2025-2026 Book Tour
Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN
Drawing from Rev. Robertson’s book Queer and Christian, this talk will explore why queerness isn’t just something to be tolerated within Christianity—it is a sacred and necessary part of our faith’s future. Rooted in queer theology, we will dismantle exclusionary interpretations of scripture and reclaim the radical message of Jesus: that God’s table is expansive, affirming, and centered on those historically pushed to the margins. Queerness is not an obstacle to faith, but an invitation into deeper truth, authenticity, and liberation. This is a call to move beyond mere inclusion toward a bold reimagining of Christian faith as inherently queer, revolutionary, and transformative.
Experience a series of captivating “TED Talk” style lectures at CTS Talks. Delivered by distinguished guests who are subject matter experts, these thought-provoking talks provide a platform to gain insight on topics that tie together intellectual curiosity and community reflection.
"Hell Bent" Book Launch, The River Church, New York, NY
ABOUT THE EVENT
In conversation with Brandan Robertson (the author of Queer & Christian), Brian will share about his new book Hell Bent.
The presentation will be followed by time for Q&A and book signing. There are two ticket options:
1) Event (Hell Bent Book Not Included) (FREE)
2) Event (Hell Bent Book Included) ($30)
ABOUT THE BOOK
A former evangelical pastor explains why we can stop worrying about hell and start focusing on love
There is a black hole at the center of Christian spirituality: the doctrine of hell. No matter how hard we try to believe in a loving God, the fear of eternal torment always lurks at the back of our minds, warping our sense of what love means. Worse still, many churches act as if the point of Christianity is not to follow Jesus but to secure a get-out-of-hell-free card—and to “save” everyone you know by converting them to your religion. For many of us, the whole story of Christianity has punishment at the very center. But does the Bible really say we’re going to hell if we don’t do or believe the “right” things?
In this taboo-shattering book, former evangelical pastor Brian Recker takes an honest look at scripture and reveals what has been true all along: Hell isn’t real, and God’s universal love is radically inclusive, in this life and the next. By removing punishment from Christianity's center, Recker boldly reimagines the core questions of faith, such as why Jesus lived and died, and what it means to be “saved.” It’s time to rediscover spirituality as Jesus taught it: loving God, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Whether you’re Christian, exvangelical, or anywhere along a deconstruction journey, Hell Bent is the perfect resource to help you replace fear and church hurt with healing and peace.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BRIAN RECKER, M.Div, is a public theologian, speaker, and writer on Christian spirituality without exclusionary dogma. The son of a Baptist preacher and an alum of the fundamentalist Bob Jones University, he spent eight years as an evangelical pastor before deconstructing his faith to find a more inclusive spirituality. He now speaks about following Jesus without fear of hell on his popular Instagram account and his Substack, Beloved. He lives in Raleigh and has four children and a rescue pup named Maev.
ABOUT BRANDAN ROBERTSON
BRANDAN ROBERTSON is a nationally recognized author, public theologian, and advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in faith communities. His work has been featured in major media outlets, and his writing and teaching have helped countless people navigate the intersections of faith, identity, and belonging.
ABOUT RIVER NYC
RIVER NYC is a progressive church, located in Midtown Manhattan, where faith and community continually intertwine in delightful ways. In-person attendees come from all five boroughs of New York City, New Jersey, and Westchester County, though people from around the country (and the world!) regularly tune into our services on YouTube Live. Our vision for a life-giving faith community is shaped by our conviction that God is unconditional love. Practically speaking, this means that (among other things) we place no limitations on women in leadership, that we fully affirm LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships, and that we are committed to the work of antiracism and creation care. When you come to the River, we hope that you will feel refreshed, affirmed, and excited to be part of a community that is pursuing abundant life together. We'd love for you to join us in person or online!
Highlands Church, Denver, CO
Faith as Holy Resistance: Reclaiming Queerness, Reimagining Christianity - A Conversation with Rev. Brandan Robertson
In this new Highlands Church signature series, we will explore what it means to "do the next loving thing" as people of faith. In a time when faith is too often weaponized against the marginalized, this gathering invites us to reclaim it as a force for liberation and belonging. Rev. Brandan Robertson will lead an evening of deep reflection, spirited dialogue, and radical hope—exploring how queerness can be a sacred lens through which to reimagine Christianity itself.
The evening will begin with a 30-minute fireside conversation between Brandan and a local conversation partner, followed by a 45-minute open discussion with the broader community. Together, we’ll reflect on how faith communities can become more courageous in their allyship, and how queer people of faith can help cultivate deeper connection, dismantle division, and embody a love that builds bridges rather than walls.
This is a space for both celebration and challenge—for allies ready to do more than just affirm, and for queer folks who carry the prophetic vision of a church made new.
Doors open at 5:30pm with free beverages & light refreshments. Program beings at 6:00pm - 7:15pm.
Free childcare is available. Please tell us how many children you will have so we can plan appropriately.
Copies of Brandan's latest book Queer and Christian will be available for purchase before/after the program. Brandan will sign books until 7:45pm
For more information, visit https://hchurchdenver.com
Newcastle Cathedral, Newcastle, England
Join Brandan Robertson, hosted by OneBodyOneFaith and Newcastle Cathedral, for an afternoon of discussion, audience Q&A, and book signing for his most recent book, Queer & Christian. This compelling work offers interpretation of key biblical texts, as well as an inspiring testament to the resilience and faith of queer Christians.
This event will also feature music from Cathedral favourites Northern Proud Voices, the North East’s largest and longest-running LGBTQIA + choir. Tickets available here.
St. Anne’s Church, London, England
Join us for an inspiring evening with Rev. Brandan Robertson, acclaimed pastor, author, and activist, as he shares insights from his newest book, Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table.
In this engaging talk, Brandan will explore themes of spirituality, inclusion, and the power of reclaiming faith for a more just and expansive future. Expect a mix of storytelling, theology, and practical wisdom—followed by time for Q&A, conversation, and book signing.
Set in the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of Sacred Grounds—Soho’s only coffee shop with its own garden—this event promises to be a night of community, reflection, and connection. Grab a coffee, settle in, and be part of the conversation.
✨ Free entry | Books available for purchase | All are welcome
Park Ridge Presbyterian Church, Park Ridge, IL
Park Ridge Presbyterian Church is honored to welcome Rev. Brandan Robertson for a special event as part of the Queer & Christian Book Tour. This gathering will feature a moderated discussion with Brandan about his new book, Queer & Christian: Reclaiming Our Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table, followed by a book signing.
Brandan Robertson is a nationally recognized author, public theologian, and advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in faith communities. His work has been featured in major media outlets, and his writing and teaching have helped countless people navigate the intersections of faith, identity, and belonging.
In Queer & Christian, Brandan offers a powerful call for LGBTQ+ Christians to reclaim their faith and take their place in the church and society. Through personal stories, biblical insights, and theological reflection, the book challenges exclusionary interpretations of scripture and invites readers into a more expansive and inclusive vision of faith.
This event is open to all and will be a space for meaningful conversation and connection.
Event Details:
Location: Park Ridge Presbyterian Church
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 7:00PM
For more information, contact Rev. Amanda H. Joria, amanda@parkridgepresby.org
College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA
Wesley is thrilled to be hosting the Reverend Brandan Robertson as a stop on his new book tour! Students, mark your calendar for this free event, and share it with your friends! A book signing and light reception will follow!
More info here.
The Wild Goose Festival, Harmony, NC
Brandan will participate in a number of main stage and breakout sessions at The Wild Goose Festival in Harmony, North Carolina. Tickets are required to attend.
For more info about The Wild Goose Festival, visit https://wildgoosefestival.org
Harvest Church, Sarasota, FL
Brandan will join Harvest Church for worship and a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about Harvest Sarasota, visit https://www.harvestsarasota.com
Coral Gables UCC, Miami, FL
Coral Gables United Church of Christ will host a moderated discussion and signing.
For more information, visit https://gablesucc.org
Broadway UMC, Chicago, IL
Urban Village Church, in partnership with Broadway United Methodist Church, will host a moderated discussion with Brandan Robertson at Broadway UMC in Chicago. This collaborative event brings together multiple church sites to strengthen community engagement and accessibility.
For more information, visit https://www.urbanvillagechurch.org.
Robertson-Wesley United Church, Edmonton, AB
Brandan will join the community at Robertson-Wesley United Church for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about Robertson-Wesley United Church, visit www.rwuc.org/events
Owls Nest Book, Calgary, AB
Brandan will give a book talk and signing at Owls Nest Books in Calgary, AB.
For more information, click here.
Ridglea Christian Church, Ft. Worth, TX
Brandan will join the community at RidgleaChristian Church for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about Ridglea Christian Church, visit https://ridgleachristian.org
Interabang Books, Dallas, TX
Brandan will do a book talk and signing at Interabang Books in Dallas, TX.
For more information, visit https://interabangbooks.com
Cathedral of Hope, Dallas, TX
Brandan will preach at all three worship services at the Cathedral of Hope, followed by a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about Cathedral of Hope, visit https://www.cathedralofhope.com
Desert Mission UMC, Scottsdale, AZ
Brandan will join the community at Desert Mission UMC for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about Desert Mission UMC, visit https://www.desertmissionumc.org
PLEASE NOTE: There was a scheduling mixup- the event was scheduled for the 2nd, but has moved to the 3rd.
University Christian Church, San Diego, CA
Brandan will join the community at University Christian Church for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about UCC visit https://www.uchristianchurch.org
First Presbyterian Church, Palo Alto, CA
Brandan will join the community at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for a panel discussion about his new book Queer & Christian and Queer Spirituality with the Finding Shared Experiences followed by a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, visit https://www.saintandrewpc.org
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Marin City, California
The Marin LGBTQ+ Center will host a reception and conversation to celebrate the release of Queer and Christian at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City, California.
To learn more, visit https://www.saintandrewpc.org
City Church, San Francisco, CA
Brandan will preach at City Church’s Sunday Service, and then will host the official West Coast book launch of Queer & Christian featuring a conversation with a special guest. A book signing will follow. All are welcome.
For more info about City Church at https://citychurchsf.org
Congregational Church of the Peninsula, Belmont, CA
Join Rev. Brandan Robertson for a powerful evening of pride, faith, and celebration in Belmont, California, hosted by the Open and Affirming Cluster of UCC Churches in San Mateo County.
Brandan will be preaching at the San Mateo County Queer Christian Pride Service at 5:00 PM, followed by a 30-minute Q&A moderated by a local faith leader and a book signing of his latest release, Queer and Christian: Reclaiming Our Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table.
All are welcome to come and take their place at God’s table—especially those who have ever been told they didn’t belong. Come as you are and be part of this evening of affirmation, truth-telling, and sacred community.
Books will be available for purchase at the event.
For more info about Congregational Church of the Peninsula, visit https://www.ccpeninsula.org
Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, Baltimore MD
Brandan will join the community at Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, visit https://browndowntown.org
Kittamaqundi Community Church, Columbia, MD
Brandan will join the community at Kittamaqundi Community Church for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about Kittamaqundi Community Church, visit https://www.kc-church.org
Grace United Church of Christ, Frederick, MD
Brandan will join the community at Grace United Church of Christ for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about Grace UCC, visit https://grucc.com
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, GA
Brandan will join the community of PFLAG Athens at the UU Fellowship of Athens for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about the UU Fellowship, visit https://www.uuathensga.org
St. Lukes Episcopal Church, Atlanta, GA
Brandan will join the community at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about St. Lukes, visit https://stlukesatlanta.org
Baptist Church of the Covenant, Birmingham, AL
Brandan will speak at BCOC in Birmingham, AL, followed by a book signing.
Find more information at https://www.baptistchurchofthecovenant.org
University Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, MS
Brandan will join the community at University Baptist Church for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about UBC, visit https://ubchm.org
St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA
Brandan will join the community at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about Hope SCABC, visit https://stcharlesave.church
Official World Pride Book Launch, Washington, DC
Brandan will preach at St. Thomas Episcopal’s Sunday Service, and then will host the official book launch of Queer & Christian featuring a conversation with Rev. Thomas Bowen. A book signing will follow. All are welcome.
Registration required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-christian-world-pride-book-launch-tickets-1132439309459?aff=erelpanelorg
For more info about St. Thomas Episcopal Church, visit https://stthomasdc.org
Rev. Thomas L. Bowen served as Senior Advisor for Public Engagement at the Biden White House, leading faith-based outreach. A longtime Washington, DC leader, he previously directed African American and religious affairs for Mayor Muriel Bowser and is known as “DC’s Pastor.” An ordained Baptist minister and Morehouse graduate, he has served since 2002 as Minister of Social Justice at Shiloh Baptist Church and has held national roles advocating for justice and children’s rights.
Hope United Church of Christ, Alexandria, VA
Brandan will join the community at Hope United Church for a moderated discussion about his new book Queer & Christian, followed by a time of open Q & A and a book signing. All are welcome!
For more info about Hope UCC, visit https://hopeucc.org