Queerness: A Sacred & Necessary Part of Faith
At Christian Theological Seminary, we believe faith invites us into conversations that are bold, challenging, and transformative. That is the vision behind CTS Talks—our “TED Talk” style lecture series featuring distinguished guests who bring fresh perspectives to issues at the intersection of faith, culture, and community. Each talk is designed to spark curiosity, inspire reflection, and open pathways for meaningful dialogue.
This fall, we are honored to welcome Rev. Brandan Robertson for the first CTS Talk of the 2025–2026 academic year. His talk, “Revolution Not Reformation: Why Christian Faith Needs to Reclaim Queerness,” will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 4:30pm. Local independent bookstore Loudmouth Books will be onsite with Robertson’s book Queer and Christian, for purchase. There will be an opportunity for attendees to have Rev. Robertson sign the book at a reception following the talk.
Revolution Not Reformation
Drawing from his groundbreaking book Queer and Christian, Rev. Robertson will invite us to see queerness not as a challenge to Christian faith but as an essential part of its future. Too often, conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church focus on tolerance or mere acceptance. Robertson pushes us further, insisting that queerness is sacred and that Christianity itself must reclaim its inherently radical, boundary-breaking, and liberating nature.
Through the lens of queer theology, this talk will dismantle exclusionary interpretations of scripture and highlight the radical message of Jesus: that God’s table is wide, affirming, and centered on those who have been pushed to the margins. For Robertson, queerness is not an obstacle to faith, but rather an invitation into authenticity, liberation, and transformation.
This is more than a conversation about inclusion—it is a call to reimagine Christian faith as inherently queer, revolutionary, and world-changing.
About Rev. Brandan Robertson
Rev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian dedicated to exploring the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social justice. He serves as Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City and is the founder and Executive Director of The Devout Foundation.
Known as the “TikTok Pastor,” Robertson’s inclusive theological reflections reach over 250,000 followers and have garnered more than 6 million views. His voice has been featured in TIME Magazine, CNN, and The Washington Post, and his impact extends globally, as he has been invited to speak at platforms as diverse as The White House and Oxford University. This summer, he gave a powerful interview on NPR’s All Things Considered.
Robertson is the author of 23 books, including True Inclusion, which was recognized as an INDIES Book of the Year finalist. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute, an MTS from Iliff School of Theology, and an MA in Political Science and Public Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Biblical Studies at Drew University.
With this rich blend of scholarship, pastoral leadership, and public engagement, Robertson brings a perspective that is both deeply rooted in faith and attuned to the urgent issues of our time.
The CTS Talks Series
CTS Talks is built on the notion that the church—and the world—need spaces for thoughtful, engaging dialogue. Modeled on the energy of TED Talks but grounded in theological reflection, these events bring subject matter experts to CTS to share ideas that stretch our minds and hearts. Each session is designed to be accessible to a wide audience: clergy, therapists, students, alumni, and community members alike.
Participants gain insight into topics that matter—not only for personal faith but for the broader questions of justice, community, and the common good.
Looking Ahead: 2025–2026 CTS Talks
Rev. Robertson’s talk opens a powerful lineup of CTS Talks this year. Future events will continue the theme of addressing pressing cultural questions through theological imagination:
- Creative Maladjustment: Confessions of a Trauma-Informed Systemic Therapist
Rev. Dr. Christina Jones Davis
November 6, 2025
- Conspiracy Theory: Can Theology Help Us Understand?
Dr. Robert Saler
February 3, 2026
- Intergenerational Imagination: Creativity at the Heart of God’s Transformation
Rev. Teresa Kim Pecinovsky
March 5, 2026
Together, these talks form a yearlong journey of deep learning and lively conversation.
Join Us
Join us for Revolution Not Reformation: Why Christian Faith Needs to Reclaim Queerness with Rev. Brandan Robertson on October 2, 2025. We welcome you to be part of a transformative conversation about the future of faith and the sacred gift of queerness.
Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged to imagine Christian faith in bold new ways.
