PSR Class of 2021 Rises to the Challenges of a Transformative Year
On Sunday, May 23, 2021, PSR held its 154th Commencement, with thirty-one students graduating. Those assembled provided a range of moving reflections on the graduation theme “Never Going Back: Breaking Wide, Rising Forward.” The theme urged graduates to see the various ways in which God is continuing to do new things in an unprecedented and…
Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer (DMin ’17 and MDiv ’05) Makes History as the First Openly Transgender Bishop in Any Mainstream American Denomination
The Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer has made history this month as the first openly transgender bishop in any mainstream American denomination. They will lead the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Rev. Dr. Rohrer will be installed as bishop on September 11, 2021, at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church in Walnut Creek. Rev. Dr. Rohrer graduated in 2005 from Pacific School of Religion…
PSR Statement on George Floyd Trial Verdict
As we pray for the family and friends of George Floyd, we dare to hope today after hearing the news that his murderer has been found guilty. We are grateful that our broken justice system has found a way to deliver the beginning of justice in this case—even as we are immeasurably grief-filled at the…
Badè Museum Staff Win Grant to Develop Digital Archives and Exhibit
Badè Museum Staff Awarded Grant from Palestine Exploration Fund The Badè Museum of Biblical Archaeology proudly announces that the Palestine Exploration Fund, a London-based society devoted to study of the Levant, has awarded its 2021 Annual Grant to Dr. Melissa Cradic (Curator) and Samuel Pfister (Collections Manager). The grant supports digital cataloging and exhibition projects…
Statement on Anti-Asian Violence: The Asian Descent Presidents and Deans Affinity Group of the Association of Theological Schools
The Asian Descent Presidents and Deans, of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) condemn and denounce every form of attack against Asians and Asian Americans in the strongest possible terms. As a minoritized group, Asian Americans have been historically subject to harassment, discrimination, violence, and mass incarceration.
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.
New Virtual Exhibition from the Badè Museum: Isfahani Architecture
The Badè Museum has launched a second virtual exhibition, titled “Isfahani Architecture: Modeling Beauty in Diversity.” The exhibit features a breathtaking collection of photographs of historical mosques and palaces from Isfahan, Iran created by Bay Area artist Saïd Nuseibeh. This exhibition originally debuted as a gallery exhibit in Holbrook Hall in Fall 2019 and was…
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…