The Rothko Chapel is reopening to the public on December 17th after closing due to damage sustained during Hurricane Beryl. In the interim, the Rothko Chapel Welcome House is open Tues to Sun, 11am-5pm. For more information, click here.

Press Release

Exploring the intersection of cosmology and theology with Ilia Delio at Rothko Chapel

January 19, 2018

Exploring the intersection of cosmology and theology with Ilia Delio at Rothko Chapel 

“Concept of the Divine” series continues Thursday, Feb. 15

HOUSTON – Jan. 19, 2018 – The Rothko Chapel is preparing to host an event exploring the dynamic intersection of theology and science – and diving into one woman’s concept of the divine, the universe and Christianity. 

At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, the Chapel is hosting a conversation with Franciscan nun Ilia Delio – moderated by Bill Kerley, a therapist and spiritual teacher. A public reception on the plaza will follow. 

The “pay what you can” event has a suggested value of $15. The Chapel is located at 3900 Yupon St. 

Ilia Delio, a Franciscan Sister out of Washington, DC, is a theologian focused on the overlap of science and religion. Her interests include evolution, physics and neuroscience – as they pertain to theology. 

Delio currently holds the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology at Villanova University and has authored 17 books, including “Care for Creation” (co-written with Keith Warner and Pamela Woods), which won two Catholic Press Book Awards in 2009, first place for social concerns and second place in spirituality. 

Her book “The Emergent Christ” won a third place Catholic Press Book Award in 2011. Her recent work, “The Unbearable Wholeness of Being: God, Evolution and the Power of Love,” received the 2014 Silver Nautilus Book Award and a third place Catholic Press Association Award.

Bill Kerley is a psychological and spiritual teacher, who uses Jungian insights to help achieve personal and relational growth. In addition to his private practice as a counselor and spiritual director, he served as an instructor at Baylor College of Medicine, teaching  “at risk” heart patients the beliefs and behaviors necessary to enhance and prolong their lives. 

Kerley is past president of both the Houston Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the National Speakers Association, Houston Chapter. A great deal of his energy goes into writing and giving talks designed to contribute to individual psychological and spiritual growth at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where he has served on the staff for numerous years.

The conversation is part of the Chapel’s continuing series, “Concept of the Divine,” which provides a platform for speakers to explain how their personal concept of God has changed over time and shaped their lives, their service to the community and their understanding of their own identity.

“The Rothko Chapel is an organization committed to interfaith dialogue and engagement -- and this series offers an excellent opportunity to hear from people representing diverse faith communities and other sectors of society,” director of programs and community engagement Ashley Clemmer said.

To register – and to learn more about the “Concept of the Divine” series, the Rothko Chapel and the full calendar of upcoming programs, workshops and events -- visit rothkochapel.org or call 713-524-9839.

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