It was hard for me to accept that, on November 5, 2024, in the United States, most voters that were allowed to vote cast their ballots for Donald Trump at the top of the ticket. And by returning Senate control to the Republican Party, any extant checks and balances in the Federal government were erased, ensuring Republican control of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government. And this, four years following Trump’s involvement in terrorism targeting fellow Americans four years earlier. While these results were hard for me to accept, this is was what I expected.
Share this:
On 18 March 2025, the Hungarian parliament passed legislation that outlaws gay pride events, even permitting the use of face-recognition technology to identify and penalize those who take part in such events. In an attempt to suppress gay pride parades, this hastily-passed law also attacks a cultural institution that is deeply treasured by countless LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies throughout the world. In addition, this law reflects a surging tide of fear and misunderstanding as well as a profound failure of human empathy in a supposedly democratic country and a member state of the European Union.
Share this:
Only a month now into the new administration, the cascade of anti-LGBTQ actions on the part of President Trump and his appointees feels overwhelming, but we shouldn’t be surprised given how closely Trump is hewing to the ultra-conservative Project 2025, a plan that calls for, among other things, dismantling the nation’s current and hard-fought legal protects for LGBTQ persons. Not only has the Trump administration called for the government’s recognition of only two genders, it has also banned Transgender persons from serving openly in the US military, sought to prevent access to healthcare for Trans youth, and called for preventing Trans people from participation in sports.
The Trump administration is working at a furious pace to demonize, ostracize, and even criminalize queer people for who we are, and two (among many) recent events demonstrate how Trump 2.0 is seeking to erase us LGBTQ people from the hard-won visibility that we have achieved in the US over the past half century.
Share this:
With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of Rev. Dr. Dorsey Odell Blake, a beloved faculty member, prophetic leader, and tireless advocate for justice. Dr. Blake, who served as Professor of Leadership and Social Transformation, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of faith, activism, and transformative teaching.
Share this:
Migration has been at the heart of the human story for centuries—including the biblical narrative. Faith on the Move invites participants to explore the stories of Moses, Miriam, and others through an immersive, text-centered study that brings Scripture to life. Rooted in shared discovery, this resource offers a space for reflection on the connections between biblical migration stories and contemporary conversations about immigration.
Share this:
Pacific School of Religion (PSR) proudly celebrates ten years of visionary leadership by Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, a milestone that underscores his steadfast commitment to progressive theological education, radical inclusivity, and institutional innovation.
Share this:
Wednesday, April 2 | 10 AM - 3:30 PM Pacific
Emerging Paths of Being, Doing & Disruption
The Unafraid Symposium at PSR
Share this:
We mourn the passing of Rev. Phil Lawson, a courageous leader, prophetic voice, and beloved friend of PSR. Throughout his life, Rev. Lawson embodied the values of justice, inclusion, and fearless advocacy. His work in civil rights, interfaith solidarity, and the fight for economic and racial justice has left an indelible mark on our community and the world.
Share this:
It was hard for me to accept that, on November 5, 2024, in the United States, most voters that were allowed to vote cast their ballots for Donald Trump at the top of the ticket. And by returning Senate control to the Republican Party, any extant checks and balances in the Federal government were erased, ensuring Republican control of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government. And this, four years following Trump’s involvement in terrorism targeting fellow Americans four years earlier. While these results were hard for me to accept, this is was what I expected.
Share this:
It is with a heavy heart that I share the difficult news that our brother, PSR student Luke Vakaliwaliwa, passed away Saturday morning. He was such a joyful and insightful man, and every time I close my eyes, I see his radiant smile and prayerful presence in our weekly chapel. May he rest in peace.
Share this:
The Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS) at Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is proud to announce the appointment of Rev. Terence L. Mayo (he/they) as the new Coordinator of the African American Roundtable (AART). This vital Roundtable, which has been integral to CLGS since its founding in 2000, focuses on addressing issues of faith, race, and LGBTQ+ inclusion within African American communities.
Share this:
The Ignite Institute at PSR brings together personal, communal, and spiritual work from wisdom traditions to provide established and emerging leaders with the vision, resilience, and skills to create a world where we can all thrive.
Share this:
We are saddened to share the passing of Risé Jones (MAST '22) whose contributions to PSR's community life, the city of Elgin, and the organization Hamilton Wings, amongst countless number of lives, groups and organizations that she touched, was reflective of her generosity and joy. We honor her legacy and bear witness to her lasting impact on this world.
Share this:
PSR is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Heesung Hwang to the position of Associate Professor of United Methodist Studies, Religious Education, and Leadership. Following a rigorous faculty and community search process, Dr. Hwang has been selected to help shape PSR’s distinctive reimagination of theological education. In addition to bringing outstanding academic preparation and experience, she embodies PSR’s commitment to make theological education more widely accessible and impactful; bring faith to bear on the creation of a world where all can thrive; and a research agenda that centers the wisdom and needs of historically marginalized communities. In addition to her faculty appointment, she will also serve as the Academic Director of Congregational Renewal Cohorts Program—a Lilly Endowment Inc. funded program we are developing around our Theological Education for Leadership coursework.
Share this:
In times of grief, the wisdom of our communities and traditions calls us to God, to one another, and to rest. Psalm 30:5 has sustained generations of communities that have known what it is like when those in power do not have their best interest at heart. The Psalmist assures us that “weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
Share this:
Fear is never the basis for a positive political outcome. Yes, it is effective in getting results, but it is inappropriate in a democracy. The key to democracy is that what our leaders say and do has to be both effective (results) and appropriate (culture). The right conjunction matters. It cannot be either one; both conditions must be met.
Share this:
Kwaray is a community-based learning platform equipping rising faith leaders as they navigate an era of profound spiritual and cultural upheaval. Kwaray heralds a new day in faith leadership preparation amidst an expensive and fragmented educational landscape. Kwaray serves rising faith leaders by offering courses, cohorts, credentials, and community-events from a wide range of seminaries and organizations. The platform offers a variety of community-based learning resources tailored to each learner’s spiritual and professional goals. Kwaray’s mission is to unleash the potential of rising faith leaders as they discover their purpose and take action.
Share this:
Watch the recording of the Earl Lecture Series, Part 3, here!
Share this:
Watch the recording of the Earl Lecture Series, Part 3, here!
Share this:
Berkeley, CA - The Center for LGBTQ & Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS) at Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is honored to announce the 14th Annual Georgia Harkness Lecture. This year's speaker, Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel, a renowned theologian and justice advocate, will present Sacred Reckonings with the Doctrine of Discovery’s Betrayal, exploring the intersections of queerness, resistance, and justice. The lecture will be held virtually on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 4 PM (Pacific).
Share this:
Watch the recording of the Earl Lecture Series, Part 1, here!
Share this:
An op-ed from PSR Professor, Dr. Leonard McMahon
God entreats us to, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another,” in John 13:34. While we may all agree with this sentiment in the abstract it can feel difficult in an election year when James Baldwin’s quote, “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist,” feels more urgent.
Share this:
Watch the recording of the Earl Lecture Series, Part 1, here!
Share this:
Pacific School of Religion (PSR), a leading progressive Christian seminary known for its commitment to social justice and inclusive ministry, is excited to announce the upcoming launch of Kwaray, a bold and collaborative initiative designed to reimagine theological education. Drawing on the best of the Bay Area’s technological innovation and expanding the reach of PSR’s academic programs, Kwaray will be a distributed learning network that connects diverse voices and experiences, creating an inclusive, dynamic educational ecosystem. This groundbreaking initiative has been made possible by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. A primary aim of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s grantmaking in religion is to deepen the religious lives of Christians, principally by supporting efforts that enhance congregational vitality and strengthen the leadership of Christian communities.
Share this:
Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, President of Pacific School of Religion, discusses the origin story of Kwaray, a new community-based learning platform dedicated to equipping rising faith leaders as they navigate an era of profound spiritual and cultural upheaval.
Share this:
As the first female principals at Bora Architecture, Amy Donohoe and Jeannie Lai champion justice-oriented design, making educational spaces innovative, inclusive, and inspirational. They sat down with us to talk about their personal and professional journeys and the importance of design justice, equity, and community engagement in architecture. We hear about the challenges of a male-dominated industry, the historical lack of diversity in architecture, the importance of recognizing and addressing biases in design, and creating inclusive spaces that prioritize the needs of both staff and clients.
Share this:
Pacific School of Religion’s Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS) invites you to join us for “Queering the 2024 Vote,” a series of five impactful online workshops this Fall 2024. As we approach the upcoming US elections, this series seeks to empower LGBTQ individuals, allies, and communities to be voices and votes for positive change in our nation’s urgent need for justice, hope, love, and compassion.
Share this:
I believe that this might be one of the most challenging assignments that I have undertaken lately. The first challenge was my willingness to share something so personal and intimate. I teetered between caution and courage; between faith and fear; between private and public. I settled somewhere in the middle of them all. Secondly, there are many forces that contribute to the colonization of our spirit, so I believe that finding my truth has been a pathway to remaining authentic, so I do my best to take myself wherever I go. I learned long ago that I cannot and do not expect you to understand or even agree with me, but I do ask that you believe me.
Share this:
"As a progressive Christian seminary and graduate school, PSR is firmly committed to serving churches and nonprofit organizations. One way in which we live out this out is by speaking to this critical and timely discussions that impact everyone's lives," President Vásquez-Levy said.
Share this: