The Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion African-American Roundtable is pleased to host the 20th Anniversary and the eighth Souls A’ Fire Conference focused on the next generation of Black Queer Theology. We are continuing the rich tradition of encouraging our young scholars in their current work as well as learning from seasoned theologians and preachers as they explore the intersections of African-American culture, the church and LGBTQ identity. For our anniversary conference, we decided not to have emerging scholars present their work, but revisit previous “Souls A’Fire Fellows” to see how their ideas have evolved over the past years and if those ideas have stood the test of time. It also offers a time of inspiration through ritual, praise, and worship.
History:
In 2003, the CLGS African American Roundtable organized the first national gathering of black pastors, scholars and activists to consider the intersections of African-American culture, the church and LGBTQ identity at the Souls a’Fire conference in Berkeley, CA. Souls a’Fire 2 was held in 2005 in Chicago, and Souls a’Fire 3 was held in April of 2007 in Philadelphia. CLGS was pleased to host the return of Souls a’ Fire 4 in Cleveland in August of 2014 after a long hiatus. Souls a’Fire 5 took place in Oakland in 2016. We were honored to be in the south for Souls a’Fire 6 in Nashville 2018. Due to the pandemic, we moved Souls a’Fire 7 online in 2021, but we want to show our appreciation to the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis / St. Paul) for their willingness to host the conference. The conference experienced its largest attendance and drew participants from outside of the United States when it was online. For our 20th anniversary conference, we decided to go virtual again for Souls a’Fire 8 in 2023.
About CLGS:
Founded in 2000, The Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion at Pacific School of Religion is the first seminary-based center for the study of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in the nation. The Center works to transform faith communities and the wider society by taking a leading role in shaping a new public discourse on religion and sexuality through education, research, community building, and advocacy. Learn more on the CLGS website.
About Pacific School of Religion:
Founded in 1866, Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is a progressive Christian seminary and graduate school committed to a radically inclusive Gospel. While the dominant culture defines itself by who belongs and who doesn’t, PSR is committed to welcoming people for who they are – as they are.
PSR offers multiple, flexible options for anyone looking to build spiritually grounded leadership skills; or learn from wisdom-based traditions. In addition to PSR’s Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programs we also offer Graduate Certificates including Sexuality and Religion and Spirituality and Social Change. Courses can also be completed through the Ignite Institute and our Theological Education for Leadership programs. PSR is also home to the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS), the first seminary-based LGBTQ+ Center.
PSR is accredited by both Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Learn more on the PSR website.