The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary will host two influential church leaders next month as part of its Woods Lecture Series. On August 5, 2024, Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai, the episcopal leader of the Iowa Conference United Methodist Church and co-bishop of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference UMC, will deliver a sermon. Following her, on August 12, 2024, Rev. Tony Larson, co-moderator of the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), will also preach at the seminary.

Both events will take place at 11 a.m. in Blades Chapel on the UD campus. Each session will begin with a worship service led by the visiting clergy, followed by a sermon.

The series will focus on the theme “The Church’s Witness in the World,” offering attendees the opportunity to engage with the leaders on pertinent issues facing the church today. A luncheon will follow each session at 11:45 a.m., during which participants can further interact with the speakers during a question-and-answer period.

Attendance is free, and the public is welcome to join. However, those interested in attending the luncheons are encouraged to register by August 1 by emailing [email protected].

This initiative reflects the seminary’s commitment to fostering dialogue among different Christian denominations. The presence of such prominent figures underscores the importance of collaborative discussions in addressing contemporary challenges within the church community.

Through these events, the University of Dubuque aims to enhance understanding and cooperation among diverse faith communities, contributing to a broader conversation on the role of the church in today’s world.