Peace Week 2023 features “Queering the Gospel” VIA presentation on April 17, Chapel service with Congregation Achduth Vesholom’s Rabbi Meir Bargeron for Yom HaShoah on April 18 and the annual Empty Bowls meal on April 22.
Correction: Empty Bowls has moved to Haist Commons in the Jo Young Swtizer Center. It is from noon to 2 p.m.
Manchester University will celebrate its annual Peace Week beginning Monday, April 17.
Peace Week is a yearly tradition organized by the Peace Studies Institute and its collaborators to celebrate peace work being done at all levels and to educate the Manchester community.
The kickoff event is a presentation from speakers Brian Murphy and Fr. Shay Kearns, founders of “Queer Theology.”
“Queering the Gospel” is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, April 17 in Cordier Auditorium at the North Manchester campus. It is free and open to the public. The presentation will also be livestreamed on Manchester’s Facebook page.
The program will explore different readings of the Bible through queer perspectives, how they empower queer and trans people, and how they can lead to deeper empathy and insight for straight, cisgender people. This presentation is part of Manchester’s Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA) series.
“Queer Theology,” the longest running LGBTQ+ Christian podcast, started in 2013. Murphy and Kearns wanted a space where queer and straight individuals could access queer theology material and to show the intersection between Christianity and being queer. Their message is spread through videos, websites and podcasts.
Following the presentation, Murphy and Kearns’ book will be available for purchase and signing in the Cordier lobby.
Other events throughout Peace Week that are open to the public include:
- Chapel service with Congregation Achduth Vesholom’s Rabbi Meir Bargeron for Yom HaShoah at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 in Petersime Chapel to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Empty Bowls from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22 in the Jean Childs Young Intercultural Center
The annual Empty Bowls event raises money for a local organization. This year’s organization is Pride Lafayette, a non-profit in Lafayette, Ind., dedicated to promoting awareness of diversity, health, culture and acceptance of individuals based on sexual identity and gender identity. Soup will be served in bowls painted by Manchester students, faculty and staff. The suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Established in 1948, Manchester’s Peace Studies Institute was the first undergraduate peace studies program in the world. This year marks the 75th anniversary of peace studies at Manchester. The celebration will continue throughout the year, including Homecoming events this fall and an upcoming issue of Manchester, the University’s magazine.
For the media
The organizers for Peace Week are Katy Gray Brown, director of peace studies, and Kendall Brown, peace studies coordinator. They can be reached at klgraybrown@manchester.edu or kmbrown@manchester.edu.
Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.
Our mission and values
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
April 2023