SIM News

Les Hegwood: A Leading Light in Racial Reconciliation

05/25/17

Les Hegwood, recipient of a SIM/Carpenter Scholarship, exemplifies the kind of Christian societal leadership SIM intentionally supports through scholarships for theological education. Formed by thirteen years of teaching, coaching and leading in public and Episcopal schools, Les has entered seminary at The University of the South School of Theology to receive an education that will enable him to make a significant contribution to the aims of the Jesus Movement in the critical area of racial reconciliation. Upon graduating, Les will work in a dual vocational capacity serving both a parish and as founder of a new model of inner-city Episcopal school, connecting both spheres to foster transformation in the lives of students, parents, and the wider community. Les shares this vision with his nominating bishop, the Right Reverend Brian Seage. Together they are working to facilitate equity and reconciliation in the Diocese of Mississippi through the Episcopal educational system. “Les dreams big dreams,” writes Bishop Seage. The school in Mississippi is intended to be a model of what is possible when Episcopal schools become centers of learning where a deep sense of God’s call to each of us is fostered. By modeling Christ’s love and emphasizing tolerance and inclusivity, Les believes our Episcopal schools can also form students as reconcilers in the world. He hopes that as priest, educator and advocate, he will be able to help point the transformative light of Christ onto the hearts of God’s people to help facilitate healing, change, justice and love among the human family.