Syracuse Sun

Hendricks Chapel is introducing Rev. Julie Kelly as the University’s new Lutheran chaplain. Kelly will join Hendricks Chapel’s team of 15 chaplains, who collectively represent various religious and spiritual identities.

“We at Hendricks Chapel are eager to welcome Reverend Kelly to our diverse and dynamic Syracuse University campus community,” says Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel. “To partner with Bishop Lee Miller and the Upstate New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a joy, and I am grateful for the efforts of the Lutheran Campus Ministry Board in helping to make this all happen. Reverend Kelly will make many positive contributions both on and off campus, and I look forward to serving alongside her as we accompany our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.”

Kelly (she/her) is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (E.L.C.A). As part of her religious practice, she emphasizes interfaith relationships and advocacy for marginalized people and communities.

A military family member, Kelly has over 30 years of experience in preparing families for military life. She has specialized in family readiness groups, suicidality prevention, and family advocacy through the U.S. Army domestic violence program. Her career with military family programs led to her growing interest in advocacy for marginalized communities.

Kelly appreciates the mystical aspects of the Christian faith, studies ancient Christo-Pagan history and development, and is committed to interfaith community and wellness. She served as a chaplain at Los Angeles County Hospital and the University of Southern California. She also served with the Red Cross Disaster Spiritual Care.

Kelly has served congregations in California including The Episcopal Church of the Saviour and St. James Lutheran in Hanford, Hope Lutheran in Riverside, Bethel Lutheran in Encino, and Mt. Olive Lutheran in Santa Monica.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and human services from Fort Hays State University in Kansas and a master of divinity degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. As the newest member of a growing group of chaplains at Hendricks Chapel, Kelly will partner with other chaplains to draw upon Lutheran traditions and practices, develop interfaith partnerships, and serve as a resource for the entire University community.

“Working through Hendricks Chapel for the students of Syracuse University is the opportunity of a lifetime,” says Kelly. “I am energized about being part of this amazing team and supporting the spiritual welfare of students in many diverse ways.”

Kelly will be on campus starting Oct. 10. To schedule time with her, please email chapel@syr.edu to request a meeting. Those interested can also learn more on the Christian Protestant — Lutheran Chaplaincy web page.