Minister to speak at Judson graduation

The Rev. Aidsand Wright-Riggins will speak at Judson University's spring 2009 fall commencement to be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 in the Robert D. Lindner Fitness Center, 1151 N. State St. in Elgin.

Since August 1991, Wright-Riggins III has served as the executive officer of National Ministries for the American Baptist Churches USA. Additionally, he is chief executive officer of Judson Press, the publishing arm of American Baptist Churches USA. His passion has led National Ministries to commitments of encouraging discipleship, engaging in mission and transforming the soul of the nation.

Preaching the Gospel, establishing churches, making disciples and ministering to people in need are fundamental to the heritage and charter goals of American Baptist home mission. For Wright-Riggins, these ministries are essential to following Christ. He describes the full scope of National Ministries' mission as including evangelism and emancipation, spiritual formation and social justice, church planting and community transformation.

More than 133 students will graduate during the 61st graduating class of Judson University. This commencement ceremony will mark the first graduating class receiving master's degrees for education in literacy, a new degree program that began in 2009.