Rev. Dr. Peter Storey ‘Protest at Midnight: Ministry to a Nation Torn Apart’

The Rev. Dr. Peter Storey, who once served as Nelson Mandela’s chaplain, returns to Lakeside Chautauqua to speak about his latest book, Protest at Midnight: Ministry to a Nation Torn Apart. All are welcome to attend this FREE community event held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30 in Orchestra Hall.

The Rev. Dr. Storey, who first visited Lakeside Chautauqua in 1993, is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke University Divinity School. In his former roles as Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa and President of the South African Council of Churches, he was prominently involved in the anti-apartheid struggle and the post-apartheid work of reconciliation.

In 1986, he preached in the darkest hours of black suffering in a South Africa torn apart by racial oppression. The Rev. Dr. Storey’s latest book, Protest at Midnight: Ministry to a Nation Torn Apart, chronicles his life as a youthful chaplain to Nelson Mandela on Robben Island, defying armed police entering his pulpit, heading the South African Council of Churches with Bishop Desmond Tutu, leading 25,000 marchers against Johannesburg’s secret police headquarters, and confronting Winnie Mandela’s wrongs.

The Rev. Dr. Storey’s ministry was shaped by one simple question: “What does it mean to obey Jesus in apartheid South Africa?” This book tells of his answer and challenges the silence of American churches in the face of nationalism, systemic racism, and right-wing populism in the United States.

At the conclusion of the Rev. Dr. Storey’s presentation in Lakeside, there will be Q&A time with the author.

Immediately following his presentation at 6 p.m., a catered dinner will be served in Wesley Lodge. Appetizers and mocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. The cost for dinner is $30 per person, which includes tip and tax. Reservations must be made no later than Friday, April 22, by calling (419) 357-5482 or emailing anward@bex.net.

At the dinner, the Rev. Dr. Storey will sign copies of his book, which will be available at a discounted price of $27. Books are also available for purchase at the Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office, 236 Walnut Ave.

For individuals traveling from out of town, overnight accommodations can be made at the Fountain Inn. Rooms start at $109. To make a reservation, contact the Fountain Inn at (419) 798-4461, ext. 230 and mention the Rev. Dr. Peter Storey event.

On May 1, the Rev. Dr. Storey will also preach the morning message at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Service at the Lakeside United Methodist Church.