Bob Goss
Encyclopedia
Rev Dr Robert E. Shore-Goss, Bob Shore-Goss is a theologian and author.
Goss was brought up in a devout Roman Catholic
family and felt called to the priesthood, being ordained
as a Jesuit
in 1976.
He left the Jesuits in 1978 going on to receive a Th.D.
in Comparative Religion from Harvard University
.
Goss taught in the Religious Studies Department of Webster University
(1994–2004), and served as chair of the Department. His denial
of tenure by the University was controversial with allegations by Goss that this was due to his outspoken views on sexuality. Webster Pride, the student organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered rights, did not take an official stance. Webster Pride's president was quoted in the student newspaper as not opposed to the decision "because she doesn't believe the decision had anything to do with homophobia."
He has been involved in gay organizations such as ACT UP
, Queer Nation
, and the gay
Roman Catholic group DignityUSA
.
Goss has served as co-chair of the Gay Men's Issues in Religion Group of the American Academy of Religion
.
He serves on the National Advisory Board of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry of the Pacific School of Religion
.
He married for the second time in 2009.
His published works include:
Goss is currently co-editing a commentary on all the books of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures dealing with gay and transsexual issues. He is also currently an adjunct faculty member at California State University, Northridge
where he teaches comparative religions.
Goss was brought up in a devout Roman Catholic
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
family and felt called to the priesthood, being ordained
Ordination
In general religious use, ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart as clergy to perform various religious rites and ceremonies. The process and ceremonies of ordination itself varies by religion and denomination. One who is in preparation for, or who is...
as a Jesuit
Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...
in 1976.
He left the Jesuits in 1978 going on to receive a Th.D.
Doctor of Theology
Doctor of Theology is a terminal academic degree in theology. It is a research degree that is considered by the U.S. National Science Foundation to be the equivalent of a Doctor of Philosophy....
in Comparative Religion from Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
.
Goss taught in the Religious Studies Department of Webster University
Webster University
Webster University is an American non-profit private university with its main campus in Webster Groves, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Webster University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools...
(1994–2004), and served as chair of the Department. His denial
Denial of request
Denial of request is the refusal of one party to grant the request of another. Some acts that can be considered denial may include the refusal of a person or a group of people representing a company, organization, or government agency to provide what a client or one seeking to be a client has...
of tenure by the University was controversial with allegations by Goss that this was due to his outspoken views on sexuality. Webster Pride, the student organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered rights, did not take an official stance. Webster Pride's president was quoted in the student newspaper as not opposed to the decision "because she doesn't believe the decision had anything to do with homophobia."
He has been involved in gay organizations such as ACT UP
AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power
AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power is an international direct action advocacy group working to impact the lives of people with AIDS and the AIDS pandemic to bring about legislation, medical research and treatment and policies to ultimately bring an end to the disease by mitigating loss of health and...
, Queer Nation
Queer Nation
Queer Nation was an organization founded in March 1990 in New York City, USA by AIDS activists from ACT UP. The four founders were outraged at the escalation of anti-gay and lesbian violence on the streets and prejudice in the arts and media...
, and the gay
Gay
Gay is a word that refers to a homosexual person, especially a homosexual male. For homosexual women the specific term is "lesbian"....
Roman Catholic group DignityUSA
DignityUSA
DignityUSA is a U.S. organization with headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts that "works for respect and justice" for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons in the Roman Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy and support...
.
Goss has served as co-chair of the Gay Men's Issues in Religion Group of the American Academy of Religion
American Academy of Religion
The American Academy of Religion is the world's largest association of scholars in the field of religious studies and related topics. It is a nonprofit member association,...
.
He serves on the National Advisory Board of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry of the Pacific School of Religion
Pacific School of Religion
Pacific School of Religion is an ecumenical seminary located in Berkeley, California. It maintains covenantal relationships with the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church and the Disciples of Christ, providing all necessary expectations for candidates to their ordained ministries....
.
He married for the second time in 2009.
His published works include:
- Jesus ACTED UP: A Gay and Lesbian Manifesto 1993
- Queering Christ: Beyond Jesus ACTED UP 2002
Goss is currently co-editing a commentary on all the books of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures dealing with gay and transsexual issues. He is also currently an adjunct faculty member at California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge is a public university in Northridge, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California, United States....
where he teaches comparative religions.
External links
- Bio of Rev Dr Goss from webpage of MCC in the Valley - the Church he pastors
- Story Concerning Rev Goss' denial of tenure