Rev. Dr. Mazvita Machinga, Bishop Gift K. Machinga, and Rev. Woong-Min Kim were recognized as the 2025 Distinguished Alums at Claremont School of Theology’s Commencement ceremony in Los Angeles.

Recipients of the award are nominated by their peers for being agents of transformation and healing in the world, and for living out CST’s core values of compassion, justice, and belonging.

Read more about each extraordinary recipient below:

Rev. Dr. Mazvita Machinga

Rev. Dr. Mazvita Machinga is an ordained United Methodist Church Deacon and seasoned psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in mental health, trauma healing, and substance use rehabilitation. She earned an MTS in Pastoral Care and Counseling (2005) and a PhD in Practical Theology, Psychotherapy Track (2012) from CST, and also holds an MSc in Psychology from the University of Roehampton. As Founder and Clinical Director of Psychotherapy, Care and Counselling Services in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, she serves vulnerable communities through voluntary clinical services, psychoeducation, and innovative trauma recovery programs. Dr. Machinga has held key leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Zimbabwe National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Committee, Chair of the Zimbabwe Psychological Association (Manicaland), and inaugural President of the Zimbabwe Association of Professional Accredited Chaplains. She also serves on various provincial and church committees. Her work integrates spirituality and mental health, promoting their complementarity and advancing healing and empowerment. Recognized nationally and internationally, her efforts embody CST’s mission to cultivate compassionate leaders for a just and healing world.

Bishop Gift K. Machinga 

With over 42 years in pastoral ministry, Bishop Rev. Dr. Gift Machinga ’04, ’08 embodies dedicated spiritual leadership and community service. He earned a Master of Arts and Doctor of Ministry in Religious Education from CST. Currently the Resident Bishop for the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Botswana Episcopal Area, he has served faithfully in diverse roles across Zimbabwe and the U.S. Known for his compassionate, humble, and wise leadership, Bishop Machinga has held key positions including District Superintendent, Conference Secretary, Chair of the Board on Ordained Ministry, and team lead to the General and Central Africa Conferences. He has also served as Board Member for Africa Upper Room Ministries and Africa’s leader for the General Board of Discipleship. His visionary efforts have supported the development of church infrastructure, health facilities, and UMC campgrounds in Zimbabwe. A mentor to many clergy and laity, he advocates for discipleship, unity among Christian denominations, and spiritual growth. A strong voice for peace and harmony in faith communities, Bishop Machinga’s life exemplifies servant leadership and deep devotion. His enduring impact reflects CST’s mission to form compassionate leaders, rooted in justice, and committed to healing a fractured world.

Rev. Woong-Min Kim

For over four decades, Rev. Woong-Min Kim ‘81 has been one of the most respected pastors in the Korean American United Methodist Church. Born in Korea before the Korean War, his experiences with social conflict shaped his ministry, emphasizing compassion, justice, and belonging. He served a congregation in Korea and six in the California-Pacific Annual Conference, founding two. From 2004–2010, he was District Superintendent of the Hawaii District and later served as Coordinator for the Western Jurisdiction Korean Ministry (2015–2022). Known for humility and deep faith, Rev. Kim empowered laypeople and prioritized community consent, fostering peace wherever he served.

His ministry extended globally—he founded a pasta factory in North Korea during a famine, supported churches and medical missions in Brazil, established congregations in the Philippines, and aided care homes for orphans and those with disabilities in Korea. Rev. Kim also supported ecumenical missions and promoted multicultural, multiracial ministry.

Even after retiring in 2013, he remained active, helping 18 churches partner to support 22 new congregations and serving as Chair of CST’s International Development Committee. Through his leadership, he has helped raise over half a million dollars for CST. Rev. Kim embodies CST’s values, demonstrating how pastoral leadership rooted in compassion and justice transforms communities worldwide.

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CST is deeply honored and grateful to receive a $100,000 gift from the West Los Angeles United Methodist Church for the Bishop Roy I. Sano and Kathy Thomas-Sano Endowed Chair in Asian American Theologies. This gift was presented to CST on Sunday, September 15, 2024 during West LA UMC’s Sunday morning worship service. Several CST faculty members and alums, as well as four UMC bishops were present for the service.

By establishing the Bishop Roy I. Sano and Kathleen A. Thomas-Sano Endowed Chair in Pacific and Asian Theology, CST hopes to achieve the following outcomes:

• Enable future, clergy, chaplains, and academics to fully understand the unique contribution of Asian Americans to the study of theology.
• Raise awareness regarding the significant role that AAPI churches play in their communities, even for people who are not Christians.
• Position Claremont School of Theology at the leading edge for the study of AAPI theology and establish it as a permanent home in the West – where 47% of America’s AAPI people reside — for scholarship and innovation in AAPI Theology.
• Enhance the synergy that has already existed for 50+ years between Claremont School of Theology and Christian communities, leaders, and scholars all along the Pacific Rim.
• Formally recognize Bishop Sano’s legacy as a highly respected and admired figure in The United Methodist Church and beyond, enshrine his significant contribution to AAPI Theology, and honor Bishop Sano and Mrs. Thomas-Sano’s unfailing work for the full participation of all people in the life of The United Methodist Church.

To make a gift towards the Sano Chair Endowment Fund, please visit https://cst.edu/give-to-claremont/.

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Alum Dr. Terry LePage’s journey from research chemist to climate-focused spiritual guide serves as an inspiring example of an interdisciplinary approach to calling, and how such an approach can address the challenges of our times. For LePage, a deep personal transformation and growing concern for the environment led her to explore the intersection of spirituality and climate change and to use her CST degree in unexpected ways.

With an academic path beginning in the world of chemistry, Dr. LePage earned her PhD and worked as a research chemist at UC Irvine. Meanwhile, she also felt increasingly drawn to the areas of spirituality and theology. “While I enjoyed my work in chemistry and supporting young scholars, my true passion shifted towards understanding human hearts and meaning-making,” she reflects.

As her adult faith continued to grow, she became increasingly engaged with teaching and preaching at her church. It was becoming clear that her curiosity about the physical world had evolved into a deeper curiosity about human existence and spiritual matters. In 1999, with the support of her husband Scott, she made a pivotal decision to return to graduate school at CST and pursue a Master of Divinity.

Immersing herself in theological scholarship and practical pastoral skills, Dr. LePage’s time at CST became crucial for her journey, though climate change was not yet on her radar. But by 2018, the escalating climate crisis prompted Dr. LePage to reevaluate her focus. “I realized that climate chaos was likely to disrupt our lives sooner than many could admit, and that many changes were already irreversible,” she says. This realization came with profound grief—a grief that deeply affected her personal and spiritual outlook.

In response to this emerging awareness, Dr. LePage felt a calling to support others in processing their own climate-related fears and losses. She developed a workshop called “Grief, Gratitude, and Courage”, which “allowed people to voice their fear and grief over climate, tap into ritual and resources for resilience and courage, and draw strength in community,” she explained. 

Seeking to expand her reach, Dr. LePage connected with the Deep Adaptation Forum, an online platform where she has now facilitated online gatherings as a resource for those grappling with the emotional toll of climate change. Her book, Eye of the Storm: Facilitating Climate and Social Chaos with Calm and Courage, emerged from this work and offers insights based on numerous interviews and personal experiences.

Dr. LePage credits her time at CST with profoundly shaping her approach to both her spiritual and environmental work. “At CST, I learned the importance of discussing ideas and experiences within a community of practice,” she explains.

She sees a need for spiritual leaders to address the breakdown of traditional systems and the resulting anxiety and disillusionment. She believes that offering spiritual, emotional, and psychological tools to weather difficult times is essential. This includes creating spaces for community grief and reflection and exploring faith narratives that focus on courageous rather than idealized endings.

“There are no easy solutions to the challenges we face, and no guarantee of happy endings,” she notes. “Naming this ‘elephant in the room’ is still taboo in many settings. What can a spiritual leader do in these times? How can we embody and enable loving responses to our predicament? Your call is your own.” 

Dr. LePage invites others to join her in this work, offering resources and ideas to navigate the complexities of our era. Her book, Eye of the Storm, is available in various formats, including a free audiobook and e-book on her website https://opendoorcommunication.org/eye/get-the-book

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Los Angeles, CA (July 24, 2024) — Claremont School of Theology (CST)  announced that it is the recipient of a Telly Award, the world’s largest honor for video and television content across all screens. The film – “CST:  Innovative Since Its Inception” – was written by Tim Wells and produced by Steve Horswill-Johnston. 

The film is a history of CST and was first presented at the 2023 event 66 Years on Route 66, which was the last event held at the school’s Claremont location before relocating to Los Angeles, CA. 

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens and are judged by the Telly Award Judging Council, a group of leading video and television experts from some of the most prestigious companies in entertainment, publishing, advertising, and emerging technology, such as WarnerMedia and NBC News.

“It was an honor to work on such an important film that tells the unique story of such a precious theological graduate school that has been in existence since 1885,” said Steve Horswill-Johnston, who serves as CST’s Executive Vice President. The idea of the film was a brainchild of Horswill-Johnston and Tim Wells, a member of Burbank First United Methodist Church and a long-time collaborator of Horswill-Johnston, and was made possible by the discovery of several 16mm film reels found in the archives of the school while working toward the process of relocation.

The film tells the story of the beginnings of the school in the San Fernando Valley, then becoming the religion department at the University of Southern California (USC), before moving to Claremont. In 2023, CST announced the relocation to Los Angeles on the campus of Westwood United Methodist Church.

To watch the film, please click here.

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Claremont School of Theology, one of 13 United Methodist seminaries, is located in Los Angeles, California. CST.edu

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CST celebrates alum Rev. Sandy Olewine (MDiv, ‘86), who was elected as a bishop by The United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction on July 12.

After being elected at the Western Jurisdiction’s meeting in Spokane, WA, Olewine shared her gratitude and vision for the future.

“We did amazing work at General Conference,” Olewine said referring to the recent repeal of the UMC’s ban on LGBTQ+ clergy members, “but we are not yet an inclusive church.” She noted the need to address issues like widespread hunger, lack of housing, and the rise of Christian nationalism, as well as people’s fundamental need for a sense of belonging. “We have work to do,” Olewine said. “I am honored and humbled, and I promise you that together we’re going to do that work.”

Olewine had previously served as senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Pasadena, as well as in a wide array of other ministry positions – including as associate pastor of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles under the leadership of the late pastor and civil rights leader Rev. James Lawson (read President Hagiya’s statement on his passing by clicking here). She also previously served on the National Conference of Christians and Jews, as theologian in residence at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem, and as the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries liaison to Jerusalem for 10 years, working diligently towards peace and justice in Palestine/Israel.

The CST community congratulates Bishop Olewine and looks forward to her continued ministry to the church and world! 

Hear Bishop Olewine reflect on her time at CST and the importance of continuing our school’s mission by clicking below!

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Kalistiane and Hauloto Oko were married in July 2018 in their home country of Tonga, where they met at Sia’atoutai Theological College while earning their bachelors degrees. Only a few months after marrying, they relocated to Claremont to pursue Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degrees at CST. After completing their MTS degrees in 2021, they both entered the DMin program and in May 2024, were part of the first CST commencement at the new Westwood campus.

During their time at CST, they experienced a number of major life changes, including the birth of their son, ‘Akapusi Tau’alupe (pictured above); the COVID-19 pandemic; and the subsequent loss of close family and friends. “But we also gained incredible friends,” said the Okos. “We remain grateful for the nurturing place that is CST as it has encouraged our focus on becoming a compassionate presence in the world that we live in. We learned from world-renowned, but humble and down to earth, theologians that tapped into our spiritualities and helped us to integrate our new found reflections. We engaged in mind boggling conversations with our fellow colleagues that have encouraged us on our journey.”

The Okos specifically noted CST professors Phillip Clayton, Roland Faber, Marvin Sweeney, Belva Jordan Brown, Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook, Andrew Dreitcer, and Frank Rogers as having particularly significant impacts on their academic experiences. These mentors nurtured the Oko family’s spiritual and academic growth, shaping their understanding of Christianity and deepening their compassion for others. From exploring the nuances of Christology to delving into spiritual practices, each course and conversation at CST left an indelible mark on their journey.

Looking ahead, Kalistiane plans to pursue a PhD program and Hauloto seeks to earn a degree in a specialized style of writing. Rooted in their faith and culture, the Oko family’s ultimate aspiration is to return to Tonga and contribute to the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga. Both Kalistiane and Hauloto envision themselves nurturing future theologians at Sia’atoutai Theological College, reflecting their commitment to giving back to their community and church.

The Oko Family’s motto is “’Oku puli ‘a e ‘amui ‘i he ‘ofa ‘a e ‘Otua,” a Tongan proverb that is used by a person who sits in awe of God’s work in their lives. It means that God’s love has brought us to places and to experiences that were unknown to us; that God was there in the future preparing for us ahead of time.

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Rev. Brenda Bos, Rev. John Griffin-Atil, and Rev. Dr. Shin Wook Kang were awarded the 2024 Distinguished Alum Award during this year’s Commencement ceremony held at CST’s new Los Angeles campus. 

Each recipient of the award was nominated by their peers for being agents of transformation and healing in the world, and for living out CST’s core values of compassion, justice, and belonging.

“We are tremendously grateful to have such inspiring alums who represent CST so well,” said President Grant J. Hagiya. “CST strives to send students into the world who will make a real difference and change people’s lives for the better. This group of Distinguished Alums is a perfect example of the changemakers we are so proud to have in the CST community,” said Hagiya.

Reverend Brenda Bos (MDiv 2011) is the bishop of the Southwest California Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, overseeing 106 congregations with over 11,000 members. She has served Lutheran congregations in Danville, Canoga Park, Santa Monica and San Clemente, California. Before ordination, Brenda worked in network television production for eighteen years, most notably at Warner Bros. Television. She and her wife Janis are fierce advocates for mental health services for families and youth.

Born in Kansas, Reverend John Griffin-Atil is an ordained United Methodist pastor, lay Zen Buddhist, and a long-term AIDS survivor serving in Southern California. John’s “Broadway Sing-along Sundays” revived a West Hollywood congregation, and he currently serves as the Executive Director of the nonprofit Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center, which serves ‘the least of these.’ John was recently nominated as the first openly LGBTQ member of The United Methodist Cal-Pac Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. He lives in Imperial Beach, California, with his husband and teenage son. 

Born in 1949, Reverend Dr. Shin Wook Kang graduated from Seoul Methodist Theological College in 1973 and received a Master of Divinity from CST in 1985. He then went on to complete pre-med at UCLA in 1989 and receive his M.D. degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1994. After many years of service, he retired from Korean Methodist Church in Los Angeles in 2019 and now continues to practice medicine in Koreatown, Los Angeles.

CST is grateful for its many alums serving all over the world and pursuing lives of transformation and healing. 

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CST celebrates the recent United Methodist Church (UMC) decision to remove language that is harmful towards the LGBTQIA+ community from the Book of Discipline at its General Conference this week.

“My family knows that I have worked for an inclusive church for the last few decades. I and many CST alums have worked tirelessly to move the church to this day,” said Rev. Dr. Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan, CST President Emeritus and Chief Strategy Officer. ”I am thrilled that the church that I love is becoming the kind of inclusive church that welcomes everybody.” 

Kuan, who is a clergy delegate for the California-Nevada Conference, chose to give up his seat to allow Rev. Dr. Kristin Stoneking, a queer clergy reserve delegate for the conference, to cast her vote.

“In removing the language prohibiting the ordination of our LGBTQIA siblings, the church is allowing our LGBTQIA siblings to answer their call to ministry with all authenticity, without having to hide who they are,” he said.

CST joins with all of our LGBTQIA+ students, alums, staff, faculty, and allies in rejoicing over this historic move towards greater inclusivity in the UMC denomination and beyond. We also recognize how much more work there is to be done in order to fully embody the equity and inclusion of all peoples, and we recommit ourselves to the principles of compassion, justice, and belonging.  

To read more about this update from General Conference, you can visit the UMC Western Jurisdiction website by clicking here.

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Please join us in remembering and honoring renowned pastor, activist, and CST alum Rev. Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, who passed away on April 5, 2024 at the age of 94. After studying under Dr. John Cobb and earning his Ph.D. in religion from CST in 1964, Rev. Dr. Murray went on to pastor several churches, including First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles for nearly 30 years.

To learn more about his remarkable life and ministry, here is an article from CBS News Los Angeles: https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/beloved-civil-rights-leader-reverend-doctor-cecil-chip-murray-dies/

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The Claremont School of Theology (CST) community gathered for “Reigniting Our Future” to kickoff its next chapter at the school’s new Los Angeles campus at Westwood United Methodist Church. 

CST President Grant Hagiya set the tone for the event with words of welcome, gratitude, and excitement for the future. Rev. Molly Vetter, a CST alum and current Senior Pastor of Westwood UMC, then spoke about the strong alignment of vision and mission shared by the school and church and officially welcomed CST to their new location. 

“This move allows us to reimagine CST around our signature values of ‘Compassion, Justice, and Belonging’ by expanding upon our recognized distance learning excellence and transformative in-person hybrid experiences, allowing for increased flexibility and accessibility as a global community of learners,” said Hagiya. “We see Westwood as a strategic move that allows us to begin to retire debt, expand our online digital offerings, and continue to reach toward our 150th year.”

The well-attended event featured a panel discussion that included professors Dr. Yohana Junker, Dr. Venu Mehta, Dr. Frank Rogers Jr., and President Hagiya, who each presented their hopes and plans for this next phase of the school’s life and answered questions from the audience. There was also an exchange of commendations between President Hagiya and the recently appointed President of Methodist Theological School (MTS) in Seoul, S. Korea, Rev. Dr. Kyoung-Dong Yoo, who was represented by MTS professor and CST alum Dr. Jinsook Kwon (pictured above).

Multiple United Methodist bishops were in attendance, including Resident Bishop of the California-Pacific UMC Conference and CST Board Member Rev. Dr. Dottie Escobedo-Frank, who highlighted the strong historic and ongoing partnership between the school and the Cal-Pac UMC Conference, retired Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, and Resident Bishop of the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area Rev. Cedrick Bridgeforth (pictured above), who served as the event host for the evening. 

The event was followed by tours of the new space and refreshments. The school will also host CST Day  on March 3, 2024 in the congregations of the Desert Southwest Conference of The United Methodist Church, which will be a time for local churches to celebrate CST during its Sunday worship services and help fund student scholarships.

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