ATS Alum Rev. Dr. Tory Baucum (’06) Honored by Polish Government
The Polish government is honoring Rev. Dr. Baucum of the Benedictine College’s Center for Family Life with his election to the Polish Academy of Sciences. Polish President Duda has also appointed Tory to the Copernicus Academy. This honor is due in part to his reconciliation work – particularly during the Ukrainian refugee crisis. The letter he received for this honor (from Grzegorz Gorski) reads in part as follows:
February 19, 2023 is the 550th anniversary of [the] birth of Nicolaus Copernicus. This great Polish thinker played [an] exceptional role in science, and still inspires scientists worldwide with his achievements. Recognizing this, the government of Poland, and [the] Polish scientific community decided to celebrate this important anniversary by establishing the international Copernican Academy, and organizing the World Copernican Congress.
We are convinced that these endeavors will not only celebrate Copernicus, but will also stimulate cooperation between Polish and foreign scientists. We are certain that your participation in the activities of the Academy would help immensely to assure its success.
Thus, representing the organizers of these events, I am pleased to invite you to take part in the World Copernican Congress in Torun, Poland.
Furthermore, I am pleased to inform you that we would like to nominate you as a member of the Copernican Academy, Philosophy and Theology Chamber.
Countless friends and colleagues of Tory have wonderful things to say about him. He is a man with “strength of mind, conviction, and character,” “a tireless bridge builder and effective peacemaker.” Baucum is a hospitable instigator “of efforts in Christian education and genuine ecumenical engagement.”
Archbishop Naumann also had glowing things to say: “Tory will bring great philosophical and theological insight to the Academy… I am excited to see the contribution the Copernicus Academy will make to the advancement of Faith and Reason, Science and Ethics.”
Alumni from Asbury Theological Seminary are dutifully fixing up their corners of the world. We continue to marvel at God’s faithfulness as He works in and through the people impacted by ATS.
**The above is adapted in part from a longer article by Tom Hoopes, found HERE.**
Tory is, indeed, a bridge builder, teacher, problem solver and counselor. This is a well deserved honor.
Congrats Tory! Praying for your work to be blessed in every way!