BERKELEY, Calif. — April 16-17, the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry (CLGS) at Pacific School of Religion will host a symposium addressing the ways in which the concept of “religious liberty” is being used to justify and further discriminatory actions, such as denying service to same sex couples or limiting the reproductive health care benefits for employees. “Religious liberty should emphasize our freedoms—the right to worship, to self-expression—and should never be used as an excuse for discrimination against any group of people,” states Dr. Bernard Schlager, executive director of CLGS and Dean of Pacific School of Religion.
The focus of the symposium will be to articulate a theologically-based and positive definition of religious liberty that explains why religious liberty should not be used as a license to discriminate. The symposium will also consider how the concept of religious liberty can be used to further religious pluralism in the United States. Speakers include:
- Kate Kendell, Esq., Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights
- Randall Miller, PhD, Assistant Professor of United Methodist Studies, Ethics and Leadership, Pacific School of Religion
- Tat-siong Benny Liew, PhD, Professor in New Testament Studies, College of the Holy Cross
- Rosemary P. Carbine, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Whittier College
The symposium will begin on Thursday, April 16, when Kate Kendell will deliver the annual John E. Boswell lecture, named for the noted gay theologian. On Friday, April 17, the three religious scholars will speak from their areas of expertise, addressing the question of religious liberty in 21st-century America. There will be opportunities for attendees to learn more about recently-introduced legislation that would allow business owners to discriminate against LGBTQ customers on religious grounds. In addition, attendees will be invited to join in the discussion and provide input into effective messages that promote an expansive view of religious liberty. Registration is now open at https://religious-liberty.eventbrite.com.
This event is being cosponsored by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Human Rights Campaign, and the National LGBTQ Task Force. For more information, please contact the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry, www.clgs.org, (510) 849-8206.
