Rudolph P. Reyes II to Join the Faculty as Instructor of Christian Ethics and Latinx Studies
May 24, 2021
After an extensive search conducted by faculty members of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Mr. Rudolph P. Reyes II will join the faculty as instructor of Christian Ethics and Latinx Studies, effective August 1, 2021. A doctor of philosophy candidate at the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology, Reyes specializes in social ethics, Latinx studies, and disability studies.
Of his scholarship and qualifications, members of the search committee praised Reyes saying, “His research, teaching, and character set him apart as a most exceptional candidate for this position.” His academic work and scholarship were noted as “a promising, original, and groundbreaking consideration of Latinx neurodivergence as a matter of import for Christian ethics.”
Reyes holds a bachelor of arts in religious studies from Arizona State University and a master of divinity from Harvard Divinity School. He is poised to complete his doctoral dissertation in the spring of 2022. Reyes will be named assistant professor of Christian Ethics and Latinx Studies upon completion of his dissertation. His dissertation is titled, Divergence: Towards a Neurodivergent Latinx Liberative Social Ethic.
“We welcome Rudy after a long search for a scholar and teacher with a unique combination of expertise and passion,” said Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera, president of Garrett-Evangelical. “Rudy’s training as a Christian social ethicist whose research focuses on both disability studies and Latinx studies will bring critical and necessary contributions to our faculty, and provide for our students a resource in two areas of ethical inquiry that are growing in interest and significance for the church and our society. I know that his contributions to the seminary will be instantly felt.”
Reyes is the recipient of numerous doctoral and dissertation fellowships. In 2017, the University of Denver awarded Reyes a Doctoral Fellowship for Inclusive Excellence. In 2020, the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) named him a doctoral fellow. And in 2021, the Joint Doctoral Program of the University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology awarded Reyes a dissertation fellowship.
His publications to date include a book chapter titled “Beyond the Prophetic Temptation of Ecological Disgust” in Miguel De La Torre’s book Gonna Trouble the Waters: Ecojustice, Water, and Environmental Racism (Pilgrim Press).
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join Garrett’s faculty and contribute to the courageous scholarship of this institution,” said Reyes. “As a liberative ethicist, my pedagogy is grounded in the pursuit of justice and education inclusivity. Under President Javier Viera’s leadership, I admire Garrett’s bold witness in making a transformative impact in the church, the academy, and the world.”
Reyes is a member of the American Academy of Religion (AAR), the Society for Disability Studies, and the Society of Christian Ethics. He has served on a steering committee for AAR, an organizing team for the Intersectional Neurodiversity Reading Group London (UK), and the dean’s task force at the University of Denver, Iliff School of Theology.
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church, was founded in 1853. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, the seminary serves more than 450 students from various denominations and cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy, and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.