New Perspectives on Ancient Nubia

The Badè Museum, in partnership with the Archaeological Research Facility (ARF) at UC Berkeley, presents a new virtual lecture series, “New perspectives on Ancient Nubia.” The series brings together a diverse group of scholars whose research explores various aspects of the archaeology, religion, art, and history of ancient Nubia, the region of modern-day southern Egypt to central Sudan.
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…
Acting Associate Pastor, First Church Berkeley UCC, Berkeley, CA
First Church Berkeley (United Church of Christ) is seeking an Acting Associate Minister. Join a dynamic, thriving, progressive Christian church focused on social justice and living out the gospel of Jesus. We are an Open & Affirming, WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive & Engaged in mental health ministry), and Sanctuary church. The Acting Associate Pastor will…
Director of Social Responsibility, United Church Funds
United Church Funds (UCF), a not-for-profit corporation and associated ministry of the United Church of Christ (UCC), provides socially responsible, values-aligned investment management services to churches, ministries and other faith-based organizations. UCF offers customized investment portfolios and prudent investment strategies that provide competitive returns while also reflecting its clients’ values in seeking to achieve a…
Interview with Judge Diana Becton
Judge Diana Becton, one of PSR’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, is the first African American woman to be elected district attorney of Contra Costa County, California and a retired judge of the Superior Court. She reflects on how she is keeping our communities safe in this time of global pandemic. See Judge Becton’s full Distinguished Alumni profile here. Coping During the Pandemic The coronavirus, or COVID-19, has been declared by the World Health…
Remembering Bonnie Bonetti-Bell
Bonnie Bonetti-Bell (MDiv ‘86 and MA ‘87) is one of PSR’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. Upon her passing in November of last year, Jim Bell, her widower, offers this reflection on grieving the loss of his beloved life partner while social distancing in the time of pandemic. See Bonnie Bell’s full Distinguished Alumni profile here. Grieving the Loss…
Interview with Rev. Pat de Jong
Rev. Pat de Jong was selected as one of PSR’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni. She currently serves as the Chair of Church World Service (CWS), a faith-based, global humanitarian agency. Below, Pat shares about her long connection to PSR, the work CWS is doing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the power of community…