| Cherry Hill Seminary Holds Fall Ordination Ceremony For Immediate Release Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026 Columbia, S.C.—Cherry Hill Seminary held a service of ordination on Saturday, September 19, 2026 for four of its graduates: Timothy Billbrough, CMC; Brenda Ann Cole, Certified Spiritual Director; Karen Bilan (Bee) Gomez CMC; and Lisa Lake, CMC, Certified Spiritual Director. Each of the ordinands completed a thorough course of study, including a supervised internship local to them. A Clergy Review Committee which included Rev. Wes Isley, MDiv, HPs Carol Kirk, Rev. Karen LeBlanc, MDiv, Rev. Cedar Monroe, MDiv, and Dr. Robert Patrick, MDiv, reviewed applications and interviewed each candidate before approving them for ordination. Prior to this review the Seminary contracted with an outside firm to conduct extensive background checks. Rev. Cedar Monroe conducted the ceremony, concluding with remarks appropriate to the approaching equinox. Rev. Monroe shared that people have said that ordination is both the culmination of and the beginning of one’s ministry. Seminary director Holli Emore added that each student is on a unique journey, saying, “The choice to seek ordination shows a willingness to cross a threshold into the next stage of their life path.” Cherry Hill Seminary is not tradition-specific, and does not train students for particular traditions. Core elements of seminary training include ethics, exploring the student’s personal theology, interfaith leadership, ritual development and more. Candidates for ordination have demonstrated the understanding of and ability to support others spiritually. Those who wish to make a gift in honor of one or all the ordinands may do so here. Cherry Hill Seminary is the leading provider of education and practical training in leadership, ministry, and personal growth in Pagan and Nature-Based spiritualities, by providing transformative education and empowering students to advance academically and lead spiritually.. https://cherryhillseminary.org/ Media contact for more information: chs@cherryhillseminary.org or 1-803-862-9088. |
