The Forum on Religion, Spirituality and Aging Award recognizes outstanding individuals, programs and services in religion, spirituality and aging, in an effort to inspire more spiritual exploration in the aging services field. Candidates should be ASA and FORSA members, and they will be judged on how long they’ve worked in the field, what contributions they have made to the religious and spiritual needs of older adults in the areas of health, research, education, policy planning, advocacy or congregational activity.

They should be leaders in the field of religion, spirituality and aging, and be able to demonstrate effectiveness in meeting religious and spiritual care needs of elders. Their work should have had an impact locally, state-wide and nationally—even internationally, and they should have spent time passing on their knowledge. Winners will be honored by Forum on Religion, Spirituality and Aging at the AiA conference. 

Click here to learn more about the 2013 Award Presentations at the Aging in America Conference in Chicago.

2013 Religion, Spirituality and Aging Award Winner

Fr. James P. Oberle, Ph.D.

Jim is a tireless worker on behalf of older adults in his writing, teaching and preaching.  He has represented older adults at several different conclaves in Rome as well as numerous meetings at ASA/FORSA.  Jim is a recent Past Chair of FORSA, walking with FORSA through the most recent changes in our structure.  He is an eloquent spokesperson for all that the work that we do, both within his own church tradition as well as with persons from all faith traditions.  Jim works at Holy Trinity Seminary/University of Dallas.