I write … essays, poetry, hymns, and more.

I teach … both in the classroom and beyond.

I speak … as often as I’m asked–and sometimes when I’m not asked.

I am in the world to change the world.

I’ve launched a Patreon site to help support my work as an independent public theologian. I’ll be most grateful if you’d consider pledging your support. Learn more here about how you can support me on Patreon.

I’m happy to present at churches – whether a sermon, adult forum, evening lecture, retreat, or other special event. Learn more HERE.

More–

Here is a short narrative biography.

Here you can download a curriculum vitae.

And here you can read a creative narrative of my journey as an Ally.

The “standard” scoop–

David Weiss is a theologian, writer, poet and hymnist committed to doing “public theology” around issues of ecology, sexuality, justice, diversity, and peace. In his work he seeks to use his gifts as a writer and poet to bring the strength of his academic training into fruitful conversation with the wider audiences of church and society. A graduate of Wartburg College, Wartburg Seminary, and the University of Notre Dame, he has taught religion and theology at the University of Notre Dame, Luther College, Augsburg College, St. Catherine University, and Hamline University.

A lifelong Lutheran David is currently “sojourning” in the United Church of Christ. He is presently devoting his primary time and energy to writing for and speaking in communities of faith about Christian faith and climate change, though he also happily works around other issues of faith, sexuality, and welcome. He is willing to travel anywhere to talk about his work–and is happy to develop programs and events in consultation with host groups. You can learn more about David’s writing and speaking by wandering around this website.

Beyond his professional work, David has been active in local peace work and both locally and nationally as an ally for GLBT persons in faith communities. His writing has appeared in newspapers, periodicals, and newsletters throughout the U.S. For many years each spring he spent one week teaching poetry to 4th-8th graders at the Twin Cities Young Author’s Conference.

David and his wife, Margaret, have a blended family of six children … and nine grandchildren. They live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they are both deeply invested in the life of their congregation.

Testimonials of my work as a speaker:

“David was an invaluable resource helping us gather, wonder, and converse about our faith, our relationships with one another and God’s creation, and the biblical witness to God’s love in Christ Jesus. He preached, taught, and met with both student and community groups including GLBT college students and allies. He invited students, faculty, staff and guests to imagine and practice what it means to be reconciled to one another as God’s people. David’s ability to draw out the best in people and help them practice caring conversation and mutual reconciliation is truly amazing.”
– Rev. Ramona Bouzard,
Dean of the Chapel, Wartburg College

“David connected on an intellectual and personal level in his lecture to more than 100 members of our campus community. He was equally at home in a small classroom setting, where he met with students in courses on cross-cultural communication and LGBTQ studies. David opened an important dialogue on our campus between secular and Christian communities who all too often fail to talk to one another.”
– Dr. Jamie Ann Meyers,
Professor of Geoscience, Winona State University

“At a time when many in the church are given to polarization and anxiety over these questions of faith and life, David explores Scripture, theology and human sexuality with a clear mind and a non-anxious presence, inviting others to ask honestly where the Spirit is at work in the life of the church. In a manner both refreshing and welcome, David’s writing and presentations engage participants in deeper dialogue and in finding fruitful intersections between the Biblical story and contemporary stories and questions.”
– Rev. Mike Blair,
College Ministries, Luther College

“With a perfect balance of the witty and serious, David offered much-needed words of comfort and inspiration to our campus community. Too often, students like me who are both queer and religious feel that we have to forsake one identity in order to be whole people, or that our morality must be either strict and unyielding or practically nonexistent. By exploring the many ways that our bodies can be ground for knowing God, David reminded us that our sexuality and spirituality are complementary, not contradictory. His poetic words prompted me to reflect on how my own experiences have (or have not) helped me to better know God.”
– Teresa Wink (student),
Rainbow Alliance, St. Louis University