Join us September 25–26, 2026, as the Earl Lectures mark 125 years of courageous public theology and 25 years of LGBTQ and gender justice at PSR, gathering voices around the theme Faith Beyond Exclusion.
The 2026 Earl Lectures will mark a singular moment in our institutional and public life. This gathering will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Earl Lectures, making them the longest-running public lecture series in California and the western United States. At the same time, we will honor the 25th anniversary of PSR’s Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies, the first center of its kind at any Christian seminary. Together, these milestones invite both gratitude for a legacy of courageous faith and renewed commitment to the unfinished work of justice.
This year’s lectures will focus on the theme of “Faith Beyond Exclusion.” Taking place in the weeks preceding consequential midterm elections, the 2026 Earl Lectures will seek to offer a clear and compelling religious voice—one grounded in the Christian gospel and resonant with other faith traditions—that affirms inclusion rather than fear, dignity rather than domination. Bringing together scholars, pastors, advocates, non-profit leaders, and students, the lectures will respond not only to the toxic distortions of Christian nationalism, but more importantly will proclaim good news: that faith, rightly understood, is a source of liberation, moral courage, and expansive belonging.
Featured Speakers
Rev. Dr. Robert Chao Romero
Rev. Dr. Robert Chao Romero is Professor and Chair of the UCLA Department of Chicana/o and Central American Studies. His research explores the little-known history of Asian-Latinos, as well as the role of Christianity in social justice movements in Latin America and among U.S. Latinas and Latinos. Romero is the author of several award-winning books, including, “The Chinese in Mexico, 1882-1940”, “Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity”, and “Christianity and Critical Race Theory: A Faithful and Constructive Conversation.” Romero is also an attorney, an ordained minister, and a faith-rooted community organizer. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA in Latin American history and his Juris Doctor from UC Berkeley.
Bishop Yvette A. Flunder
Bishop Yvette Flunder, a native of San Francisco, Pacific School of Religion alum, and a third-generation preacher, has dedicated herself to promoting justice and taking prophetic action for over three decades. Her mission to blend proclamation, worship, service, and advocacy for marginalized individuals in both the church and society led her to establish the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in 1991. In addition to her remarkable pastoral achievements, Rev. Dr. Flunder is characterized by her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. As a leader and a trailblazer, she has played a pivotal role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within religious institutions and society, including her advocacy on the steps of the Supreme Court before the landmark decision granting Marriage Equality in 2015.
Schedule
Friday, September 25th
6:00pm – 9:30pm – Cocktail Hour & Alumnx Banquet
Saturday, September 26th
8:00am – Lecture Registration
9:00am – Opening Worship and Plenary: Rev. Dr. Robert Chao Romero
10:30am – Breakout Sessions
12:00pm – Lunch in the courtyard
1:00pm – Breakout Sessions
2:30 pm – Heralds of Welcome Awards
3:00 pm – Closing Plenary: Bishop Yvette A. Flunder
Accommodation
- Aiden Hotel in Berkeley for $159/night + tax
- Sonesta Hotel in Emeryville for $131/night + tax
- Phone: 1-800-Sonesta, refer to the Pacific School of Religion Alumni Awards or group code: G09252026PR
Sponsorships
Help make this weekend possible by sponsoring the event at one the three tiers.
Sponsor a Participant | $200
Help make Earl 2026 accessible to someone who might not otherwise be able to attend.
Your gift will help provide a community member with admission to the full Earl Lectures weekend, including the Friday evening Distinguished Alumnx Awards Banquet, Saturday programming, meals, and refreshments.
Earl Weekend Sponsor | $1,000
Help make the 2026 Earl Lectures possible. Your sponsorship supports the speakers, programming, hospitality, meals, technology, and community access that make this weekend of learning, dialogue, and connection possible. Earl Weekend Sponsors will receive event recognition and, as donors of $1,000 or more, are eligible for recognition on PSR’s new electronic Donor Wall.
Event admission is not included. Tickets may be purchased separately.
Distinguished Alumnx Banquet Table Sponsor | $1,200
Gather your friends, colleagues, or community for an evening honoring PSR’s Distinguished Alumnx. The banquet is part of the Earl 2026 weekend. Your table sponsorship includes:
- Admission for 10 guests to the Friday evening banquet. You can fill the table with your own guests or donate seats back to the event.
- A reserved table for your group
- Sponsor recognition at your table
- Recognition in the event program
- Recognition during the banquet
A portion of this purchase may be tax-deductible. PSR will provide the appropriate acknowledgment following the event.
Make a Gift | Any Amount
Can’t attend, or simply want to do more? Make a gift of any amount and help invest in the people, programs, and resources shaping PSR’s future. Donors of $1,000 or more, as well as those who have included PSR in their estate plans, are eligible for recognition on PSR’s new electronic Donor Wall.
Make your gift early to help ensure your name is included in time for the Donor Wall reveal on September 25
For more information about sponsorship, contact development@psr.edu.
