Strengthening Clergy Wellness and Mental Health

DR. GLEN BERRY APPOINTED FIRST OCCUPANT OF THE William & Virginia Leach Chair of Pastoral Psychology

During a Listening Tour in the fall of 2019, ADC President Anna Robbins heard the need for resources in training and education to address the emerging health crisis.

As a result, mental health education emerged as a priority for the College in our strategic vision Change with Purpose.

After years of support for the teaching and training in pastoral care, The Beatty Ryckman Trust partnered with ADC in 2022 to establish a fully funded academic chair named in honour of Bill and Virginia Leach. “The William and Virginia Leach Chair of Pastoral Psychology honours their wish to establish a permanent chair in pastoral psychology at Acadia Divinity College,” stated Rev. Dr. J. Peter Holmes and Ms. Marie Soderlund, advisors of The Beatty Ryckman Trust. “It was their prayer that this Chair will strengthen clergy wellness and in so doing, strengthen the church.”

At a dinner to celebrate the gift, it was announced that Dr. Glen Berry will be the first occupant of the Leach Chair of Pastoral Psychology. As a clinical psychologist in the public health service, he has a strong interest in helping pastors better understand mental health issues and mental illness, as well as building community within and around church families. “Glen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this position,” said Dr. Robbins. “We are excited to welcome him to the faculty table.”

The impact of this generous gift from The Beatty Ryckman Trust will be far and wide as ADC graduates take their new knowledge and skills into their communities.

To learn more, visit ACADIADIV.CA/LEACH-CHAIR