The Value of Gay Pride and the Gospel Call to Radical Inclusion
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.
We Will Not Be Erased: A Reflection
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.
Mourning the Passing of Dr. Dorsey Blake
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.
Faith on the Move – A Bible Study Resource by President David Vásquez-Levy
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.
Pacific School of Religion Celebrates 10 Years of Leadership by President David Vásquez-Levy
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.
Save the Date: The 2025 Unafraid Symposium at PSR
Wednesday, April 2 | 10 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific
Emerging Paths of Being, Doing & Disruption
The Unafraid Symposium at PSR
Remembering Rev. Phil Lawson
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.
Change Happens Now Podcast: The Future of Mentorship for Emerging Leaders of Color
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.
PSR President David Vásquez-Levy Appears on In Trust Podcast
The Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, president of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, discusses how the school is using its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant to create a new ecosystem that includes not just technology but also efforts to reconsider educational modes and methods. The school’s programming includes a stackable curriculum and challenges traditional…
Kwaray, a community-based learning platform for emerging faith leaders, is live
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.