Chad Raith is Mercy NWA new vice president of mission

Published: June 29, 2017

Chad Raith joined Mercy Northwest Arkansas as vice president of mission.

Chad Raith joined Mercy Northwest Arkansas as vice president of mission.

ROGERS — When the opportunity arose to combine his passion for theology with a job in health care, Chad Raith was intrigued.

Raith, who is Anglican, joined Mercy Northwest Arkansas earlier this year as vice president of mission. His job includes leading mission-related courses for Mercy leaders, community outreach and pastoral services.

“If I could summarize my role, it’s being part of ensuring Mercy stays true to its Christian Catholic heritage and the principles of the Sisters of Mercy,” he said.

He has a master’s degree in divinity from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Ala., a master’s degree in theology from Regent College in Vancouver, B.C., and a doctorate in systematic theology from Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Fla.

Most recently, Raith was an assistant professor of religion and philosophy and director of the Paradosis Center for Theology and Scripture at John Brown University in Siloam Springs.

Raith works closely with Sister Anita DeSalvo, RSM. He said the sisters are “entrusting us to continue their ministry. To me, that’s heavy, and also something that’s a tremendous privilege.”