What Does it Mean to Be Pub Church?
Rev. Dr. Joanne Rodríguez talks with Dr. Xochitl Alvizo about the life-changing power of reimagining ecclesiology and her experiences founding the The Pub Church in Boston
The Red Bank Wine Tavern, Duke Street, Dublin, 2018. Photo: David Mackey
In this episode of OPTalks, Rev. Dr. Joanne Rodríguez interviews Dr. Xochitl Alvizo, an associate professor at California State University, Northridge, who emphasizes the importance of grounding theological reflection in the lived experiences of Christian practice.
The conversation delves into the dynamics of faith, community, and belonging, and reimagines how the church can more authentically embody the transformative message of “good news” Christianity in inclusive ways. Dr. Alvizo advocates for an active ecclesiology—one that studies the church and practices its mission in ways that reflect the diverse and evolving needs of today’s world.
She shares her experience founding The Pub Church in Boston, an inclusive space designed for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with painful histories with traditional church. The Pub Church experience offers a welcoming, less judgmental environment as a place for honest reflection, diverse expressions of identity, and communal support.
Dr. Alvizo also illustrates the power of communal faith and collective healing through the concept of parenting by committee—a process of trauma recovery. She explains, “Sometimes, that’s how we heal our trauma… we need to be reparented by a committee of people who help us experience a different way of being affirmed.”
