Established through a generous contribution from Jeanne Audrey Powers
The importance of issues related to gender and sexuality are underappreciated in institutions devoted to the study of religion and the training of religious leaders.[1] The goal of the Center for Sexuality, Gender and Religion is to foster intellectual inquiry, open dialogue, and informed praxis within religious communities on the complex issues of gender and sexuality. Recognizing and affirming the diversity of Southern California and today’s world, the Center seeks to provide education and encourage communication within and across religious affiliations, ideological bases, and cultural contexts.
The program was established in 1995 as “The Center for Sexuality and Christian Life.” In 2011, the name was changed to reflect the broader context in which issues of sexuality and gender are currently explored by scholars affiliated with the Center and with Claremont School of Theology.
Claremont School of Theology was selected in 2012 as one of the twenty most sexually healthy and responsible seminaries by the Religious Institute.
LGBTQIA Resource Guide (pdf)
This guide was put together by students Alex Stepansky, Sheri Kling, Sally Burton, and Dara Joy Daworowicz for a class project.
Ongoing And Forthcoming Activities
- CSGR is a sponsoring institution of The Human Rights Commission Foundation LGBT Scholarship and Mentorship Program for Religion and Theological Study
- CSGR continues to support the work of the CST student group De Colores
Co-Directors
Carleen Mandolfo
cmandolfo@cst.edu | (909) 447-2544
Grace Yia-Hei Kao
gkao@cst.edu | (909) 447-2530
Duane Bidwell
dbidwell@cst.edu | (909) 447-2528
[1] A 2009 study by the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality found an “overwhelming need” for better education and preparation of religious leaders in the area of human sexuality, citing a lack of appropriate education, self-reflection, formation, and skills development to engage these issues effectively after graduation.