About
Dr. Benjamin J. Brenkert is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at St. John's University, serving since 2021. He is a Candidate for Ordination in the Episcopal Church (Diocese of Long Island) and will be ordained to the transitional diaconate in January 2024. Concurrently, he is a Tenured School Social Worker with the New York City Department of Education, supporting multiple schools through palliative care and clinical expertise. His research focuses on Ignatian Pedagogy, ethics in education, teacher training, and historical scandals like the Newport Sex Scandal (1919-1921).
Education:
- Doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University (under Ernest Morrell, Christopher Emdin, and Pierre Faller)
- Graduate theology degrees from Boston College and the General Theological Seminary
His work integrates religious studies with social work and public education, emphasizing character formation and ethical leadership. He supervises graduate social work students from Fordham and Columbia Universities. Brenkert’s writing appears in outlets like Gay and Lesbian Review Worldwide, The Washington Post, and Out Magazine, addressing LGBTQ+ issues and historical controversies. He is an active member of St. John's Employee Resource Group and worships at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Jackson Heights.
