Activism Archives - United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

February 18, 2025

The Hawkinson Fund for Peace and Justice Finds a New Home at United’s Leadership Center for Social Justice

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2025. Now in its third year of operation, the Leadership Center for Social Justice (the Center) at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (United) is thrilled to announce that the Hawkinson Fund for Peace and Justice (Hawkinson Fund) is a new programmatic focus thanks to an agreement with Grace University Lutheran Church (Grace Church). (more…)

January 15, 2025

Activism Ecology Ethics Faith social transformation

Ryan Cagle’s Ministry Leads through Social Transformation & Eco-Justice

Student Ryan Cagle, who grew up in what he describes as the “backwoods of Alabama and the foothills of Appalachia,” is pursuing both an MDiv in Social Transformation and an MA in Eco-Justice. For the past three years, he has also been the driving force behind a social justice ministry in Parrish, Alabama, called Jubilee House Community. It is a big lift, but Ryan finds that his academic work at United is complementing his home ministry. “Seminary has always been a dream for me—something I always wanted to do,” Ryan shares. He’s been involved in ministry since he was 18 and supplemented his ministry with extensive reading. When he decided to pursue seminary, there were no local options. United, however, seemed like a good fit. “The theology and the place and the diversity that is here and embodied in the community,” Ryan explains, was what he needed. (more…)

August 1, 2024

Activism VOICES

Amoke Kubat (’17) Transforms Artistry into Activism

In 1987, Amoke Kubat (’17) moved from Los Angeles to Minneapolis. “I wanted to work with Prince,” she explains. Two years later, she began a 25-year career teaching special education in North Minneapolis with Minneapolis Public Schools. Toward the end of that life chapter, Amoke discovered art, and art connected her to United. Connecting to United Chiaki O’Brien, a SAORI weaving artist from Japan, came to United for an artist residency during a summer institute. Amoke, who had already met Chiaki and wanted to learn more about SAORI weaving, came too. “I sat and watched United faculty and students learn to weave,” Amoke recalls. “I was invited to weave.” (more…)

February 23, 2024

Activism lgbtq statement

Statement on Anti-LGBTQIA+ Violence and the Death of Nex Benedict

On February 8, 16-year-old Nex Benedict died just one day after being beaten by peers in an Owasso High School restroom. Nex, who was nonbinary, was the target of bullying and harassment. (more…)

August 4, 2023

Activism Beliefs Community Inclusion lgbtq news releases Open and Affirming Politics Public Policy Public Theology statement Transgender Rights

Statement by United on the Supreme Court’s Recent Rulings

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June 2, 2023

Activism Alums Judaism lgbtq Liturgy Pagan Pride Queer spiritual practice Theology Voice

Teaching the Flag: A Judeo-Pagan, Radical Faerie Prayer for Pride.

The following prayer/liturgical reading is by local artist, educator, former United staff member, and 2020 alum Max Yeshaye Brumberg-Kraus. It is inspired by Gilbert Baker's original rainbow flag design for Pride. As an artist-theologian, Brumberg-Kraus holds multiple religious belonging including the gay pagan movement of the Radical Faeries, Judaism, and interfaith queer/trans theologies. If this is a prayer that speaks to you or your community, the author is happy for you to use it, with attribution. (more…)

January 27, 2022

Activism Arts Arts Lunch lgbtq Pride Queer social justice social transformation theology and the arts Transgender Rights

Arts Lunch Conversation with Artivist Daniel Arzola

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June 19, 2020

Activism antiracism Black Liberation Theology Race Voice

In Honor of Juneteenth, 2020

This statement, in Honor of Juneteenth, 2020, is presented by CARJ (The Committee Advocated for Racial Justice at United) (more…)

May 28, 2020

Activism news police violence social justice Voice

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities Statement on the Death of George Floyd

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is outraged and grieved at the death of yet another unarmed Black person while being detained by the police. We join countless voices in the Twin Cities and across the nation calling for justice for George Floyd and an immediate end to the horrific killings of Black people in this country. Injustice and death continue to run rampant so long as there is impunity for those who murder Black members of our communities. (more…)