Secular Summit 2022: When Reason Prevails

Watch the Secular Summit here: https://youtu.be/2yBaf4aJ6i0

Agenda:

• 11:00-11:15: Welcome with RT Justice: Thank You Sponsors; Meet Our New Board Members; Honoring Diane & Steve Uhl
• 11:15-11:45: Dr. Carmen Celestini: Religion and Conspiracy Theory 
• 11:45-12:00: Secular Champion Award: Lindsay Love  
• 12:00-12:45: Leaving Dogma Behind: Reconversion Panel with Gloria Beth Amodeo, Nick Carmody and Stephanie Kemmerer
• 12:45-1:00p: Bruce Gerencser: From Preacher to Atheist
• 1:00-1:15: Secular AZ Legal Activities with Dianne Post
• 1:15-1:30: Luciano Gonzalez-Vega: Why Representation in Humanism Matters
• 1:30 – 1:45: Executive Director Jeanne Casteen: Looking to 2023

Our Speakers:

Dr. Carmen Celestini, full-time lecturer at the University of Waterloo, in the department of Religious Studies and the Arts First program, and a Post Doctoral Fellow with the School of Religion at Queen’s University. Her research focuses on the overlapping belief systems of Christian Nationalism, conspiracy theories, and extremism, as well as the impact of these beliefs/ideologies on politics in North America.

Gloria Beth Amodeo, author of God’s Ex-Girlfriend: A Memoir About Loving and Leaving the Evangelical Jesus. Gloria converted to a conservative sect of evangelical Christianity in  college, then left the movement in her 20s. Today, she employs personal narrative and critical analysis to explore the “well-oiled missionary machine” she was a part of, as well as the vast implications it has on our current political landscape.

Stephanie Kemmerer, freelance writer who specializes in conspiracy theory culture and extremism. She is a former conspiracy theorist and current advocate for recovery. Stephanie is a co-host for the podcast, ‘True Crimespiracy.” Her writings have appeared on AIPT Comics, Skeptical Inquirer and Free Inquiry.

Nick Carmody, JD, MS Psych , a therapist with an amazing back story.  Nick has a private practice and also works with low income children who have experienced trauma. In 2010, Nick experienced two life-changing Traumatic Brain Injuries; along with other intense personal experiences, this led him along an unconventional path to a career helping people who have similar lived-experiences. He writes extensively on Twitter.

Lindsay Love, recipient of our 2022 **Secular Champion Award** and CUSD Board Member and ASBA Black Alliance President.

Luciano Gonzalez-Vega, a non-binary author, and public speaker who writes and talks about various issues related to history, humanism, and conflict. They are Puerto Rican, were raised in Honduras, Colombia, and Panama during times of civil unrest and strife, and have a master’s degree in Peace & Conflict Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. They are also an experienced humanist activist who has spoken at humanist conferences nationwide and appeared on television to discuss issues related to humanism in the United States. Find their writing at OnlySky and the Humanist.

Bruce Gerencser, who pastored Evangelical churches for twenty-five years in Ohio, Texas, and Michigan. Bruce left the ministry in 2005, and in 2008 he left Christianity. Bruce is now a humanist and an atheist. You can read Bruce’s writing at The Life and Times of Bruce Gerencser.

Presentations from our Executive Director, Jeanne Casteen, and our Legal Director, Dianne Post, who’ll share where reason prevailed in Arizona (and where it didn’t!)

While we’re not charging for tickets this year, we do ask that you kindly consider making a donation to sponsor the Summit.

Donate Now!

JOIN THIS GROUP OF AMAZING SECULAR SPONSORS

KATIE CONWAY

PETER CULIN

DAVID FEIRING

MARY GANAPOL

IAN HAMP

GREG JACKSON

WHIT & JANET JOHNSON

PHILIP AND SHERRON LENTZ

KAREN MCCLELLAND

DEBRA NEILL

BRUCE & KATHLEEN PETTYCREW

JACOB SELTZER

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE SUMMIT!