Faith and life sciences forums to explore sexual orientation, race and gender in context of faith and science

By Anne Buckley

Sexual orientation, race and gender differences in the context of science and faith are among the topics panelists will discuss in a series of forums presented by the Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences and the Religion Forum of Central Virginia.

The forums, scheduled for March 30, April 27 and May 18, are designed to educate participants through dialogue about science and faith. Panelists will discuss race, gender and sexual orientation in relation to personal identity, the definition of social roles and in the context of human and civil rights. They also explore why there are issues with these topics and to what extent they are rooted in biology, theology or social behavior.

The forums, the last three in a four-part series, will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Richmond Salons of the VCU Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The first forum was on the science and ethics of embryonic stem cell research.

Sexual behavior and orientation, the topic of the March 30 forum, will explore the theological and religious perspectives on sexual behaviors and whether sexuality is a "chosen lifestyle" or if it is "biologically determined." Guest speakers include the Rev. Robin Gorsline, Ph.D., of the Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond; Janet Winston, Ph.D., of the VCU Department of English and the Women's Studies program; and Clinton Anderson of the American Psychological Association.

Gender and sex differences, the topic of the April 27 forum, will explore the theological, biological and social roots of gender roles, and why women are excluded from church leadership in major denominations, including Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Guest speakers include Steven Rhoads, Ph.D., of the University of Virginia; Tarynn Witten, Ph.D., of the VCU Life Sciences and School of Social Work, and Deirdre Condit, Ph.D., of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs and the Women's Studies program.

Race, the focus of the May 18 forum, will explore the faith-based and ethical perspectives on race and differences among races, and what was at stake for those American Christians who supported slavery, discrimination and miscegenation. Guest speakers include Shawn Utsey, Ph.D., of the VCU Department of Psychology.

The forums will offer an opportunity for audience to ask questions. The forums are free and open to the public.

For more information on Life Sciences and Religion, visit http://www.vcu.edu/faithscienceforum/index.html.