Queer & Christian with Brandan Robertson

Episode 4 | The Robert Shore Goss Story

In this episode of Queer & Christian, Brandan Robertson sits down with Rev. Dr. Robert E. Shore-Goss, a Catholic Jesuit priest turned pastor, theologian, and environmental activist, whose remarkable journey spans decades of dedicated service, resilience, and love. Known for his pioneering work in eco-spirituality and queer theology, Robert brings a unique perspective on what it means to create inclusive, justice-oriented faith communities.
Robert shares his journey from being a Jesuit priest, navigating his love for another Jesuit, Frank Ring, to eventually serving as Senior Pastor/Theologian at MCC United Church of Christ in the Valley—an environmentally friendly, dual-affiliated church with both MCC and the United Church of Christ. Now retired and residing in New Hampshire with his husband, Rev. Dr. Joseph Shore-Goss, Robert continues to advocate for eco-justice as a member of the UCC Environmental Justice Council.
Throughout their conversation, Robert offers insights from his extensive work, including his book The Insurgency of the Spirit: Jesus’s Liberation Animist Spirituality, Empire, and Creating Christian Protectors, and his co-edited volume Unlocking Orthodoxy for an Inclusive Theology: Queer Orthodoxies. He also discusses his upcoming work on The Queer Bible Commentary, which he is co-editing with Mona West.
Join us for a fascinating discussion that delves into:
The journey of moving from traditional Catholicism to leading a fully inclusive, queer-affirming, and environmentally conscious church
The transformative potential of eco-spirituality and animist practices in addressing climate catastrophe
The Rights of Nature Resolution, which Robert helped pass within the UCC, and the ongoing work to implement it
How queer theology challenges traditional interpretations and reclaims biblical narratives for LGBTQ+ individuals
The unique journey of love, faith, and mutual support he shares with his husband, Joe
With warmth and wisdom, Robert invites us to reimagine a faith that embraces both the earth and all its inhabitants. This episode is a profound exploration of resilience, love, and the expansive possibilities of a justice-centered spiritual life.
Learn more about Dr. Shore-Goss at mischievousspiritandtheology.com
Learn more about Queer & Christian at queerchristian.org

Episode 3 | The Lynn Huber Story

In this episode of Queer & Christian, Brandan Robertson welcomes Dr. Lynn R. Huber, an esteemed scholar and teacher who serves as the Maude Sharpe Powell Professor of Religious Studies at Elon University. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Lynn has been a member of Elon’s faculty since 2004, where she engages students in exploring the ancient cultural worlds of the New Testament and their implications for contemporary gender and sexuality studies.
Dr. Huber’s scholarship focuses on the Book of Revelation, examining its complex gendered imagery through feminist criticism, rhetorical analysis, and historical perspectives. Her recent feminist commentary on Revelation, published as part of the Liturgical Press Wisdom Commentary Series, brings a fresh and critical lens to a text often misunderstood. In this episode, Dr. Huber delves into the ways Revelation’s imagery reflects its socio-historical context, revealing unexpected insights about gender and power in the ancient world.
As a dedicated teacher and mentor, Lynn also discusses her work guiding students in independent research on topics such as queer depictions of Jesus on TikTok, gender dynamics in ancient myths, and reinterpretations of biblical figures through modern perspectives. Her mentorship has fostered projects that challenge traditional readings and inspire students to think critically about the intersections of faith, gender, and culture.
Listeners will gain insight into:
Dr. Huber’s groundbreaking work on gender and imagery in the Book of Revelation
How Revelation’s metaphors and symbols resonate with contemporary conversations on gender and sexuality
The creative and critical research projects Dr. Huber mentors, including explorations of queer identities in ancient texts and modern reinterpretations of biblical stories
Lynn’s approach to teaching and mentoring students to explore New Testament texts within their cultural and historical contexts, as well as their relevance today
Join us for an episode that unveils the importance of examining scripture through an inclusive, scholarly lens. Dr. Huber’s work challenges listeners to consider how ancient texts continue to shape, inform, and question our modern understanding of gender, faith, and identity.
For more about Dr. Huber visit lynnrhuber.com
For more about Queer & Christian visit queerchristian.org

Episode 2 | The Amanda Udis Kessler Story

In this episode of Queer & Christian, Brandan Robertson engages in a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Amanda Udis-Kessler, a sociologist, author, hymnwriter, and advocate dedicated to promoting inclusion, equity, and flourishing in faith communities. Amanda brings a rich perspective to the discussion with her background in both sociology and theology, alongside her extensive work in sacred music and anti-oppression education.
Amanda is the author of Queer Inclusion in the United Methodist Church, Abundant Lives: A Progressive Christian Ethic of Flourishing, and Cultural Processes of Inequality: A Sociological Perspective. Her writings challenge listeners to think critically about the cultural underpinnings of inequality and how these can be addressed within faith communities. Through her anti-racism and anti-oppression trainings, Amanda works specifically with white individuals to unpack the roots of racial discomfort and to inspire meaningful action towards equality.
In this episode, Amanda reflects on her journey as a queer Christian, her role as a covenantal partner and lay leader at Vista Grande United Church of Christ, and her ongoing work as a visiting speaker with the Progressive Christianity Network Britain. She also shares insights into her passion for sacred music composition, where she creates inclusive and accessible hymns that resonate with progressive Christian values.
Tune in to explore:
Amanda's powerful work on queer inclusion and progressive Christian ethics
Her unique perspective on the sociological processes of inequality and how faith communities can address them
Practical steps for white people engaging in anti-racism and anti-oppression work
The beauty and accessibility of Amanda’s sacred music, which is available for free online
Her reflections on being an openly queer, faith-driven person in both her community and professional life
Join us for an inspiring conversation that invites listeners to engage with their faith in new ways, celebrate inclusion, and embrace a theology of flourishing.
Learn more about Amanda at amandaudiskessler.com
Learn more about Queer & Christian at queerchristian.org

Episode 1 | The Jayne Ozanne Story

In this episode of Queer & Christian, host Brandan Robertson sits down with Jayne Ozanne, a trailblazing voice for LGBTQ+ inclusion within Christian communities and beyond. Jayne is a prominent gay evangelical and a powerful advocate for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people of faith in their spiritual communities. As Director of the Ozanne Foundation and the Global Interfaith Commission on LGBT+ Lives, she is dedicated to eliminating discrimination based on sexuality and gender, fostering a world where faith and identity can harmoniously coexist.
Throughout their conversation, Jayne opens up about her journey as a survivor of conversion therapy, her commitment to advocacy, and her mission to create spaces that welcome and celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals. She also shares insights from her experience as a former member of the UK government’s LGBT Advisory Panel and her ongoing work to push for a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy through the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition.
Listeners will gain a deep understanding of the obstacles Jayne has overcome, the faith that sustains her, and her resolve to serve as a role model for LGBTQ+ Christians. Her tagline, “Unashamedly Gay, Unashamedly Christian,” encapsulates her courageous stance. With wit, warmth, and wisdom, she addresses the importance of building affirming communities and the ongoing journey of reconciling faith with identity.
Tune in to learn about:
Jayne's inspiring personal journey and the significance of her autobiography, Just Love
Her role in leading the Church of England’s conversation on banning conversion therapy and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community
The work of the Ozanne Foundation and the Global Interfaith Commission on LGBT+ Lives to promote diversity and inclusion worldwide
The impact of her marketing and strategic consulting experience on her advocacy work in the faith sector
Practical advice for individuals seeking to bridge their faith and LGBTQ+ identity
Join us for this powerful episode, which underscores the transformative potential of love, inclusion, and resilience in the face of adversity.
For more about Jayne, visit jayneozanne.com 
For more about Queer & Christian, visit QueerChristian.org

"Queer & Christian" Book Trailer

Learn more about my forthcoming book at QueerChristian.org