Gerlind Institute for Cultural Studies Oral History Series
cohosted by the Excelsior German Center
Kerstin Weidmann: Religion and Identity
An exploration of what makes us who we are –and what makes someone else ‘the other’
“We are all shaped by the predominant culture of the places we come from. Religion often is a part of that culture, and it shapes us more than we might think or acknowledge. I will talk about my upbringing in a ‘mixed’ family (Roman Catholic and Lutheran) in Germany, the religious traditions that are important to many Germans, even though many among them think church is not relevant anymore, and different forms of ‘identity crises’ people face as they are displaced or are confronted with a different religious culture (as happens right now with the influx of Muslim refugees in Germany). Whether you consider yourself religious or not, you are invited to ponder for yourself: how does my upbringing shape my expectations–and fears?”
Kerstin Weidmann was born and raised in Delmenhorst in Northern Germany. She studied Protestant Theology at three different seminaries: Bethel/Bielefeld, Göttingen and Münster. Since July 2014, she has been pastor of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in San Francisco, a predominantly German speaking church. Here she has discovered that her being German has influenced her more than she would have thought….
Kerstin‘s presentation will be in English and German. Please join us for an inspiring event!
Sunday, January 24, 2016 • 3-5 p.m.
Excelsior German Center
1699 Excelsior Avenue, Oakland 94602
Light refreshments will be served
Suggested donations: $20 • GICS & EGC members: $10
No one turned away for lack of funds. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
RSVP by January 20 to [email protected], or call (510) 430-2673
This event is jointly sponsored by the Gerlind Institute for Cultural Studies (GICS)
and the Excelsior German Center (ECG) The GICS’ Oral History Series is fiscally
sponsored by Independent Arts & Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
dedicated to building community through media and the arts. All donations are
tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Gerlind Institute for Cultural Studies (GICS) • 2128 108th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94603-4011
Telephone: (510) 430-2673 • www.gerlindinstitute.org • [email protected]
