Post-Imperial Futures

Post-Imperial Futures: Addressing Legacy and Living Into Promise

Imperialist ideology and practice is threaded throughout U/Uism, as well as other religious traditions now practiced in North America. From the a/theological justifications of our founding fathers to the faith’s everyday practices of money and leadership, the legacy of Empire and its desire to dominate and mark out Otherness has us participate in harmful colonial enterprises. This conference, sponsored by Meadville Lombard Theological School and the Unitarian Universalist Association’s International Office, convenes scholars and activists to equip lay leaders and ministers with resources and practices to live into the promise of radical, post-colonial, and faithful futurities.

Conference activities are all online with select multiplatform sessions offered on Friday, October 7, at Meadville Lombard's downtown Chicago campus.

All times are Central Time. The Zoom link will be sent in the registration confirmation email.

Thursday, October 6, 2022

• 5:00-5:30 pm Welcome and Centering: Dr. Elias Ortega
• 5:30-6:45 pm Keynote Address: Lisa Asedillo; Moderator: Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey
• 6:45-7:00 pm Closing Remarks: Alicia R. Forde

Friday, October 7, 2022

• 10:00-10:30 am Welcome and Centering
• 10:30 am-12:30 pm Unlearning Labs I (pick one):
• How to Decolonize Preaching: Rev. Dr. Lis Valle-Ruiz [Multiplatform]
• What solidarities matter? What the Invasion of Ukraine Tells Us about Imperialism, Anti-blackness, and Occupation: Rachel Freed, Ervin Malakaj, Fatima El-Tayeb; moderated by Dr. Beverly Weber [Online]
• How to Liberate a Text: Colonial Legacies and Decolonial Practice of Reading the Bible: Dr. Jin Young Choi [Online]

• 12:30-1:30 pm Break/Lunch on your own
• 1:30-3:30 pm Unlearning Labs II (pick one):
• Archival Histories, Archival Justice: John Leeker [Multiplatform]
• Decolonizing Listening Practices in Pastoral Care: Dr. Mindy McGarrah Sharp [Online]
• An Imperialist Faith? Case Studies of UUs in Hawaii and Philippines: Rev. Fred Muir [Online]

• 3:30-4:00 pm Personal Reflection Time
• 4:00-5:00 pm Regathering & Conversation Circles: Alicia R. Forde
• 5:00-6:00 pm President’s Reception (In-person only)

Saturday, October 8, 2022

• 10:00-11:30 am Welcome & Keynote Panel: Post-Imperialist Futures; Featuring: Rev. Dr. Tink Tinker, Dr. Danika Medak-Saltzman, Rev. Theresa Ninán Soto; Moderator: Dr. Kate Lassiter
• 11:30-11:45 am Break
• 11:45 am-12:30 pm Conversation Circles
• 12:30-1:00 pm Closing Worship

For those who are participating in person on Friday:

COVID Protocol

• Proof of vaccination is required (including eligible boosters), with exemptions as needed. Please bring your ID and your vaccination card to campus.
• Masks are required.
• Disinfecting wipes and additional masks will be available. Please use them.
• Facilitators and participants should take all recommended precautions before traveling. We strongly encourage travelers to purchase travel insurance and have a contingency plan should you contract Covid or monkeypox during your time in Chicago.