A Seminary Experience Rooted in Justice

Dear Friend,

For seminarians and recent graduates, the Hall-Proctor Institute offers more than a gathering. It offers formation. 

The Dale Andrews Freedom Seminary (DAFS) is a credit-bearing, graduate-level experience embedded within the Institute. Designed for emerging faith leaders, DAFS connects theology, preaching, pastoral care, and social analysis with the urgent realities shaping the lives of children and youth. 

Named in honor of Rev. Dr. Dale P. Andrews, a visionary in public theology, the seminary prepares students to lead with clarity, courage, and accountability to the communities they serve.

What Makes DAFS Distinct:

  • A rigorous academic experience, not a conference track 
  • Integration of public theology and children’s advocacy 
  • Space to engage faith, justice, and lived experience together 
  • A cohort model that extends learning beyond the week on the Farm 

2026 Leadership

This year’s DAFS will be led by Co-Deans Rev. Dr. Lorena Parrish and Rev. Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr., guiding seminarians through a week of theological reflection, critical engagement, and formation grounded in the Black prophetic tradition. 

Rev. Dr. Lorena Parrish

Associate Professor of Urban Ministries,

Director of Community Engagement Institute and Center for Public Theology at Wesley Theological Seminary

Rev. Dr. Obery Hendricks

Emeritus Professor of Biblical Interpretation at New York Theological SeminaryRead MoreRead More

Hall-Proctor is an intergenerational convening of emerging and established faith leaders. The Institute is not complete without our seminarians. 

Register for DAFS or share with a seminary student today! Register Today

In Service,

Rev. Marvin Silver

Director, Leadership Development & Organizing

Rev. Trevor Beauford

Organizing Manager, Faith CommunitiesDONATE

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Children’s Defense Fund · 840 1st St NE Ste 300 · Washington, DC 20002-8000 · USA

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Published by RJ Hamster

I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis. I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God. I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree. Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons. I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA. While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon.. In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God. We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987). From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting. Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982. I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects. In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston. In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018. Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia. In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey. As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova. Love and God Bless, Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi

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