One of the dreams that launched The Commonwealth was that university students would find a spiritual home away from home that would support them in theological reflection, connect them to the neighborhood, and encourage them to work for justice and peace.
This year, we lived into that dream by forming partnerships for collaboration.
The Commonwealth was invited by the 1001 New Worshiping Communities program of the PCUSA to collaborate on a new program we call Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activists. Erin, Faith, and Mike have been developing this program to support undergraduate and graduate students who want to start something new on campus related to racial justice, economic justice, or a spiritual practice. Each Wayfinder will receive a $500 grant and expenses-paid trips for an Incubator weekend and a debrief retreat. They’ll also receive monthly coaching sessions along the way. We are taking applications now for the cohort that convenes in May!
Another dream of The Commonwealth is that LGBTQIA+ folks would find a spiritual home that affirms, nurtures, and celebrates them. We especially held out this hope for university students in Oakland. Among the many Christian campus ministries here, at the time there was only one that affirmed queer people.
This year, conversations with other campus religious leaders led us to form the Queer Interfaith Alliance on Campus (QIAC) with the Lutheran Campus Ministry in Greater Pittsburgh, Shadyside Presbyterian Church, and First Unitarian Church. Together we are working across boundaries of religious difference to support queer students in a way we always hoped.
At Carnegie Mellon University, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion worked with QIAC to develop a campus event for Queer History Month. Called Being Both: (Re)claiming Queer Spirituality Across Traditions the event convened conversations about the intersection of religious and queer identity. We explored the tensions of being queer in religious spaces and being religious in queer spaces. Speakers included our very own Lou Deemer alongside speakers from Buddhist, Unitarian, and Indigenous/Two-Spirit traditions.
We were also able to partner with Counseling and Psychological Services at CMU on the Trans Day of Remembrance Event. There were many activities for connecting, celebrating, mourning, and grounding. We contributed a friendship-bracelet making station that created space for students to connect in conversation. And Erin collaborated with other leaders on an interfaith ritual to remember the lives we lost and to encourage those who are still here.
As you've been reading this, have you thought to yourself how you wished Commonwealth had been around when you were a college student? We hear that a lot, and we're working hard to turn the tide for the lives of young people in Pittsburgh. You can be a part of this important work!
By becoming a sustaining supporter of The Commonwealth today, for whatever amount, you become a part of the legacy of providing a Queer spiritual community for the people who need it most. You have a chance to provide what you yourself so badly needed. Partner with us and help us change lives!
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