Our Story
Historical Background
Founded 2002
The Christian Association of Public Theology
CAPT was founded and incorporated on October 3, 2002 by the Reverend Willie J. Webb — a well-regarded Atlanta-based minister, theological instructor, community organizer, and human services professional.
CAPT is a membership organization open to all who are interested in promoting and engaging in public theology to effect God's intentions for humane interactions across social, economic, and political life.
The organization centers its work on advocating for the benevolent, redemptive engagement of validated religious and spiritual teachings across systems and institutions — as we face major crises of moral and ethical decline in our society.
"CAPT seeks to identify those areas of human interaction that operate in discord against the Gospel message and to propose and engage specific action to revitalize and re-establish accord."
How CAPT Fulfills Its Mission
- Direct advocacy in public and private sector arenas
- Hosting informational conferences on critical matters
- Promoting Biblical engagement across social institutions
- Building a community of public theologians and advocates
Milestones
Key Moments in CAPT History
October 3, 2002
CAPT Founded & Incorporated
The Christian Association of Public Theology (CAPT), Inc. was founded and incorporated by the Reverend Willie J. Webb — a well-regarded Atlanta-based minister, theological instructor, community organizer, and human services professional. CAPT was established as a membership organization open to all who are interested in promoting and engaging in public theology to effect God's intentions for humane interactions across social, economic, and political life.
October 3, 2002
CAPT Founded & Incorporated
The Christian Association of Public Theology (CAPT), Inc. was founded and incorporated by the Reverend Willie J. Webb — a well-regarded Atlanta-based minister, theological instructor, community organizer, and human services professional. CAPT was established as a membership organization open to all who are interested in promoting and engaging in public theology to effect God's intentions for humane interactions across social, economic, and political life.
September 22, 2006
First Annual Conference at Morehouse College
CAPT held its inaugural annual conference — "Promoting Holistic Health through Public Theology" — at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. The event was co-hosted by the Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center, funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Dr. Robert M. Franklin, then president of Morehouse College and former president of the Atlanta Interdenominational Theological Center, served as the keynote speaker.
September 22, 2006
First Annual Conference at Morehouse College
CAPT held its inaugural annual conference — "Promoting Holistic Health through Public Theology" — at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. The event was co-hosted by the Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center, funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Dr. Robert M. Franklin, then president of Morehouse College and former president of the Atlanta Interdenominational Theological Center, served as the keynote speaker.
Ongoing Annual Conferences
Eleven Successive Conferences
Since the inaugural 2006 conference, CAPT has held eleven successive annual conferences, each addressing critical matters at the intersection of faith, public life, and community wellbeing. Reverend Melvin Ware serves as president of CAPT, oversees the Board, and coordinates the planning and execution of each conference.
Ongoing Annual Conferences
Eleven Successive Conferences
Since the inaugural 2006 conference, CAPT has held eleven successive annual conferences, each addressing critical matters at the intersection of faith, public life, and community wellbeing. Reverend Melvin Ware serves as president of CAPT, oversees the Board, and coordinates the planning and execution of each conference.
Leadership Today
Continuing the Mission
Reverend Melvin Ware serves as president of CAPT, overseeing the Board and coordinating the planning for each annual conference. Under his leadership, CAPT continues to grow its reach and deepen its engagement with the critical issues facing communities of faith and the broader public.
Rev. Willie J. Webb, CAPT's founder and CEO, remains the driving theological and organizational force behind the ministry — bringing decades of pastoral experience, academic rigor, and community advocacy to bear on CAPT's ongoing work.
2002
Year Founded
20+
Years of Ministry
12+
Annual Conferences
Atlanta
Home Base, Georgia