Frederick Borsch '57 will become the new interim dean of religious life and the chapel on Feb. 1, filling in for Rev. Thomas Breidenthal as the search continues for a permanent successor.
Borsch served as dean of religious life at the University from 1981 to 1988. A former trustee, he also taught at the University in the Program of History, Archaeology and Religions of the Ancient World.
After four years at the University, Breidenthal resigned earlier this year to become bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. The hunt for Breidenthal's permanent replacement is scheduled to be concluded by the end of the spring semester.
Borsch is "a leader and a visionary," Deborah Blanks, the associate dean of religious life and the chapel, said. During his tenure, he hired the first woman to serve as an associate dean and created two new assistant deanships. He was also lauded for enhancing cooperation among campus religious groups.
Borsch left the University to serve as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, where he worked for 14 years. From 1988 to 2000, he was chair of the Theology Committee for the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church.
Currently, Borsch is the chair of Anglican studies at the Lutheran Theological Seminar in Philadelphia.
Borsch concentrated in English at Princeton and earned a second bachelor's degree in theology from Oxford University. He then studied at the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York City and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Birmingham in England.
Over his career, Borsch has authored 17 books and contributed essays, articles and poetry to a number of journals and newspapers. He has also led conferences and lectures at a number of institutions in the United States and abroad.
The dean of religious life works with the Office of Religious Life and many student organizations, serving as "a pastor and a prophet," Blanks said. "The dean should be someone who can work with diverse religious populations and who has a broad vision for ministry."
Religious Life Council member Blair Moorhead '07 agreed, saying, "The best new chaplain would be able to work closely with the various chaplains and religious groups on campus, while keeping students excited about religious life and showing interest in what they are doing."
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