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. 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 in Cleveland in August of 2014. CLGS’ African-American Roundtable and Many Voices were pleased to host the fifth Souls A’ Fire Conference focused on the next generation of Black Queer Theology on April 22-24, 2016 at City of Refuge, UCC in Oakland California. The CLGS Ninth Annual Boswell Lecture kicked off the Souls a’ Fire conference on Thursday, April 21, 2016 with Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes, Dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School.
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. These events are also a time of retreat and inspiration through ritual, praise and worship.
For More Information, Visit the Souls a’ Fire 5 Conference Website: www.soulsafire.org