Katie Geneva Cannon Lecture 2009

The 4th Annual Katie Geneva Cannon Lectureship
Sunday, March 29 – Monday, March 30, 2009

Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon

The Katie Geneva Cannon Lectureship is an annual program of the Women’s Center at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary presented by a woman scholar who belongs to a racial ethnic minority in the United States and who raises a critical voice against the dominant oppressive structures and ideologies of the era. In naming the lectures after Dr. Cannon we intend to honor one of the Black Women pioneers, the first to enter ordained office in the Presbyterian denomination (PCUSA, 1974) and a “mother” of womanist theology, who through her writing and speaking has done much to address the dynamics of racism, sexism, and classism in the church and the world.

The Katie Geneva Cannon Lecture is held annually on the last Sunday in March. The Monday following the lecture begins with worship, led by an alumna of Louisville Seminary, and includes a workshop or seminar led by the lecturer dealing with the substance of her recent scholarly work, as well as dialogue between the lecturer, students, and other members of the community.

Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas

Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Elizabeth Conolly Todd Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion, Goucher College, will deliver the 2009 Lecture, titled “A Blues Slant: God Talk/Sex Talk for the Black Church”. The lecture will explore the meaning of the blues tradition, especially that of blues singing women, for the Black Church as it struggles to confront issues of sexuality.

Her Monday seminar, The Meaning of a Blues God, will address the theological significance of the blues, and will explore what the blues tells us about the meaning and movement of God from a womanist perspective.

Dr. Douglas is a leading voice in the development of womanist theology, named “among this country’s most distinguished religious thinkers, teachers, ministers, and counselors.” She is the author of numerous essays, articles, and books, including The Black Christ (1994), Sexuality and the Black Church (1999), and most recently What’s Faith Got to Do With It: Black Bodies, Christian Souls (2008).

Rev. Dr. F. Camille Williams-Neal, with Rev. Robert Williams-Neal and Rev. Dr. Dean Thompson, President of Louisville Seminary

Rev. Dr. F. Camille Williams-Neal (M.Div. ’80) will lead worship on Monday following the lecture. Rev. Dr. Williams-Neal has served more than 30 years in various ministries of pastoral care and denominational leadership. In 1980 she became the first African-American woman to graduate Louisville Seminary with an M.Div.; she subsequently earned her D.Min. from McCormick Theological Sminary in Parish Revitalization, 1996. In addition to her work for the Presbyterian denominational center in the areas of racial diversity, multicultural ministries, and evangelism, Dr. Williams-Neal has served the Women’s Center as a member of the Advisory Board, and is a frequent contributor to various Presbyterian publications.

Schedule of Events

Sunday, March 29
5:30 p.m. Reception and Silent Auction — Gardencourt
7:30 p.m. Lecture
“A Blues Slant: God Talk/Sex Talk for the Black Church”
9:15 p.m. Dessert
(Dr. Douglas will be available to sign books)

 
Monday, March 30
9:00 a.m. Worship — Caldwell Chapel
10:15 a.m. Seminar — Laws Lodge
“The Meaning of a Blues God”
12:00 Lunch and Reception — The Women’s Center, 100 White Hall
1:30 p.m. Closing

Lecture, other Sunday events, and Worship are free and open to the public;
Optional registration for the lecture obtains: registration packet, pre-paid drink at the reception, reserved seat for the lecture, and a program signed by the lecturer
Registration is required for the Seminar and other Monday events — $15 regular registration/free student registration

Register online or by mail (download brochure and registration information)

Silent Auction
The Women’s Center’s annual Spring Silent Auction and reception precedes the lecture. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Women’s Center at LPTS and its ongoing programs. The Women’s Center gladly and gratefully accepts donations of fine art, unique handcrafted and artisanal, and other items. Contact Women’s Center Student Coordinator Debra Trevino at (502) 894-2285 or Acting Director Heather Thiessen at (502) 992-9376.