Two Atlanta Community Leaders of Faith have Candler Connections

Two individuals with Candler connections were honored as “Atlanta Community Leaders of Faith” by the national religious radio program Day 1 at an event on February 28. Among the six “Leaders of Faith” honorees were the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, who will be joining Candler’s faculty in the fall, and the Reverend Dr. William L. Self, 71T.

“Atlanta Community Leaders of Faith” are chosen because they are leaders well known for their commitment to the good of the community, but who may not have been recognized for their deep commitment to their church and religious community.

Bishop Alexander will become Candler’s Professor in the Practice of Liturgy and Director of the Anglican Studies Program in fall of 2012. He was elected the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta in 2001; prior to his election, he had an extensive career in theological education that spanned two decades and included tenures at the University of the South School of Theology and General Theological Seminary in New York.

Bill Self is the senior pastor of Johns Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta and a member of the board of trustees of Day 1. He has served as President of the Georgia Baptist Convention, President of the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention, and President of the Buckhead Business Association. He has authored 10 books, and a lectureship in preaching was established in his honor at McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University.