Candler in Conversation with Robert Franklin

March 27, 2026

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Dr. Robert M. Franklin Jr., the James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor in Moral Leadership at Candler School of Theology, joins host Cristha Lea for the Scholar, Unscripted series. In a wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Franklin reflects on the question that has chased him the longest—what makes a good community—drawing on the legacy of his grandmother, Martha McCann, and his experiences as the tenth president of Morehouse College. He shares his vision of the “Five Wells” (well read, well spoken, well traveled, well dressed, well balanced), discusses the role of trust in navigating uncertain times, and speaks about the influence of thinkers like Frederick Buechner, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Martin Luther King Jr. Franklin also pays tribute to the late Dr. Gloria Wade-Gayles of Spelman College and Candler’s own Dr. James Abbington.

The Candler in Conversation Podcast series is produced in partnership with The Candler Foundry. Explore faith, ministry, scholarship, and vocation with Candler faculty, staff, students and alumni.

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