By Darcy Gifford '91

Dr. Frances M. Alguire told me that, "You never know what God is preparing for you along life's journey," and she knows firsthand. She began her career as a registered nurse and eventually became the chairperson of the 150-member World Methodist Council-an organization which has been in existence since 1881 and represents Methodists from 108 countries. In fact, Alguire was the first layperson and first woman to hold that title.

Anyone familiar with Alguire and her wisdom knows how fortunate Adrian College was to have her as a member of its Board of Trustees (2000-2002). She is now retired and living in North Carolina but recently shared her thoughts on topics ranging from faith to spiritual life at Adrian College today.    

Darcy Gifford: Do you feel it's important for colleges like Adrian to embrace their religious heritage?

Fran Alguire: Yes. The wholeness aspect of development, growth and maturity is important throughout our life. This includes care of body, mind and spirit. God's spirit is ever present, yet too often we fail to take time to be still and know. Without spiritual groundings we are without roots in an ever-changing existence-in effect, drifters without a charted course.  Our religious heritage helps us to know who we are, and whose we are, today and into every tomorrow. "Trust in the Lord and He shall direct thy path."  Proverbs 3:5-6

DG: Adrian's current student body is diverse in its religious makeup. Do you see this as being important?

FA: How fortunate students at Adrian College are to have the opportunity to be in dialogue with individuals, and to learn the tenets of others' faith. Such encounters help you define and express your faith as well as learn about theirs. This knowledge will be beneficial to you, as you leave the confines of campus life and enter the global community where numerous faiths abound, and many persons are still searching.

During my three years as a student nurse, daily chapel services were held in the nurses' residence. Since that time I have participated in many Bible study courses, as well as times of worship. During these past seven years, I have learned a great deal about Islam, while being treated by a Muslim physician from Pakistan. I was able to share my Christian beliefs and to answer his questions as we talked.

DG: Do you think that contemporary church-related colleges struggle to maintain a balance between religious and academic identities?

FA: There should not be a struggle. A church-related college is superfluous if it does not adhere to the reason for its existence.

DG:  We live in a time when terror threats are abundant and images of violence are depicted regularly on the nightly news. What strategies do you suggest for keeping faith in these turbulent times?

FA:  Tennyson wrote years ago, "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of." The World Methodist Community totals over 75 million members throughout the world. Many members of this family are praying daily for peace for all of the world, and others are actively engaged in marches for peace and letter writing campaigns to leaders of countries that think war is the only solution.

We keep the faith by remembering that God's love, grace and abiding presence are always here-we are the ones that stray. Also, as we meet with others in the community of faith, support is generated. Our words have power- power to encourage or to discourage.

Let me share a verse from the Revised English Bible, Jude 1:20: "But you, my friends, must make your most sacred faith the foundation of your lives. Continue to pray in the power of the Holy Spirit."

DG: What early influences helped to shape your faith?

FA: My parents, Harry and Mary Werner, were both dedicated Christians, great mentors and exemplary of "faith and action." As children we were taught to say mealtime grace, bedtime prayers, and to memorize selected verses of Scripture, in addition to regular church attendance and Bible School.

DG: You were the first female to hold the main leadership role in the World Methodist Council. Did this provide any particular challenges?

FA:  I read scripture daily, and prayed frequently to be faithful in service and leadership. "God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created, male and female."  Genesis 1:27 So why shouldn't women serve? I was elected based on past experience and knowledge of World Methodism, in addition to years of volunteer service in the United Methodist Church at local, district, conference and national levels. I was well received by church participants from the 77 denominational members and their constituents. United Methodists are one of the member denominations of the WMC, providing necessary resources and personnel.

At global ecumenical gatherings I was often the lone woman. I remember being introduced to a male leader of another denomination in the Middle East. As he extended his hand he commented, "Oh, a woman." I didn't say, "How very observant you are!" Often I have been asked to participate in ecumenical events because I am a woman, and leaders wanted a woman's participation. These occasions provided the opportunity to be an advocate for more women to be in leadership roles.

DG: What is the focus of the World Methodist Council and what are some of the key issues facing world Methodism?

FA:  The World Methodist Council links member churches in supporting Methodist education, strengthening family life, developing evangelical programs-just to name a few key issues. In addition to the above, ongoing concerns are the issues of peace and justice for all of God's creation, when often threats of war, terrorism, and civil strife is the daily news. We are concerned about the thousands infected with HIV-AIDS virus; the need for affordable treatment; as well as century-old concerns relating to health and wholeness of life.

One way of demonstrating our concern for peace is by presenting a World           Methodist Peace Award annually. The recipient is elected from nominations submitted to Presidium members. During my term, awards were presented to Professor Andrea Ricardo, President of the St. Egidio Communita, Rome; The Grandmothers of Plaza De Mayo, Buenos Aires; UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, New York; Dr. Nelson Mandela, Capetown; and Dr. Joe Hale in England for his work as a peace advocate in the Middle East.

Alguire received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Adrian College in 1997.

For more information on the World Methodist Council, click here.