Community Archives - United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

May 20, 2026

The Barnabas Society: Transformative Legacies Lead to Transformed Lives

Since its inception in 1962, United has been sustained by faithful supporters who believe in transformative theological education. This support—from one-time gifts, to recurring contributions, to stock designations—makes the seminary’s work possible. One group of dedicated donors, members of United’s Barnabas Society, views their commitment to progressive seminary education as extending for a lifetime and beyond. The Barnabas Society recognizes those who have included United in their estate plans. This group of donors is named after Barnabas, an apostle introduced in Acts 14, who provided financial support to his fellow apostles with proceeds from the sale of his land. These gifts typically reflect donors’ values— principles that are aligned with the seminary’s mission, vision, and values. Legacy gifts ensure these precepts are practiced in the classroom and realized beyond the institution’s walls. Gifts can include income-return gifts and beneficiary designations—financial support that expresses the donor’s philanthropic intent while providing long-term stability for United’s mission—and the legacies of their generosity live on in endowed scholarships, faculty chairs, lectureships, and seminary programming. Now in its 35th year, the Susan Draper White Lecture is a beloved annual event that draws leading feminist theologians to the seminary. It was named after the grandmother of United alum Rev. Cil (Priscilla) Braun† (’83), who, with other donors, endowed the lectureship series. Cil and her husband, Jack, the Barnabas Society through a legacy gift that helped support the newly established Wilson Yates Chair in Theology and the Arts. Cil’s legacy has spanned decades, and her generosity has informed, inspired, and continued to support United students. In 2021, United celebrated the creation of a tenure-track faculty position. Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson (’17, ’23) and David Fry committed $1.75 million to endow the Johnson-Fry Chair in World Religions and Intercultural Studies, held by Dr. Munjed M. Murad. As an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, Andrea sought to strengthen the seminary’s commitment to Interreligious Engagement, saying, “While we are grounded in our Christian heritage, more and more we are educating leaders in religions other than Christianity. And we need all our religious leaders to be deeply responsive to the realities of religious and spiritual diversity.” An alum and trustee, Andrea knows how United impacts its students and their communities, sharing, “I was transformed by the education I received at United, and [I] am passionate about supporting its future.” At Fall Convocation in September 2024, Dr. Demian Wheeler, director of Advanced Studies, was formally installed into the newly endowed Sophia Chair in Religious and Theological Studies. Former trustees Keith Bednarowski and Dr. Mary Farrell Bednarowski, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies (1976–2004), who funded the Chair, have been part of the United community for nearly 50 years. In an interview for the Winter 2024 Issue of VOICES, Mary reaffirmed her commitment to United, saying, “I have a very deep faith that this full-of-life seminary will persist and flourish for many, many years. Keith and I want to be part of that flourishing.” The Barnabas Society is growing. In 2026, trustee Therese Pautz and her husband, David Graham, committed to a legacy gift. Reflecting on their decision, she writes, “We support United because it equips spiritual leaders and community healers.” She continues, “Those vocations are essential to every civil society, especially in times of conflict.” Therese and David will be formally welcomed into the Barnabas Society later this year. These are just a few shining examples of the cadre of faithful supporters who have made legacy gifts and transformative commitments. Their support for the sustained life of the seminary reflects their values and belief in the importance of United’s mission in our ever-evolving world. To discuss a legacy plan, contact Rev. Dr. Cindi Beth Johnson, Vice President for Advancement, by email at cbjohnson@unitedseminary.edu or by phone at 651.255.6137.

January 8, 2026

Activism Beliefs Community justice Lament

Statement by President Molly T. Marshall on the Killing of Renee Good

Dear Friends of United, We are reeling with horror, grief, and anger over the killing of Renee Good by a federal agent in Minneapolis. We hold Ms. Good’s loved ones in our hearts and remember them in our prayers as they navigate sudden, unimaginable loss. This tragedy was wholly preventable, yet it was the consequence of pernicious escalations made by a regime engaged in the systematic marginalization and oppression of immigrants. Since the onset of their operations in the Twin Cities, ICE has deliberately fomented unrest, waged a violent deportation campaign against our most vulnerable neighbors, violated residents' civil liberties, and killed an innocent woman. The government’s cruel actions, bolstered by propagandists, are abhorrent, and they demand our furious denunciation. I join my fellow clergy, our elected officials, and local organizers in calling for ICE to cease its terrorizing of our communities and leave Minnesota immediately. We are discerning additional ways to respond and offer proactive support. Today, over the lunch hour, a few of us gathered in the chapel to light candles of remembrance and intercession for so many feeling the threat of ICE’s actions. In the meantime, Monarca, a local rapid response line, has published freely downloadable resources in English, Spanish, and Somali. Additionally, they offer legal observer trainings throughout the metro area, the next of which will be held on January 15 in Golden Valley. Learn more here. United has, for decades, aspired to help bend the “arc of the moral universe” toward justice. We find courage in our calling, emboldened by the values we share as a community. We remember Renee Good, and we speak her name with clarity of conviction.May justice be done in her memory and for our vulnerable neighbors. Rev. Molly T. Marshall, PhD President

December 17, 2025

Alums Community Entrepreneur

Lauren Busey (’07) Ministers to a New Beloved Community at Pickledilly Skokie

Lauren Busey (’07) grew up in the Lutheran church, earned an undergraduate degree from Luther College, and thought she would probably attend a Lutheran seminary. Then, at a Luther College women’s retreat, Rev. Dr. Christie Cozad Nueger (’80)— Professor Emerita of Pastoral Counseling and Pastoral Theology (1992–2005)—was the featured speaker and knew Lauren’s campus pastor. “So,” Lauren remembers, “we just kind of got to talking, and within a couple of weeks, I was enrolled at United.” United “was a good fit,” Lauren asserts. She found a welcoming community of fellow students and treasured professors. Those who had the greatest impact include Rev. Dr. Jann Cather Weaver (Associate Professor Emerita of Worship, and Theology and the Arts, 2001–2012), Dr. Marilyn Salmon† (Professor Emerita of New Testament Theology, 1989–2014), and Dr. Carolyn Pressler (Professor Emerita of Biblical Interpretation, 1990–2020). After seminary, Lauren accepted a call back home in Evanston, Illinois, at the church where she grew up, Trinity Lutheran Church. Despite being a bit apprehensive about serving as the director of Faith Formation at her home church, Lauren found that the parishioners were warmly welcoming and supportive. She’s been there ever since and notes that the flexibility of the position allowed for a positive work-life balance. Lauren and her wife are raising two children. Just this year, however, Lauren, along with her wife and two business partners, embarked on a new venture—and in February 2025, the four co-owners opened a new state-of-the-art pickleball court in Skokie, Illinois. Dubbed Pickledilly Skokie, the new indoor space features 11.5 courts under high ceilings, lockers, a lounge area, and a pro shop. Plus, the venue is in the same complex as Sketchbook Brewing Company and has abundant free parking. So what happened? “I think my wife would say that I’ve always been the big idea person,” Lauren explains. Usually, she continues, Amy “nods and smiles and keeps on going,” but this time she agreed with the idea. Both Lauren and Amy are avid pickleball players, and Lauren says she found that the activity was much more of a “community-based sport.” Community was the key. As Lauren stated in a July 18, 2025, interview for Ryan Glatzhofer’s The Locals: Stories of Courageous Entrepreneurs, “One of the things that has always been a passion of mine is bringing people together.” Going a step further, she said more recently, “One of our pillars is that this is a safe space, and we are welcoming here.” How did United prepare Lauren for entrepreneurship? “United was really helpful to me in expanding my worldview and my understanding of diversity and not assuming you know where people are coming from.” As for the connection to ministry, Lauren asserts, “We’re still grounded in the same way of taking care of people, and loving people, and meeting them where they are.” __________________________ † of blessed memory

December 11, 2025

Academics Activism Black Liberation Theology Community

Alex Sánchez Rodriguez Finds Vocational Inspiration at United

Alex Sánchez Rodriguez, who plans to graduate from United in 2026 with an MA in Religion and Theology, was initially drawn to the seminary’s Interreligious Chaplaincy program. Since taking more classes, engaging with his professors, becoming involved in the Student Leadership Collective, and taking on other extracurricular activities, he has settled on a new calling. “I discovered,” Alex shares, “that I have a natural affinity toward academics.” In fact, he admits, “I want to be like my professors.” Before coming to United, Alex was a substitute teacher in Puerto Rico. Since he moved to Minnesota, he has been working in student development and promoting student success. The priority of student success is the throughline, Alex perceives, from his current role and an academic career. “If I am to go into academia,” he explains, “part of my success as a teacher, professor, and researcher depends on the success of my future students.” Alex also credits United professors for embodying the kind of academician he hopes to become. Dr. Demian Wheeler and Rev. Dr. Andrew Packman, he notes, “as academics and how they engage with their students…[are] very inspiring to…future academics.” The fact that United faculty are “so accessible and so approachable and so likeable,” Alex continues, made him realize that an academic career does not have to take place in some secluded and inaccessible “ivory tower.” United’s emphasis on interreligious engagement was another piece of Alex’s transformation. “I grew up in a very Christian environment where everything that wasn’t Christian was considered bad,” Alex recounts. After encountering the diverse faith communities of United’s students and faculty, he suggests, “it made me realize that there’s not just one path toward spirituality and divinity.” Ultimately, Alex hopes that his future work as a theologian can help fellow Puerto Ricans emerge from the shadow of colonization. “I think doing the work of theology is a way to help ’regular people’ realize that they don’t have to live as colonized individuals anymore. They have the opportunity to define who they want to be.” As Alex stated earlier this year, “While I could have chosen a different specialty or a different seminary, theology and religious studies have brought a sense of wonder that I have not experienced in any other discipline that I have studied, and United has given me more than I can name.”

April 10, 2025

Announcements Community news news releases

United Will Award Frank Sims with Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) Degree at Its 2025 Commencement

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, April 10, 2025. In honor of Frank Sims’ decades of community leadership and support for innovative education, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (United) is thrilled to announce that it will award Sims with a Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) at its 2025 Commencement Exercises on April 27. Since the 1990s, Sims—now a retired corporate vice-president from Cargill, Inc., and former Board Chair and Interim President of Fisk University—has generously blessed United with his time, expertise, and stalwart support for its values and mission. In the 1990s, after Sims moved to the Twin Cities for work, he connected with United through a former Cargill colleague, Dr. Kita McVay (’96, ’09), who was serving on the board. She asked if he would like to serve on United’s board of trustees. After meeting with United President Ben Griffin (1987–1995) and learning more about the school’s progressive history and its more diverse and inclusive theological education, he gladly accepted. Since he first joined United’s board, Sims has served two full terms as a trustee, worked on capital campaigns, and supported scholarships for United students. Recently, Sims and his wife, Robyn, worked with President Molly T. Marshall to establish the Sims Scholars Initiative, a project designed to educate and prepare leaders who desire to constructively engage issues confronting Black spiritual communities. The initiative operates by selecting and mentoring a cohort of students to attend a unique, tuition-free Master of Arts in Leadership degree program at United. The first cohort entered seminary in 2024; applications for the 2025 cohort are due May 1. During his involvement with the seminary, Sims has often remarked on the importance of promoting education and giving back to the community. He has also expressed the belief that theological study can help people to understand the biblical values of charity, humility, and service. “Over the years,“ notes President Marshall, “Frank Sims has demonstrated his care for theological education and the church through providing generous scholarship assistance to United. An experienced leader, he has contributed greatly to higher education and, particularly, to this good school. We rejoice in the opportunity to honor him at Commencement.” Rev. Dr. Gary Green, United’s Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Social Transformation and Director of Anti-Racist Initiatives, declares, “My spirit has wanted to call Frank Sims ‘Doctor’ since we met, having heard of the myriad ways he has supported the mission of United. But now, after having worked with him in the creation of the Sims Scholars Initiative, I know firsthand of his worthiness for this honor, and I am elated that we are celebrating his living legacy in this way!” “I am so grateful for the generosity of Frank Sims in establishing this scholarship. When our faculty speak of the students this initiative has attracted to United, they glow about the energy, the enthusiasm, and the dedication of students participating in the Sims Initiative. The many ways they contribute to the larger United community, and vice versa, have been a blessing to our seminary,” adds Dr. Kyle Roberts, Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Dean, and Schilling Professor of Public Theology and Church and Economic Life. United will celebrate the graduating class of 2025 and award a Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Sims during its 63rd Commencement on Sunday, April 27, at 3:00 PM CT, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, MN. Details, including onsite and online registration, can be viewed here. ______________ About United Founded by the nascent United Church of Christ as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the cutting edge of progressive theological thought leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to train leaders who dismantle systems of oppression, explore multi-faith spirituality, and push the boundaries of knowledge. Contact Nathanial Green (he/him), Director of Marketing and Communications United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities press@unitedseminary.edu • (651) 255-6138 Admissions admissions@unitedseminary.edu

June 24, 2021

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Queer Ancestors, Holy Pride: A Community Arts Collage

On June 22, 2021, students, alumni, and friends of United got together for a special Pride arts lunch, where we created a community arts collage around the theme of queer ancestry, pride, and lgbtq+ iconography. The Following Pride flag is inspired by Daniel Quasar's Progress: Pride Flag Reboot, which brings together Gilbert Baker's original design with Tierney's inclusive Pride Flag (which incorporates black and brown strips in honor of black and other POC members of the LGBTQ community) and Seattle LGBTQ Commission's flag (which includes the pink, white and blue of the transgender flag). (more…)

April 19, 2021

black lives matter Community Community Relationships Healing ministry resources Voice

Resources and Actions Amidst the Chauvin Trial and the Death of Daunte Wright.

As a seminary located in the Twin Cities, our communities have been anticipating the verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial. Meanwhile, we are also mourning and responding to the killing of Daunte Wright at the hands of Brooklyn Center police. Amidst these tumultuous times, we are publishing the following list of resources and actions for our community to heal, to advocate, and to fight for justice. (more…)

April 13, 2021

black lives matter Civil Rights Community Community Relationships news social justice social transformation Voice

Statement on Daunte Wright

The community of United Seminary of the Twin Cities mourns the death of Daunte Wright, yet another Black man shot and killed in the long trajectory of deaths at the hands of law enforcement in this country. We join in the outpouring of anguish and grief over the loss of another precious life and we recognize that this killing comes amid the ongoing trauma experienced by people of color, particularly at this very painful time as the community is forced to revisit the horrors of George Floyd’s death during the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. (more…)

June 16, 2020

black lives matter Community resources social justice social transformation

United Responds to the Killing of George Floyd: A collection of statements, reflections, and resources

Reuters/Eric Miller In the wake of the brutal killing of George Floyd while he was detained by Minneapolis Police officers, and the local and global calls to address systemic violence against Black lives, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has compiled the following list of statements, ministry and reflections, articles, petitions, educational resources, and community funds. This is a living document that will be updated as we get more information, so remember to check back. (more…)