Lancaster Theological Seminary to host “Queer Celebration as Resistance: 25 Years of Courage”
Moravian University School of Theology’s Lancaster Theological Seminary (LTS) invites the public to commemorate a milestone in LGBTQIA+ advocacy and inclusion at “Queer Celebration as Resistance: 25 Years of Courage” on Sunday, November 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Santee Chapel on the Lancaster Theological Seminary campus.
The event marks the 25th anniversary of Lancaster’s first GLBT Week and celebrates the many LGBTQIA+ events, initiatives, and milestones that have followed over the past quarter-century.
This special afternoon will bring together alumni, students, faculty, and community members for a powerful combination of remembrance, worship, fellowship, and discussion.
The event is open to all alumni, students, and friends of the institution and will be available both in-person at Santee Chapel and via Zoom for those unable to attend in person. Registration is required and available now.
“The LGBT Awareness Week that we created and celebrated with LTS 25 years ago represents one of the most pivotal moments in my entire life!” says Rev. Duane Romberger, one of the organizers of the original LGBT Awareness Week.
“Not only did it demonstrate how a seminary can embody courage, love, support, and justice, but it also demonstrated how people can experience the very real presence of God whenever we agree to simply come together and listen to those with unique stories and different perspectives. I think it brilliantly represents a sacred reminder for all of us as we face the many challenges that exist for us today,” Romberger adds.
Program schedule
3 p.m.: Panel discussion includes alumni, faculty, and special guests who will share their experiences and reflections on 25 years of LGBTQIA+ advocacy and community building.
4 p.m.: Worship service featuring liturgy, scripture readings, and music that honors the courage and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“This milestone celebrates a legacy of courageous witness and reminds us that our commitment to full LGBTQIA+ inclusion remains as vital today as it was 25 years ago,” notes Dr. Greg Carey, Dean of Lancaster Theological Seminary. “We gather to honor those who paved the way and to renew our dedication to creating a seminary community where all are truly welcome.”
Meet the panelists
Dr. Anabel Proffitt, panel moderator and longstanding professor of Educational Ministry and former Dean at Lancaster Theological Seminary.
Rev. Harry Knox (LTS Master of Divinity 1989) has been a state and national leader in the movement for LGBTQ equity in ecclesiastical and political settings.
The Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos (Master of Divinity, LTS Class of 2002, and Doctor of Ministry from Episcopal Divinity School, 2008) is one of the original co-founders of the first LGBT Week, and serves the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick, Maine.
Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart is a Black queer preacher, teacher, strategist, justice advocate, and adjunct professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University.
Bambi Galore (they/them) is a graduate of the LTS Master of Divinity program who works asa training coordinator for the Prevention Training Center at Johns Hopkins.
Event Details: Queer Celebration as Resistance: 25 Years of Courage
When: 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday, November 9
Where: Santee Chapel, Lancaster Theological Seminary (also available via Zoom)
Registration: Available now on Zoom
Cost: Free and open to the public
More information: moravian.edu/school-theology