Spong

Archive of Audios and Videos - February 12 & 13, 2016

Special Lecture Series:
Honoring the Courage
of Progressive Pastors

The Right Reverend John Shelby Spong, the retired Episcopal Bishop of Newark. Bishop Spong is one of the world's leading progressive theologians, a Westar Fellow, and a prolific author. His trenchant criticisms of Biblical literalism and his radical rejection of much traditional Christian dogma have made him persona non grata in much of the Christian world, while inspiring many who are part of what Bishop Spong calls the "church alumni association." He has initiated landmark discussions of controversies on racial inclusion, women’s ordination and justice for gay, lesbian, and transgender people, and he has become an outspoken advocate for change.

With Bishop Spong is his friend, Rev. Dr. Roger Ray, the pastor of the Community Christian Church of Springfield, Missouri, a very unusual non-denominational progressive church that he founded almost a decade ago after leaving a Disciples of Christ ministry. Rev. Dr. Ray holds a doctorate from Vanderbilt Divinity School, was a 2004 Merrill Fellow at Harvard Divinity School, has authored two highly regarded books, and has recently delivered seminars on progressive faith in the U.S., Scotland and England. He has thousands of followers who watch and hear his weekly sermons on YouTube and iTunes.

Sean Spyres, the Community Christian Church's director of music, is a seasoned opera vocalist with degrees in music and opera who knows how to make the sanctuary "rock!" During our lecture series, he performed the religious and secular music that makes Rev. Ray's Sunday services so unique.

Curious? Click below to listen to audios and watch videos presented during the schedule of events on Feb 12 and 13.