How Can We Keep from Singing?: How We All Get Free Series

Join us for Iliff’s Pulpit+ Exchange Series, an inspiring series of in-person and virtual gatherings where clergy, lay leaders, activists, scholars, ministers, journalists, and community organizers come together to wrestle with the most pressing questions of our time. Together, we’ll explore powerful stories of hope, healing, and action—each rooted in a shared vision of justice and liberation.

How Can We Keep From Singing?

We have to keep singing to give voice to suppressed cries, hope to the hopeless, courage to the fearful, and protection from the enemy.

Come, learn about the role of freedom songs in slavery, the civil rights movement, South Africa, Minneapolis, and other places around the globe. Be inspired by music grounded in various protest and resistance movements. Sing songs that will encourage and liberate the minds, bodies, and souls of everyone. (Freedom songs have the power to transform both the oppressed and the oppressor.)

You will be inspired by Daniel Klawitter, Morgan Lowe, and Eric McEuen; grounded by percussionist Jacqui Shumway; and led by Daryl Walker and Caran Ware Joseph.

Listen to powerful music or join in the singing and drumming with us. No experience is necessary.

Br. Daniel Klawitter serves as Director of Enrollment at Iliff School of Theology and is an accomplished poet and the singer/lyricist for the indie folk/rock band Mining for Rain. All of his band's music is available for free or name-your-price streaming and download on their Bandcamp site.

Morgan Lowe: As a graduate of CU-Boulder with a BA in English Literature, Morgan Lowe has always been interested in stories – reading, writing, or interpreting a narrative that expresses and illuminates. A good story informs, captivates, and heals; it moves us to feel. Whether we are performing our own original material or paying homage to the works of other great artists, the best way we can communicate our story is through our voice, our heart, and our art.

Lowe's distinctive journey of self-discovery through songwriting, artist development, music business, voice lessons, and vocal teacher training has empowered her to step into her own light and story, and ignited her passion to help others do the same.

Morgan was encouraged as a child to love and listen to a wide variety of music, resulting in a blend of pop, rock, jazz, and blues that influences her today. Morgan currently performs with several top dance bands in Denver, including Stone Beat Invasion, Tunisia, and Jacob Larson Band. She also writes and performs original music with her project The Gilded Lilies.

Eric McEuen is a musician and singer whose work draws on theological studies (Pacific School of Religion), a BA in music (Brandeis University), and decades of experience performing and songleading in various settings. Since arriving in Denver in 2015, he has supported many communities and gatherings, from ecumenical services and protest marches to numerous events at Iliff. Eric is currently Minister of Music and Community at The Land UMC (Aurora), Worship Music Director at Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Broomfield), and a regular musician at Living Waters Community Church (Denver). He is also a performing songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music teacher.

Jacqui Shumway is Owner/Director and Therapeutic Kinesiologist & Instructor for the Tai Chi Project at the Living Younger Longer Institute. Jacqui has two ways of describing how she ministers.

The "professional/grown-up answer?" I help people learn how to take care of their bodies (and their mindful spirits) so they can live healthier lives - specifically through the Chinese Five Excellences and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The "fun/kid answer?" I put the fun back in education and learning... through AMP- Art, Music, and Physical fitness. "What if the Hokey Pokey IS what it's all about?"

Daryl Jerome Walker, Sacred Music Theologian, brings depth, breadth, and height to today’s gathering. He is professionally trained, spiritually led, and personally engaged in music and worship arts.

Minister Walker, as he is known, possesses a Master of Divinity (M.Div) from Iliff School of Theology. His academic focus on Social Justice and Ethics guides his practice as a Sacred Music Theologian.

He has served as the minister of music for several decades. Former Director of The Spirituals Project, housed at the Lamont School of Music. His service also includes co-leadership of No Enemies, a local Denver group that combines social activism and music. He serves as Minister of Music and Worship at Park Hill United Methodist Church.

5:00 – 5:45 PM (MST): Light meal and connection

5:45 PM: Lecture begins, followed by Q&A and deep discussion

Location: In-person at Iliff School of Theology

Because change starts in the community. This is a space to be challenged and inspired, while meeting others who share your passion for faith-rooted justice, equity, and collective liberation.

Come for one evening or all. Stay for the conversation. Leave with new energy, new insights, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Whether you’re a faith leader, community builder, or someone seeking meaningful connection, this is more than a lecture series—it’s an invitation to be part of a growing network of changemakers committed to building a more just and equitable world.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Iliff School of Theology