designed for clergy and other professionals, allowing participants to critically examine ethical issues in various fields.
As an MDiv graduate in 2023, Thurston’s dedication to the dignity and well-being of all individuals was prominent throughout her time at NPTS. Armida Belmonte Stephens, a Theology Teaching Fellow at the seminary, expressed her admiration for Thurston, stating, "Her commitment to addressing vital ethical questions speaks volumes about her future as a pastor and leader. This fellowship is truly well-deserved," she noted.
FASPE offers a unique opportunity for its participants to spend two weeks engaging with complex ethical constructs in workplaces. The program includes a study trip to Germany and Poland, where students will visit significant historical sites related to the Holocaust. This experiential learning is essential, as it provides deep insights into the ethical failures that enabled the rise of Nazism in the 1930s and 1940s, and how these historical contexts can inform contemporary professional practices.
The fellowship aims to unpack the roles and responsibilities of professionals during this dark chapter in history and encourages vital discussions about ethical behavior in today’s society. According to FASPE's mission statement, the program examines the actions of individual professionals from 1933 to 1945 as a framework for understanding the ethical responsibilities that modern professionals face today.
The fellowship is highly competitive and seeks candidates across various fields, including law, medical professions, journalism, design, technology, and religious leadership. For clergy-specific applicants like Thurston, the criteria require enrollment in graduate-level education or preparations for a career as a religious leader. Importantly, FASPE welcomes candidates from diverse faith backgrounds, fostering a rich environment for ethical discourse.
North Park University, where Thurston pursued her education, is known for its city-centric approach and an intercultural community that focuses on developing leaders in Christian higher education for the 21st century. The institution actively encourages students to engage with pressing societal issues and emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and responsibility.
As Thurston embarks on this remarkable journey, her commitment to elevating ethical standards in ministry and beyond serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders. The FASPE fellowship represents not just an opportunity for personal growth, but also a chance to set a precedent in how ethical dimensions are integrated within various professions. As she prepares for this transformative experience, we are eager to see how Thurston will utilize her learning to impact her community and uphold the values of justice, dignity, and respect for all individuals in her future endeavors. Follow her journey and insights from the fellowship as she explores the historical implications and modern-day applications of professional ethics.