Divinity School to host conversation on realities of Asian diaspora

On Thursday, April 8, the Vanderbilt Divinity School will host the first of three panel discussions focused on exploring the experience of Asian and Asian American people. The virtual panel, “Asian and Asian American Realities: Racism, Hate, Resilience, and Solidarity,” will be moderated by Laura M. Cheifetz, assistant dean of admissions, vocation and stewardship at the Vanderbilt Divinity School, and will include remarks and conversation from four featured panelists.

Panelists:

• Gail Song Bantum, lead pastor at Quest Church in Seattle, will discuss pastoral concerns and the importance of joining in solidarity with Asian and Asian American communities.
• Soong-Chan Rah, professor of church growth and evangelism at North Park University, will explore anti-Asian racism in evangelicalism and the strength of Asian American communities.
• Paul C.H. Lim, associate professor of the history of Christianity at Vanderbilt Divinity School, will examine histories of racialized and gendered violence and discuss the theological responsibilities of a divinity school to address these issues.
• Emilie M. Townes, dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School, will provide concluding remarks, including parallels to womanist theology and cross-racial solidarity.

Event details:

Asian and Asian American Realities: Racism, Hate, Resilience, and Solidarity

Date: Thursday, April 8, 2021

Time: noon–1:30 p.m. CT

Format: A livestream link will be shared approximately 24 hours before the event or visible on the Vanderbilt Divinity School Facebook page.

For more about the event, the panelists, and to register, visit the event page.