William B. Lawrence

William B. Lawrence is Professor of American Church History at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University in Dallas TX. For 14 years, he was also the Dean of the School. A BA graduate of Duke University (with Distinction), he has a Masters from Union Theological Seminary in NY and a PhD from Drew University. He also is an ordained United Methodist minister who served as a pastor in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC, where he was senior minister at the National United Methodist Church. He is the author or editor of seven books and numerous articles, in addition to poetry. His public commentaries have included op-ed pieces in print and on radio. Globally, he has taught and preached in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. He and his wife Naomi have two sons and five grandchildren. His church experiences include a term on the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church (its equivalent of a "supreme court"), with four years as its President.