In Walls or Windows, Mary Heron Dyer (Class of 2009) shines a light on the othering that occurs when people are different than societal norms.
Our Alumnx Council meets bi-monthly, and, as part of our closing practices each meeting, we invite a member of the Council to share a personal reflection, "This I Believe." This month's reflection comes from Christopher Lowson, who graduated PSR with a STM (now known as the MTS) in 1978. Lowson was awarded a World Council of Churches' scholarship to study at PSR and previously studied Theology at King's College in London from 1972-76. After graduating, Lowson was ordained a deacon (1977), priest (1978), and eventually a bishop in 2011. Lowson served in a variety of ministerial roles during that period in London, Hampshire, and Lincoln.
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.
We are thrilled to celebrate and congratulate PSR alum Mary Kate Becker on her appointment as Associate Director for Mission Integration at Mercy Education, beginning July 2025.
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.
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.
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.
The Pacific School of Religion community joins the family of alumnx Jim Price in mourning his loss on June 12, at the age of 91
Recent graduate Dr. Robert W. Lee, IV (DMin ’24) reflects on the Presidency, faith and his journey at PSR ahead of the presidential election.
In this Donor Spotlight, meet Carolyn Fure-Slocum whose journey from student to college chaplain is a testament to the transformative power of PSR's education and community.
In this Donor Spotlight, meet Grace Gilliam, a devoted scholar whose journey from practitioner to Associate Director of Community Engaged Learning at PSR reflects her profound commitment to holistic education. Grace's deep immersion in Buddhist teachings, combined with her academic pursuits, drives her passion for contributing to the formation of spiritually rooted leaders in seminary education through her support of PSR.
The Alumnx Council of PSR meets bi-monthly. As a practice, they take turns sharing “This I Believe.” This month's post is from Rev. Dr. Monica Joy Cross (DMin ’21)
Please join us in celebrating Rev. Dr. Christy Newton (MDiv '00) who was just announced as the new executive director of Disciples Seminary Foundation (DSF)!
Join us in congratulating alumnx Rev. Debra Haffner (DMin '16) on being awarded a Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement from the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) — their highest honor!
The Alumnx Council of PSR meets bi-monthly. As a practice, they take turns sharing “This I Believe.” This month's post is from Dr. Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff (DMin ’19).
Musician, LGBTQI+ advocate, and PSR alumnx Ryan Cassata shares how he combines advocacy and music and the importance of life-saving, gender-affirming care with Assistant Secretary for Health, ADM Rachel Levine.
In this Donor Spotlight, we’re pleased to introduce you to Jacob Perez, the vice president of PSR's Alumnx Council, Youth Education Coordinator of First Christian Church in Concord, CA, and founder of the boutique digital advertising and marketing agency, VOLUME Branding.
Learn more about the work and ministries of these five remarkable individuals who are emblematic of PSR’s mission to create a world where all can thrive!
As we begin our new series, “Donor Spotlight,” we are delighted to introduce you to PSR alumnx and former board member, Stanley Watson.
The Alumnx Council of PSR meets bi-monthly. As a practice, they take turns sharing “This I Believe.” We’ll post these inspiring testimonials as they are created. This month’s post is from Jacob Perez (MTS 2021). I believe that one of the most important responsibilities of spiritual leaders is nurturing the theological formation of our...
Bishop Yvette A. Flunder is a preacher, pastor, activist, author, and singer based in Oakland, CA. She’s the senior pastor of the City of Refuge UCC and Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. Born and raised in San Francisco, Flunder grew up in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) but joined...
A profile of PSR alumnx Marvin K. White a writer, preacher, visual artist, organizer, and Minister of Celebration at the historic GLIDE Memorial Church.
A profile of PSR alumnx Dr. Kit Evans-Ford (MDiv ‘12) the founder and director of Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope in Davenport, IA
A profile of PSR alumnx Rev. Dr. John H. Vaughn (MDiv ‘85) the Executive Pastor at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.
The Stanley Watson Endowed Chair in Ethics is funded by alumnx and former board member Stan Watson who came to PSR to study ethics and health care in the wake of the AIDS crisis.
The Alumnx Council of PSR meets bi-monthly. As a practice, they take turns sharing “This I believe.” We’ll post these inspiring testimonials as they are created. This month’s post is from Richard Nugent (MDiv 1996) I believe in the power of community – communities grounded in the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth of each...
Each month we reach out to the Pacific School of Religion (PSR) community to get their perspective on important, often polarizing issues. In October we asked PSR alumnx, faculty, and students about religion and politics ahead of the midterm elections.
Congratulations to PSR alumnx Dr. Sarai Crain, chosen as California's first-ever sexual assault evidence outreach coordinator.
Diana Becton (MTS, 2015), a member of PSR's Alumnx Council, shares her thoughts on criminal justice reform in this month's "This I Believe"
On October 20th, PSR Alumnx, Bishop Yvette A. Flunder (MA '97) was given a key to the City of Oakland, CA as part of the city's first Love Life Day which honors, "those who are uplifting love and helping prevent violence in our communities."