|
Written by The Presbyterian Outlook
|
|
Friday, 17 December 2010 15:31 |
Carol Weir, 86, a former missionary to Lebanon and former professor at San Francisco Theological Seminary, died unexpectedly December 14 in Oakland, Calif., after months of declining health.
Both Weir and her husband, Benjamin Weir, earned Master of Arts degrees from SFTS in 1970 and 1964, respectively. Before returning to SFTS where they shared the Hewlett Professor of Evangelism and Mission chair from 1987-95, the Weirs served as Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) missionaries in Lebanon for nearly 30 years.
Ben Weir was kidnapped off the streets of Beirut in 1984 by the Islamic fundamentalist group, Islamic Jihad. He was held captive for 16 months before his release in exchange for U.S. anti-tank weapons as part of the Iran-Contra Affair. The book Hostage Bound Hostage Free tells the story of Ben Weir’s captivity from his perspective as well as Carol’s. During the time her husband was held captive in Lebanon, Carol worked tirelessly for his release.
Shortly after he was freed, Ben Weir was elected moderator of the 1986 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the highest elected office in the denomination. He remains one of the world’s most respected voices for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East for the past 20 years.
Carol Weir’s long experience as a Christian educator at American University of Beirut led her to develop a significant Christian education curriculum at SFTS. Along with Ben Weir, she was instrumental in establishing a global emphasis on Christian life and ministry at SFTS. Her hospitality to guests from around the world was legendary.
Services will be held after the first of the year and details will be posted on the SFTS Web site as soon as they become available. Mail condolences to Ben and the family at 33 Linda Avenue, Apt. 2303, Oakland, CA 94611.
Information provided by San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, Calif.
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
