In Memoriam: George Conklin, Retired PSR Faculty Member
It is with deep gratitude and sorrow that we mark the passing of George Conklin, an innovative media scholar, visual storyteller, and longtime faculty member at Pacific School of Religion. George died July 24. He was 93.
New Staff at PSR
PSR is thrilled to welcome Dr. Hayden Reynolds Cowan and Tanisha Walton to our staff this fall, bringing bold leadership to development and theological education.
Remembering Rev. Dr. Joseph D. Driskill, PSR Emeritus Professor
With deep sorrow and abiding gratitude, Pacific School of Religion announces the passing of Rev. Dr. Joseph D. Driskill, Emeritus Professor of Spirituality, esteemed colleague, and cherished member of the PSR community.
Prayer Vigil and Community Note Regarding Initiation of War
With heavy hearts, we are taking in the sobering news that the United States has entered active military engagement with Iran, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities in a rapidly escalating conflict. As people of faith, we at PSR hold steadfast to our vision for a world where all can thrive. This requires us to recognize that every life is sacred. It challenges us to seek the peace that passes all understanding which, as Jesus says, is not achieved by the exercise of power and force that are the currency of this world.
Change Happens Now Podcast > Honoring the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Dorsey Odell Blake
In this deeply moving Season 7 finale episode, we honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Dorsey Odell Blake, beloved faculty member, mentor, tireless advocate for justice, and prophetic voice in the Pacific School of Religion (PSR) community and beyond, who passed away in March 2025. Dr. Blake first came to PSR in 1968, during a time of national upheaval that he often compared to our own. Inspired by personal encounters with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other Civil Rights leaders, he pursued a theological education rooted in justice, compassion, and community. After graduating in 1971, he remained deeply connected to PSR, through transformative teaching that spanned more than five decades, serving as Professor of Leadership and Social Transformation at Pacific School of Religion (PSR) as well as Dean of the Faculty at Starr King School for the Ministry and pastor at The Fellowship Church founded by his mentor, Dr. Howard Thurman.
PSR Alum Rev. Lucas Hergert (DMin ’15) on Reclaiming Emotion in the Pulpit
PSR alumnx Rev. Lucas Hergert (he/him) offers a timely and transformative vision in his new book, Impassioned: A Guide to Progressive Preaching (Skinner House Books).
Ordination of Rev. MacAuthur Flourney, MDiv ’11
Rev. MacArthur Flourney, MDiv ’11, and current PSR DMin student, was ordained this weekend as a UCC Minister at Church of the Crossroads in O’ahu, Hawaii.
PSR Welcomes New Faculty
PSR welcomes new faculty, Dr. Joshua S. Bartholomew and Dr. Corwin Malcolm Davis, beginning July 1, 2025.
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.