This year, we are delighted to announce that the 2021 Gotto Lecturer will be The Rev. Canon Esau McCaulley, PhD. A theologian, author and priest, the Rev. McCaulley is renowned for his research and writing on Pauline theology, African American Biblical interpretation and articulating a Christian theology of justice in the public square. 

The Rev. McCaulley’s most recent book is titled Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope. The book looks at the tradition of African American biblical interpretation and argues that the Bible rightly understood a decidedly black perspective and can speak a word of hope to African Americans in the United States.

In addition to more academic works, the Rev. McCaulley writes popular pieces. He is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, the host of the Disrupters Podcast and is the Canon Theologian for his Illinois diocese.

The Senior Pastor says he has been drawn to the writing and perspective of our next Gotto lecturer for more than a few years. “Esau McCaulley is at the forefront of the most important ethical conversations facing the church and wider society today. He offers deep insights into the role that race plays in almost every aspect of public life and points in very personal ways to places of strength and hope within the church and the Christian tradition.”

Last month, previous Gotto Lecturer David Brooks featured Rev. McCaulley in a column about social change through the lens of mercy and hope. Click here to read this New York Times article titled, A Christian Vision of Social Justice. 

The 2021 Gotto Lecture will be held live in the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church Sanctuary on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 7:00 pm. It will be open to all guests and will also be Livestreamed.