Call for Papers: PSR Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Initiative
The AAPI Initiative presents “Taboo”, a colloquium for masters-degree students at the Pacific School of Religion and the GTU consortium. The purpose of this event is for students to present topics that are taboo in our ethnic spaces but are still very real things to consider in the AAPI religious community.
PSR Stands in Solidarity With The AAPI Community
We are heartbroken and enraged by the acts of violence and hate made terrifyingly present with the murders of six Asian women in Atlanta and the rising number of incidents of anti-Asian violence across the country and right here in the Bay Area. This violence and expression of racism against the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community are inexcusable and Pacific School of Religion stands in grief and solidarity…
Memorial Service for Rev. Janice Jean Smith-Sommerville
Pacific School of Religion and The City of Refuge UCC church family deeply mourns the passing of Rev. Janice Jean Smith-Sommerville, Director of the Theological Education for Leadership Program at Pacific School of Religion and beloved Associate Pastor of Administration & Member Services at The City of Refuge UCC. We will gather virtually to honor…
Welcoming Rev. Nicole Naffaa as Director of Development
Nicole Naffaa joined our Development team as Director of Development, starting March 1. In this role she will focus on the annual fund, manage a portfolio of donors, and work with alumnx and congregational partners as we seek to make PSR’s mission vibrant and accessible. Nicole brings over 25 years of experience in education, non-profit…
Alumnx Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder Part of Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service
The Virtual Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service on Thursday, January 21, at 10:00 AM ET featured Bishop William J. Barber II delivering the homily, with Pacific School of Religion alumnx The Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder, Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, also participating in the historic event. The event was hosted by the Washington…
Vote and Take Action
Dear PSR Community: The significance of next Tuesday’s election cannot be overstated. We can feel it in our very bodies and in the tensions of our communities. Leaders up and down the ballot represent often competing visions of how we respond to this time of pandemic, long-overdue calls for reckoning with racism, environmental crises, and…
OPINION: Responding to Pope Francis’ Message on Civil Unions
Is This the Message We Need? A Response to Pope Francis’ Message on Civil Unions The news media is abuzz with the news that Pope Francis has endorsed same sex civil unions. Some outlets call this move a distinct change from the rigid dismissal of same sex couples by the Vatican in the past and…
Welcoming New Faculty and Adjuncts
Dear PSR Community: As we begin a new academic year, we are excited to welcome new colleagues. Earlier this spring we announced the appointment of Rev. Aizaiah Yong, who will serve as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care and Academic Director of Ignite Institute. Aizaiah received his PhD in Practical Theology at the…
PSR’s Statement on the Murder of George Floyd
Dear PSR Community: “I can’t breathe.” These tragic words from George Floyd echo the desperate cry of Eric Garner and generations of African Americans who have been suffocated by the scourge of racism and oppression. They speak to the crisis of a virus that deprives its victims of the very source of life and the…