Chaplaincy Studies Expansion
Over the last several years, the demand for well-trained chaplains to serve in a variety of settings—military, hospital, hospice, prison, school, etc.—has grown exponentially. At the same time, more Brite Divinity School students are interested in serving as chaplains than at any other time in our history. Indeed, one of the dreams that received the most support on our Dream Board was for a more robust chaplaincy program at Brite. As such, we are thrilled to announce our first major step in making that dream a reality with the hiring of the Rev. Zachary Moon, PhD as our new Director of Chaplaincy Studies.
“Dr. Moon is one of the nation’s foremost leaders in chaplaincy studies and we could not be more thrilled to have him shepherding our program,” said Brite President, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady. He continued, “Not only will he provide much needed direction and program coordination for students interested in chaplaincy, this investment will help ensure that we are providing all of our students with the skills necessary for success in whatever ministry context they choose.”
Dr. Moon comes to Brite from Chicago Theological Seminary, where he was Professor of Theology and Psychology. About this significant move, Moon reflected, “Brite has long occupied a place of distinction in my mind because of its legacy of dynamic scholarship, justice-committed education, and diverse community.” He continued, “Chaplaincy Studies is at an inflection point, and Brite is positioned to become the leader in the next wave of innovative theological education. I am eager to see all that God can make possible.”
In 2018, Moon was one of the founding leaders for the Center for Chaplaincy Studies (CCS), which partners with schools, congregations, and community organizations to educate chaplains to serve trauma-impacted communities. He will continue to provide leadership for CCS, while expanding chaplaincy studies at Brite.
In addition to publishing broadly in numerous journals, Dr. Moon has written four books: Doing Theology in Pandemics: Facing Viruses, Violence, and Vitriol (Pickwick, 2022); Goatwalking: A Quaker Pastoral Theology (Brill, 2021); Warriors between Worlds: Moral Injury and Identities in Crisis (Lexington Books, 2019); Coming Home: Ministries That Matter with Veterans and Military Families (Chalice Press, 2015).
His experience is not limited to the classroom, however, as Dr. Moon has served as a chaplain in multiple contexts, including in the United States Navy. He specializes in working with military veterans and their families, training faith communities in post-deployment reentry and reintegration, and building sustainable social movements for justice through holistic compassionate care. He has become a leading voice in the study of moral injury and moral distress, and publishes and consults widely on the topic.
Dr. Moon earned his B.A. at Vassar College, his M.Div. from Chicago Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. from Iliff School of Theology. He was raised in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and is currently ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Dr. Moon’s arrival, together with the pending arrival of the Rev. Dr. Michael Yandell as the Director of the Soul Repair Center and DMin Studies, represents a twin commitment to the field of moral injury and the robust chaplaincy program about which our students have been dreaming.
