Pacific School of Religion

You can watch the Pledge of Allegiance from last night here: https://www.youtube.com/live/nKNW_KHYrbY?si=95W6xSiTCBPIye2f&t=545

Congratulations to our current student (and daughter of Berkwood Hedge alum) for doing a great job leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the DNC tonight! Did you miss it? Check out the livestream! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nKNW_KHYrbY

WATCH: Harris’ childhood friends speak at 2024 Democratic National Convention | 2024 DNC Night 1 Watch PBS News for daily, breaking and live news, plus special coverage. We are home to PBS News Hour, ranked the most credible and objective TV news show. N...

Berkwood Hedge School is a cherished partner of PSR and houses their middle school on campus. You may have seen a reference to them at the Convention last night!

Did you know that Vice President Kamala Harris got her start at Berkwood Hedge School? The Oakland native attended kindergarten at our school! With the creativity, compassion, and critical thinking skills that are the hallmark of a Berkwood Hedge School education, you can go anywhere—even the White House! Official Photo by Lawrence Jackson.

📣 FREE PUBLIC SERIES (IN-PERSON & ONLINE) 📣⁠
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The rise of Christian Nationalism in the U.S., along with other forms of religious nationalisms around the world, threaten to turn back the clock on hard fought progress on issues of equality, diversity, and justice. At the same time, the speed at which AI is developing raises serious concerns about its largely unregulated impact on everything from the way we work to the way we govern. Together, these profound challenges raise significant questions for both democracy and civil society today. ⁠
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PSR’s 2024 Earl Lecture Series, Disruptive AI, Christian Nationalism, and Democracy seeks to speak to the intersection of these forces. Begins September 17th.⁠
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➡️Register Now at https://www.psr.edu/news/psr-announces-2024-earl-lecture-series-disruptive-ai-christian-nationalism-and-democracy/

The lecture series will be led by John Robichaux, Executive Director for U.C. Berkeley’s Coleman Fung Institute for Engineering Leadership, and PSR’s Dean Susan Abraham, with responses by PSR’s faculty and President, David Vásquez-Levy. Their much-needed conversation will go beyond acknowledging inherent challenges to outline the possibilities religion and technology offer for leveraging human capacity to create a world where all can thrive.

PSR Announces 2024 Earl Lecture Series: Disruptive AI, Christian Nationalism, and Democracy - Pacific School of Religion The rise of Christian Nationalism in the U.S., along with other forms of religious nationalisms around the world, threaten to turn back the clock on hard fought progress on issues of equality, diversity, and justice. At the same time, the speed at which AI is developing raises serious concerns about...

UPDATE FROM UCB @ 1:42 PM:
The focused area search at Clark Kerr Track and Hillside Campus has concluded. It has been determined that there is no longer a known threat to UC Berkeley campus locations. The lockdown has been lifted for all campus areas.
PSR UPDATE: Our Shelter-in-Place mode has been lifted.

In response to reports this morning of shots fired at UC Berkeley's Clark Kerr & Hill Campus, PSR's Holbrook Building will be in Shelter-in-Place mode today or until we are notified of an all-clear. All exterior doors will be locked and folks needing access will need to ring the doorbell at the main entrance. For updates from UC Berkeley, follow this link:

Reports of shots fired near Clark Kerr Track and Hill Campus - Berkeley News UCPD is on the scene. No injuries have been reported.

"As the elected district attorney and a former judge in Contra Costa County, I cannot fulfill my obligation to seek justice and ensure people are treated with fairness through a death penalty system so deeply ingrained with racial disparities.

"Luckily, we may finally have an opportunity to end this racist and violent system."

Alumnx Diana Becton (MTS '15) writes this Opinion in The Sacramento Bee

California could finally abolish our racist, costly, ineffective death penalty system | Opinion “As a district attorney, I cannot fulfill my obligation to seek justice through a death penalty system so deeply ingrained with racial disparities.”

There are just a few days left to apply for the Fall 2024 semester! Take the next step on your educational and vocational journey and submit your application today: https://www.psr.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/
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Financial aid is still available for all programs for the Fall 2024 semester!

Alumnus Maurice "Mo" King (MAST '24) hosts the "Change Happens Now" podcast for The Ignite Institute at PSR and joins as the Director of Growth for Kwaray, the community-based learning platform dedicated to equipping rising faith leaders.

Ignite Institute Welcomes Maurice "Mo" King (MAST '24) as New Director of Growth for Kwaray - Pacific School of Religion Ignite Institute is delighted to announce that Maurice “Mo” King has joined Pacific School of Religion (PSR) as our new Director of Growth effective July 29th. This role will oversee Kwaray, the community-based learning platform dedicated to equipping rising faith leaders that is powered by PSR.

There is still a week and a half left to apply to Pacific School of Religion for the Fall 2024 semester! Take the next step on your educational and vocational journey and submit your application today. Financial aid is still available for all programs for the Fall 2024 semester!

Apply now: https://www.psr.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/

Jacob is a familiar face to many within the PSR community. During his time as a student, he was not only academically accomplished but also actively involved in student leadership. As an alumnx, he has been serving as a leader of the Alumnx Council. His journey from a dedicated student to a key member of our administrative staff is a testament to his passion for the PSR community and its values.

PSR Welcomes Jacob Perez (MTS '21) as New Director of Marketing and Communications - Pacific School of Religion Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacob Perez as the new Director of Marketing and Communications, effective July 16th, 2024. Jacob, a PSR alumnus with a Master of Theological Studies (MTS ’21), returns to his alma mater with a wealth of experience and a de...

There are three weeks left to apply to Pacific School of Religion for the Fall 2024 semester! Submit your application now to embark on an educational journey that emphasizes leadership formation, hands-on experience, and social transformation: https://www.psr.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/

Join us in congratulating PSR faculty Rev. Kristin Stoneking, who has been elected bishop by The United Methodist Church’s (UMC) Western Jurisdiction! She will be the denomination’s third openly gay and married bishop. The first was PSR alumnx Bishop Karen Oliveto (MDiv ’83).

Jurisdiction elects Kristin Stoneking as bishop The United Methodist studies professor at the Pacific School of Religion has been elected a bishop by The United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction. She is the denomination’s third openly gay and married bishop.

Join PSR's Fall 2024 class! The final day to submit your application for admission for the Fall 2024 semester is Monday, August 5th. Financial Aid is still available for the Fall semester.

Apply now: https://www.psr.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/

The Pacific School of Religion community joins with the family of alumnx Jim Price (MDiv '83) in mourning his loss last month. Jim is survived by his brother, daughters Kristin and current PSR student Lisa, their husbands, and grandson.

PSR Community Mourns the Loss of Alumnx Jim Price (MDiv '58) - Pacific School of Religion 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

This , read 'So Help Me God,' Rev. Dr. Robert Lee (DMin '24)'s reflection on democracy, the presidency and the impact of his education at PSR 🇺🇸🙏

So Help Me God: Faith, the Presidency, and my Doctor of Ministry: a Reflection by Dr. Robert W. Lee, IV (DMin ’24) - Pacific School of Religion Recent graduate Dr. Robert W. Lee, IV (DMin ’24) reflects on the Presidency, faith and his journey at PSR ahead of the presidential election.

Interested in meaningful part-time work? PSR's Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion - CLGS is looking for a new Coordinator for their African American Roundtable!

Job Opening: Coordinator of the CLGS African American Roundtable - CLGS Job Opening: Coordinator of the CLGS African American Roundtable 2 days ago by CLGSAdminy1 1 June 2024 CLGS is currently seeking to hire a part-time Coordinator of the CLGS African American Roundtable. For a complete Job Description of this position, please click here. JOB OVERVIEW The Coordinator p...

PSR Alumnx Bishop Karen Oliveto (MDiv 1983) selected as chair of LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage project.

Bishop Oliveto selected as chair of Center for LGBTQ+ UM Heritage Bishop Karen P. Oliveto has been selected as the chairperson for the new Center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage.

We are proud to spotlight Ryan Cassata, a PSR alumnx, for his recent courageous act of activism at the White House. Ryan’s journey exemplifies the values of justice, inclusivity, and unwavering commitment to social change that are at the heart of Pacific School of Religion. Faced with the decision to attend or boycott the event, Ryan found a powerful way to stand for both trans visibility and Palestinian liberation. His story is a testament to the belief that true liberation requires solidarity across all struggles.

What does it mean to be a Christian? Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil talks about this in the context of identity, and she's right! Yet, depending on who you ask it might mean different things. So what does it mean to you, especially in our modern moment?

Congratulations to our own Dr. Marsha Foster! Well deserved honor!

"I love this work, but it's killing me." Have you ever said this to yourself?

Clergy, chaplains, and other spiritual leaders (including seminary personnel) are the backbone of our communities, guiding us through life’s most significant moments and offering support during times of crisis. Yet, the immense personal toll on these leaders often goes unnoticed. From burnout and trauma to health challenges, the stressors faced by spiritual leaders have only intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing societal polarization.

Recent studies reveal alarming rates of mental health issues among clergy, with many contemplating leaving their vocations. This research highlights key risks and the diverse responsibilities that contribute to their stress, alongside the importance of community support and organizational change to foster their well-being.

This article explores these critical issues and the efforts underway to support and sustain our spiritual leaders. Read more about the hidden struggles and potential solutions for those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

‘I love this work, but it’s killing me’: The unique toll of being a spiritual leader today Spiritual leaders’ own pain often goes unnoticed as they tend to their community’s challenges.

PSR Professor Dr. Leonard McMahon reflects on freedom, solidarity, and the meaning of

Juneteenth and the Meaning of Freedom: A Reflection by Dr. Leonard McMahon - Pacific School of Religion A reflection on Juneteenth and the freedom to be fully human from PSR faculty Leonard McMahon

"As the world around us feels terrifying and harsh, let’s choose to cling to one another. Let’s claim each other as family. Let’s stand in solidarity with each other and, with a united front, speak queerness to power."
Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw, coordinator of Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion - CLGS's Transgender Roundtable, shares a call to recognize chosen family in our lives and in the pages of our sacred texts.

A Call to Q***r Solidarity: A Reflection by Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw - Pacific School of Religion Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw, coordinator of CLGS's Transgender Roundtable shares a Pride Month call to recognize chosen family in our lives and in the pages of our sacred texts.

We're still flying high from the joy and excitement of our 157th commencement last month!
Read about our speakers and awards and see a collection of celebratory photos 🎓🙌

Pacific School of Religion Celebrates a Fearless Future at 2024 Commencement - Pacific School of Religion On May 19th PSR celebrated its 157th commencement with the theme, Emerging Unafraid: Living Out the Courage of Our Compassion. Read more about the ceremony and see pictures of the grads and their families!

Jessie Ratcliff (MDiv '24) will be one of the presenters at our Pride Month Celebration tomorrow at 4pm PT! Thank you for sharing National Catholic Reporter!
Register now: https://bit.ly/PSRPride2024
https://www.ncronline.org/earthbeat/viewpoints/trans-poc-minister-my-environmentalism-rooted-spirituality-and-identity

As a trans POC minister, my environmentalism is rooted in spirituality and identity My mission is to teach transgender individuals about the sacredness of our environment, emphasizing that it is God's land where all are loved and accepted.