News & Resources

We remain saddened by the passing of Dr. Urias Beverly on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

Urias was ACPE's first African American president, a founding member of the Racial, Ethnic and Multicultural (REM) Network, a recipient of the ACPE Distinguished Service Award, and a long-time leader in our association. His vision and dedication paved the way for increased representation, equity, and inclusion throughout ACPE and the broader field of spiritual care.

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, who served as ACPE's Executive Director during Dr. Beverly's presidency, reflected:

"Dr. Urias Beverly was a unique individual with many gifts. He led with kindness and possessed so much wisdom about life, learning, ministry, and CPE. ACPE was blessed by his presence and his service."

Current ACPE Board Chair, Rev. Dr. Cecelia Ann Walker, shared:

"Dr. Urias Beverly was one of the first Elders I met at REM. He was gracious and welcoming from that day and every encounter I had with him afterwards. Each time my students returned from REM, they were inspired and spent the final units of their Residency quoting him. His gentle spirit, creative and sharp mind, moderated by humility, is a rare combination. I thank God for his investment in me, so many others, and ACPE. Well done, good and faithful servant!"

REM Convener Johnny Bush offered this remembrance:

"When I attended my first REM, as a second-year resident in 1992, I met Urias. At that time, I saw in him humility and strength, the art and craft of CPE supervision, and the ability to hold in tandem African American history and the hope of learning and self-discovery. He was to so many of us in REM a Moses-like figure who helped to both demystify and lead us through the wilderness of certification."

Funeral services for Dr. Beverly will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. Cards and acknowledgments can be sent to the following address:

Harry J. Will Funeral Home 

25450 Plymouth Road 

Redford, Michigan 48239

Please keep his wife, Dr. Billie Beverly, their family, and everyone blessed to know Urias in your thoughts and prayers.