New Book Release by Dr. Karen Lebacqz
Dr. Karen Lebacqz, Professor Emerita who taught Ethics from 1972-2009 at #PSR, has published a new book, “Eight Theories of Justice: Perspectives from Philosophical and Theological Ethics.”
This I Believe – Rev. Christine Haider-Winnett (MDiv ’15)
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.
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.
This I Believe – Rev. Dr. Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff (DMin ’19, CSR ’24)
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.