
19th Annual Vine DeLoria Jr. Theological Symposium
The Pero Center for Intersectionality Studies and the ELCA’s Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations Present the 15th Annual Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium The theme for this year’s Symposium is: Challenged and Transformed: A Vision for the Church. The Vine Deloria, Jr. Theological Symposium celebrates the life and legacy of LSTC alumni Vine Deloria, Jr., author, historian, and activist for American Indian rights. Join us for this 3-day virtual celebration!
The theme for this year’s symposium is based on the legacy of Vine Deloria, Jr. Throughout his work in Indian Country and in his writings, especially his book “Custer Died for Your Sins,” Deloria challenged established systems, to include the Church, the U.S. Government, and anthropological science by persistently advocating for the validity of Indigenous ways of being, Indigenous knowledge systems and oral traditions, self-determination, and sovereignty.
Event Program
Monday, November 10, 2026
| 7:00 PM | Symposium Lecture: “Challenged and Transformed: A Vision for the Church” Lecturer: The Rev. Robert Two Bulls |
Tuesday, November 11, 2026
| 7:00 PM | Panel Presentation: “Testimonies and Hopes for the Church” Panelists: Students of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary |
Wednesday, November 12, 2026
| 11:30 AM | LSTC Chapel Service Vicar Wanda Frenchman (Lakota and Lenape), Preaching The Rev. Manuel Retamoza (Cherokee), Presiding Virtual Link: |
| 7:00 PM | Panel Presentation: “Allies: Amplification and Action”
Panelists: The Rev. Dick Magnus, Former Board Member of the National Elizabeth Andress, Co-Lead of the ELCA’s Truth Seeking & Truth The Rev. Christian Scharen Ph.D., Associate Professor and Gordon |
If attending the lecture and panel presentations virtually, please use the following Zoom link: https://lstc-edu.zoom.us/j/85391987186?pwd=Grf3pw7VhX2UlyVTHpOEbV5MiHhDxq.1
For question related to this event, contact Marvis Hardy, marvis.hardy@lstc.edu.
The Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium is sponsored by the Pero Center for Intersectionality Studies at LSTC, the ELCA’s Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations and private donors.
