(January 26, 2012)

Bishop Hutchinson keynote speaker for 6th Annual CLC Fundraiser

SHREVEPORT, LA — Louisiana United Methodist Conference Bishop William Hutchinson will be the featured keynote speaker for the Christian Leadership Center's 6th Annual Fundraising Dinner. Hutchinson will address the current state of the Church after his 50 years in ministry.

"The Christian Leadership Center fundraising dinner is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and support the mission of Centenary College — to develop leaders that transform the world," said Valerie Robideaux, Director of Professional Discernment. "This year, we are honoring Bishop Hutchinson who not only actively supports the mission of Centenary, but who is also an example of the kind of servant leader Centenary values."

A silent auction will begin at 5:45 p.m. with dinner following at 6:00 p.m.

Bishop Hutchinson has been providing spiritual direction to congregations and conferences of The United Methodist Church for 50 years. As bishop of the Louisiana Conference since 2000, he provided key leadership for Louisiana recovery efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Prior to joining the Louisiana Conference, Hutchinson ministered to congregations throughout Texas and New Mexico. He received his Master of Divinity from Duke University in 1966 and holds Honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from both McMurry University and Centenary College of Louisiana. Bishop Hutchinson will retire from the episcopacy in August 2012.

The 6th Annual CLC Fundraising Dinner kicks off a host of CLC-sponsored events for the weekend. A two-day seminar featuring Andy Crouch's "Everyday Excellence: A Seminar in Culture Making" will also take place Friday evening and Saturday, March 24.

Money raised from the annual fundraising dinner supports the Christian Leadership Center. The CLC is a faith-based program committed to offering educational opportunities at the intersection of faith and intellect for the Shreveport-Bossier and Centenary community. The CLC also promotes local, regional, and international mission trips that are grounded in biblical study and integrated with theological discussion and reflection.

Tickets can be purchased online or by contacting Maegan Daigle, Assistant Director of Christian Leadership, at email or 318.869.5112. Interested underwriters can contact Warren Clifton, Director of Church Relations, at email or 318.869.5108.