Carpenter Program

Brief History

Established in 1995 with a $2.5 million grant from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the Carpenter Program is designed to foster conversation about religion, gender, and sexuality. Because of the Foundation's endowed gift, the Carpenter Program crafted a place for scholars, students, and the community members to be in conversation about issues relating to the role of women in religious leadership, the church and human sexuality, men and masculinity, and sexuality and religion. The definitive goal of the program is to help cultivate a more inclusive and enlightened religious public.