Crystal Silva-McCormick, Th.M./Ph.D. Crystal Silva-McCormick’s first experience with Islam was when she visited a mosque as part of a college class. It planted a seed of affection and respect that grew into a desire to educate the Christian church about Islam. That desire grew when she was at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Crystal worked for a professor who hosted Iftar dinners, interfaith scriptural conversations, and other activities to foster a better understanding of Islam. “I met a lot of Muslims through those activities. The first time I heard the call to prayer, I cried. It was a very moving experience.” Along with her interest in Islam, Crystal developed an interest in feminist theology as well as Muslim-Christian relations. She heard about LSTC from the professor for whom she had worked. In fall 2011, Crystal began her Ph.D. studies in Islam and Interfaith Studies at LSTC. Crystal is also pursuing research on Islam in Spain and Islam in Mexico. “I want to see how Muslims have created a ‘Hispano-Muslim’ culture and I can utilize my fluency in Spanish to study the primary sources.” The United Church of Christ, the denomination in which Crystal will be ordained, is very supportive of her Ph.D. studies. “We don’t know, yet, where I will serve, but they are supporting me in this. The UCC and the ELCA do a lot of work together in the Middle East and Palestine.”
33