EP11: DONNA SCHAPER

This week I’m speaking with the Reverend Dr. Donna Schaper. Over the course of her nearly 50 year career in pastoral ministry, Reverend Schaper has led 8 congregations, and in almost every instance was the first woman in that position, starting at the age of 23. It was at the University of Chicago Divinity School where she connected with community organizer Saul Alinksy, helping to shape her views on leadership as well as fueling her passion for activism, which ultimately led her to organize against the Lutheran Church when they refused to ordain women. As the Senior Minister of New York City’s Judson Memorial Church, Reverend Schaper’s philosophy of bringing those outside of religion in, saw her lead services for sex workers, opioid users, as well as the undocumented and non-believers. During our conversation, we discuss her fundamental trust in the goodness of the universe, the power in forgiveness, and the danger in what she calls ‘crappy religion’. Reverend Schaper’s beliefs may surprise and challenge some, as they have the Me Too movement and the Coral Gable Garden Club, but her wisdom and fundamental understanding of human nature, in addition to her compassion, is undeniable. It is my pleasure to present the Reverend Dr. Donna Schaper on The Days Between..