CONFERENCE NEWS

Together in Spirit - August 20, 2026

What are you Reading?

By Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Tony Clark

Dear Folks:



I have been listening to a few theological books this summer and I thought I’d share with you some of my reflections on them. First, I listened to John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds (Simon and Schuster Audio, 2025). Fugelsang is a comic and the son of former nun and monk. He is steeped in the radical justice and hospitality of Jesus. He is the reader as well, so his humor comes through in his own voice. Although you may know much of what he writes, his telling of biblical stories has a refreshing point of view, and it made for an engaging read/listen.

Second is Diana Butler Bass’ People's History of Christianity: The Other Side of the Story (HarperOne, 2011). Her focus here is not so much on the movers and shakers, but rather on the faithful in their day-to-day lives. She emphasizes the role of women and families in each historic era. As she talks about the various schisms of Christianity, she gives context and how these rifts affected the lives of Christians. She follows the Enlightenment into the American frontier as newer sects arose in the western hemisphere.

And the third is Lamar Hardwick’s Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion (Christian Audio, 2022). Hardwick is a Black pastor who lives with Asperger’s syndrome, diagnosed as an adult. I found this book while exploring what it means to have autistic folk in church and develop safe space for them. His theology is beautiful as he wrestles with what it means to be made in the image of God and have a disability. He draws a parallel of marginalization between being Black and having a disability. This is a plea for inclusion and a cry for visibility.

At our Conference Annual Meeting September 25-28 in Helena, we will engage Rev. Dr. Sara Lund, UCC’s Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice. Prior to CAM, I will host a book study on her book Blessed Are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, Family and Church (APG Sales & Distribution, 2014). She has recently also published Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence about Neurodiversity (Chalice Press, 2025), which is on my “to read” list.

Let me know what you are reading!

In peace and prayer,

Pastor Tony

I am not a singer, songwriter, musician or worship leader, I am a pastor who is passionate about the vision of the Convergence Music Project (CMP). I believe deeply in CMP’s vision and impact so I volunteer to serve on the planning team. 

If you are not familiar with the CMP Project , it is a rapidly growing online source of new music for congregational singing that congregations and denominations committed to justice, compassion for the poor, inclusive language, creation care, LBGTQ+ affirmation, and expansive theology can trust. If you aren't currently a member, we are offering a free trial membership for one month. You are welcome to pass along the free trial to anyone you believe would benefit from CMP.

There are a host of well-known theologians, clergy, and artists at the heart of CMP, including Brian McLaren, Monty Jackson, Ken Medema, Christopher Grundy, Andra Moran, Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, and Rev Otis Moss III. 

This Conference is a great opportunity for continuing education for pastors, professional development for worship leaders, personal inspiration for singers and songwriters, and educational for seminarians. Seminarians and younger adults are both offered a discounted rate to attend. If you are or know a seminarian, under 40 or both, please contact Bryan Sirchio for your discounted Conference ticket.