CLGS

CLGS came into existence through the efforts of many visionary and prophetic religious leaders, both at Pacific School of Religion and around the country. Conceiving a center located at a major Protestant seminary devoted not only to academic research but also in equal measure to advocacy for LGBTQ-identified people was no easy task. Faculty, students, staff, and trustees at Pacific School of Religion met regularly in the late 1990s to brainstorm and dream over what such a center would look like, what it could accomplish, and how it would operate. The result was the PSR Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry, which opened its doors in the fall of 2000. In no small measure, that result was due to the tireless and pioneering efforts of Michael Mendiola.

CLGS was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Michael Mendiola in December 2008. Dr. Mendiola was for many years Professor of Christian Ethics at Pacific School of Religion and a leading force in the creation of CLGS. Professor Mendiola was a much beloved teacher at PSR, a brilliant thinker, and a visionary at the intersection of sexuality and religion. In addition to his efforts toward establishing CLGS, he also helped to found the Bay Area Faith and Health Consortium, which has brought to the same table clergy, medical professionals, and public health advocates.

Born in Globe, Arizona, in 1952, Dr. Mendiola received a BA in philosophy from St. Mary’s Seminary in Perryville, Missouri, an MA in religious studies at DePaul University in Chicago, and a PhD from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. He earned his doctorate in ethics under PSR professor Karen Lebacqz and served as her research assistant in 1991.

Mary Tolbert, the founding Executive Director of CLGS, worked closely with Professor Mendiola as both a colleague and dear friend. As Tolbert put it, “His creativity and his sense of organization and his sense of call for what the center could be was really important in the formation and development of CLGS." Mendiola served as the first chair of the CLGS executive committee.

Lebacqz also noted that “something evident to all of us was what an incredibly loving person Michael was. He and his partner, Paul Gabel, were together for 28 years, until recently without benefit of legal marriage, and had the most loving relationship. If I had a child and for any reason couldn’t raise that child myself, I would have given my child to Michael and Paul. That’s how beautiful they were as people.”

Michael Mendiola is survived by his spouse, Paul Gabel; by three sisters residing in Arizona, Jo Ann Aguirre, Rosie Baroldy, and Armida Bittner; by many nephews and nieces; and by a family of friends. Contributions can be sent to the Michael M. Mendiola Scholarship Fund at Pacific School of Religion, which will benefit LGBT students at PSR. Checks can be sent to 1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709.

The whole CLGS staff gives profound thanks for the life and witness of Michael Mendiola -- a truly prophetic voice for justice-loving people everywhere. That witness inspires CLGS in all the work we do and the hope that we will accomplish the compelling vision Dr. Mendiola articulated so well.

(Mary Tolbert, Founding Executive Director of CLGS, offered a eulogy for Michael on the occasion of his memorial service, February 1, 2009. Click on the text below to read this tribute.)