M. William Howard, Jr. (minister)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
M. William Howard, Jr. (Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Jr.) is an American Christian minister (American Baptist Churches, USA), former college president, and community and business leader. He is known for his involvement in international affairs, especially within the Middle East.
Howard is currently a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, holds an elected position on the board of directors of New Jersey Resources, and is Chair of the Rutgers University Board of Governors. From 2000 to 2005, Howard was pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, and from from 1992 to 2000 served as president of New York Theological Seminary, and as president of the National Council of Churches from 1979 to 1981. He additionally served as a trustee of the National Urban League from 1981 to 1988.
Howard received ordination in 1974. He earned a master's degree in Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1972 and graduated from Morehouse College in 1968. He additionally holds many honorary degrees.
Howard conducted Christmas services for the U.S. Embassy personnel held hostage in Tehran, Iran. Additionally, he headed an ecumenical delegation including Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jeremiah Wright, and numerous other ministers to obtain the release of U.S. Navy pilot, Lt. Robert Goodman, who was being held as a prisoner of war in Syria.
Howard married Barbara J. Wright in 1970. They are the parents of three adult children.
[edit] Selected Awards
- Toussaint L'Ouverture Freedom Award, Haitian Community, 1980
- Distinguished Alumnus Award, Princeton Theological Seminary, 1982
- New Jersey Citizen Action Award "International Human Rights Activist," 1985
- Outstanding Achievement Award, New York City, NAACP, 1993
