Howard Payne University held its fifth annual Currie-Strickland Distinguished Lectures in Christian Ethics this week, with speakers addressing the topic “Faith and Politics: Being Prophetic Without Being Partisan.”

Guest lecturers included Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, president of Interfaith Alliance and pastor of preaching and worship at Northminster Church in Monroe, La.; Suzii Paynter, director of the Advocacy and Care Center and of the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT); and Stephen Reeves, legislative counsel for the Christian Life Commission of the BGCT.

“Our guest lecturers did a superb job of addressing the topic of faith and politics,” said Dr. Donnie Auvenshine, dean of HPU’s School of Christian Studies. “All of us who heard and all who will read the lectures are challenged to engage this very important aspect of living out our Christian faith.”

The annual lecture series is made possible through the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Gary Elliston and was established to honor the life of Dr. David R. Currie, president of Cornerstone Builders and retired executive director of Texas Baptists Committed, and the memory of Phil Strickland, who dedicated nearly 40 years of ministry to the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ Christian Life Commission.

Pictured at top: Attendees on campus for the lecture series included (from left) Danny Slaughter, brother-in-law of Dr. David Currie; Carolyn Slaughter, sister of Dr. David Currie; Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president; Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, guest speaker; Dr. David Currie, president of Cornerstone Builders and retired executive director of Texas Baptists Committed; Carolyn Strickland, wife of the late Phil Strickland; Suzii Paynter, guest speaker; Stephen Reeves, guest speaker; and Dr. Donnie Auvenshine, dean of HPU’s School of Christian Studies.