Gerhart Laun, St.Mary's, Provo, Utah: an interview by Reverend Doctor Frederick Quinn, 30 May 2006

Transcript (29 pages) of interview(s) by Rev. Frederick Quinn with Gerhart Laun on May 30, 2006

Gernhart Laun (b. 1941) born in Frankfurt, Germany. He learned English from his nanny, a Russian pediatrician that his father hired during World War II. He received a Master's Degree in Philosophy from Frankfurt University, and graduated from the Jesuit School of Saint George (mentored by Hans Wolter). He worked as a teaching assistant in the English department. Theological studies followed next, with an emphasis in the New Testament and Jesuit studies. He was mentored by Hans Wolter. Father Wiseman put him on the path to become an Anglican Priest, becoming a postulate under Bishop Stephen Bayne. He worked with Bishop Chilton Powell in Oklahoma teaching classical languages at Cassidy School. He was ordained in 1971 in the Diocese of Oklahoma, serving in the Cathedral Parish initially. Then after ordination to the priesthood, he served in the western Oklahoma City, Indian mission for the Diocese. Later he taught in the Bishop's School of Theology. After he was ordained Deacon in January 1970 and Priest in 1971, he served in Oklahoma for ten years. Laun came to Utah in 1978 and stayed for thirteen years at St. Mary's in Provo. During this time he dealt with issues such as Gary Gilmore's execution, the ordination of women and gays, and the closing of USX. He was particularly known for his musical Evensongs. After being elected Chairman of the Board of the United Ministry of Higher Education, he supervising the support of campus ministries at the University of Utah, Logan, and Southern Utah, and supported developing ministries in St. George and Cedar City and working with LDS leaders from BYU. He accepted a call to St. Elizabeth's in Honolulu, and continued there until he retired. Interviewer: Reverend Doctor Frederick Quinn