The Benedictine Institute of Saint John’s University will host a two-day speaker series on Monday, April 4 and Tuesday, April 5, titled, Benedictine Perspectives on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ). 

All presentations will explore what it looks like to approach DEIJ issues from a Benedictine point of view. They will provide important take-aways on this topic, regardless of one’s previous exposure to Benedictine spirituality. All are welcome to attend any or all of these presentations sponsored by the Benedictine Institute of Saint John’s University. Guest speakers will include: Cindy Gonzalez, Nicholas Tangen and Eric LeCompte.

Cindy Gonzalez will present “Navigating Spiritual Bypass when Talking about Oppression: Leaning into the Benedictine Values.”

Nicholas Tangen will present “DEIJ as Spiritual and Communal Practice.”

Eric LeCompte will present “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; The Benedictine Demand to Live in Right Relationship with Our God, Community and Planet.”

Gonzalez, Tangen and LeCompte will hold a panel discussion moderated by Jessie Bazan.

Gonzalez is a 2014 graduate of the College of Saint Benedict and a 2019 graduate of Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. She recently spoke for the Diocesan Ministry Day celebration focusing on “the importance of cocreating a community that sees, listens and advocates for one another.”

Tangen is a writer, coach, educator and congregational organizer in Minneapolis. His work focuses on community life, community organizing, social action and the life of faith through a Benedictine lens.

LeCompte is a 1999 SJU alumnus and for more than 25 years has led religious groups in the fight to alleviate poverty, address global conflict and promote human rights.