VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABSN 02/27/2023)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy, BCC, ecclesiastical endorser and a member of the Leadership Empowerment Team, was elected chair of the Association of Religious Endorsing Bodies (AREB) at that organization’s 2023 annual meeting.
AREB consists of over 225 ecclesiastical endorsers from various faith traditions and recognized by the United States Department of Defense who gather to discuss best practices and advocacy for endorsements for chaplains, pastoral counselors and pastoral psychotherapists.
Rev. Dr. Murphy was also elected chair of the Executive Conference for the Veteran Chaplains (ECVAC), a subgroup of the National Conference Military Armed Forces. In her role, she works closely with the executive director of VA Chaplain Services to support the ministry of the Veteran chaplains and the spiritual care to our nation’s Veterans and their families and staff.
“I am excited and proud of Dr. Murphy’s accomplishments,” commented Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, ABHMS executive director and CEO of Judson Press. “Dr. Murphy admirably serves as ecclesiastical endorser for our American Baptist chaplains and pastoral counselors, and these leadership roles are indicative of her many gifts and graces.”
Mirroring Dr. Haggray’s sentiments, the Rev. Lauren Ng, director of ABHMS’ Leadership Empowerment Team, said that Rev. Dr. Murphy’s latest accomplishments “are representative of her proven dedication and record of excellence in the field. ABHMS is proud to have a seat at the table with these valued partners through the leadership of Dr. Patricia Murphy.”
Rev. Dr. Murphy, an ordained American Baptist minister and board certified chaplain, earned a Master of Divinity at New York Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary, and a post graduate certificate from Yeshiva University in bioethics and medical humanities. In addition, she holds certificates as a grief recovery method specialist and trauma support specialist.
Information about the work of Chaplaincy & Specialized Ministry at ABHMS is available at abhms.org.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.