Pacific School of Religion

08/21/2026

Today we remember the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Barbara Brown Zikmund, scholar, pastor, historian, and trailblazing leader whose impact continues to shape theological education and the wider church. As PSR's first woman Dean of the Faculty, she opened doors for generations to come and championed the belief that the stories at the margins belong at the center.

We join family, friends, colleagues, and the wider faith community in giving thanks for her life of faith, scholarship, and courageous leadership.

Read more about her remarkable legacy: https://www.psr.edu/news/remembering-rev-dr-barbara-brown-zikmund-scholar-trailblazer-and-faithful-leader/

08/17/2026

Meet the Earl 2026 Featured Speakers ✨

This September, we’ll gather at Pacific School of Religion for Earl Lectures 2026: Faith Beyond Exclusion—a weekend of courageous conversation, theological reflection, and community.

We’re honored to welcome two remarkable voices whose work brings faith, justice, and belonging into deeper conversation:

🎙️ Rev. Dr. Robert Chao Romero: scholar, ordained minister, attorney, and faith-rooted community organizer whose work explores Christianity, race, identity, and social justice.

🎙️ Bishop Yvette A. Flunder: pastor, prophetic leader, PSR alum, and longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and justice in faith communities.

Join us September 25–26 on the PSR campus in Berkeley as we explore what it means to practice faith beyond exclusion.

🎟️ Early-bird tickets are available now.

Learn more + RSVP: https://www.psr.edu/events/earl2026/

08/10/2026

Summer at PSR ☀️

From conferences and teaching events to time spent gathering and connecting, our community stayed busy learning, sharing, and growing together.

Here’s a little glimpse of summer at PSR. 💜

We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back for the fall semester!

07/24/2026

We remember distinguished PSR alumnx Terry Messman, MDiv '91, and give thanks for a life rooted in justice, compassion, and courageous public witness.

From faith-based organizing and advocacy alongside unhoused communities to founding Street Spirit Newspaper, Terry dedicated his life to amplifying voices and living out his calling with humility and conviction.

As we reflect on Terry's extraordinary legacy, we invite you to read our remembrance and celebrate the impact he made through a lifetime of ministry.

May his life continue to inspire all who seek to put faith into action!

https://www.psr.edu/news/remembering-distinguished-alumnx-terry-messman-mdiv-91/

07/21/2026

Congratulations to PSR doctoral student Dr. César A. Cruz on earning Third Place in the 2025–2026 Blessed Solanus Casey Essay Prize.

César's award-winning essay, The Porter and the Prisoner: Francis Solanus Casey, Israa Ja'abis and the Theology of the Door, reflects a year of learning across PSR, GTU, and other formation communities. Drawing on theology, lived experience, and traditions of lament and resilience, the essay explores what it means to stand at the threshold with those who have been excluded.

We're grateful to celebrate César's thoughtful scholarship and this well-deserved recognition.

Read more about César's achievement and his award-winning essay:
https://www.psr.edu/news/psr-dmin-student-earns-national-recognition-in-blessed-solanus-casey-essay-competition/

07/20/2026

Two weeks left to apply! ⏰

Where is your calling leading you?

At Pacific School of Religion, our alumnx serve as pastors, chaplains, educators, community organizers, social service leaders, artists, advocates, and entrepreneurs working toward a more just and compassionate world.

If you're ready to deepen your vocation and prepare for meaningful leadership, now is the time to apply.

📅 Final Fall application deadline: August 3
💰 Financial aid is still available for the Fall semester.

Learn more and apply today: https://www.psr.edu/admissions/

07/15/2026

We join our community in remembering the Rev. Dr. Archie Smith Jr., whose life and work left an enduring mark on Pacific School of Religion and the many communities he served.

A beloved professor, scholar, pastor, and mentor, Dr. Smith dedicated more than 35 years to teaching, writing, and caring for others. His legacy lives on through the countless students, colleagues, and faith leaders he inspired.

We invite you to read our remembrance as we give thanks for his life and witness.

https://www.psr.edu/news/pacific-school-of-religion-remembers-rev-dr-archie-smith-jr/

07/08/2026

We are delighted to celebrate a new chapter for Pacific School of Religion's Doctor of Ministry program.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Ish Ruiz on his appointment as Co-Director of PSR's Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Program. Serving alongside Dr. Jim Lawrence during the 2026–2027 academic year, Dr. Ruiz will help guide one of PSR's most impactful programs through a thoughtful season of shared leadership and transition.

This appointment builds on the remarkable foundation Dr. Lawrence has established over the past decade while embracing the future of theological education with Dr. Ruiz's scholarship, leadership, and commitment to justice-centered ministry.

Read more about this exciting announcement and what it means for the future of PSR's DMin program:

Pacific School of Religion is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ish Ruiz as Co-Director of PSR’s Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Program. Dr. Ruiz will serve alongside Dr. Jim Lawrence during the 2026–2027 academic year in a period of shared leadership and thoughtful transition, ensuring the ...