The Saint Benedict Institute will host John Bursch and Megan DeFranza for a conversation titled “A Civil Dialogue on Sex and Gender” on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. at Hope College in the Maas Center auditorium.
The public is invited. Admission is free.
A video recording of the event will be made available online afterward on the Saint Benedict Institute website.
As the institute describes on its website, “Perhaps no issues today are more contentious and more divisive than those surrounding sex and gender. Indeed, the questions have even irreparably divided some churches. Christians hold widely differing views, each side claiming biblical support and moral authority. Is it even possible to have a conversation with those who disagree? Can we talk in a way that brings more light than heat? Can we find points of agreement even while disagreeing? Can we evaluate each other's arguments and move toward the truth?
“The Saint Benedict Institute thinks we can. That is why the institute is hosting attorney John Bursch and Dr. Megan DeFranza for an evening of civil dialogue on sex and gender. Mr. Bursch has written a recent book defending the Catholic Church's views on gender. Dr. DeFranza is known for her scholarly work concerning intersex people and gender minorities. Both approach these matters with a Christian lens. Both are seasoned practitioners of civil exchange and are eager to model how Christians can explore hard questions without demonizing those who hold other views.”
The event is co-sponsored by the college’s Provost's Office, Dean for Arts and Humanities, Pre-Law Society and Department of Philosophy.
John Bursch is the senior counsel for the Alliance Defending Freedom. He has argued 12 U.S. Supreme Court cases, including cases defending the Catholic Church’s teachings on marriage and sexuality. His most recent book, “Loving God’s Children: The Church and Gender Ideology,” was published in August 2023.
Megan DeFranza is a counselor, author, speaker, and filmmaker. She holds a Ph.D. in religious studies with a concentration in sex, gender and sexuality. Her books include “Sex Difference in Christian Theology: Male, Female, and Intersex in the Image of God.” Additionally, she directed the documentary “Stories of Intersex and Faith.”
The Saint Benedict Institute is a ministry of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Holland. It seeks to promote and nurture intellectual work done from the heart of the Catholic Church, to foster an ecumenical community of Catholic Christians and friends committed to the renewal of culture, and to aid in the formation of intellectually and spiritually mature Christians by making available the riches of the Catholic tradition to Hope College and the wider community. More information can be found at saintbenedictinstitute.org.
To inquire about accessibility or if you need accommodations to fully participate in the event, please email accommodations@hope.edu. Updates related to events are posted when available at hope.edu/calendar in the individual listings.
The Maas Center is located at 264 Columbia Ave., between 10th and 12th streets.