Rev. Lorna Halaas was recently elected bishop of the Western Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Halaas is a 2008 graduate of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, where she received her MDiv. Halaas chose United for its ecumenical context and educational approach. (more…)
We all are faced with devastating news this morning about the killing of people engaged in prayer in the mosques of Christchurch, New Zealand. The irony of the city's name underscores the hypocrisy of the hatred. (more…)
This week a special General Conference of the United Methodist Church voted to reaffirm and even to strengthen its opposition to same-sex marriage and to gay clergy. When the majority of delegates decided to pass the Traditional Plan, the denomination voted in favor of exclusion. Rev. Judy Zabel, a clergy delegate who serves Hennepin Avenue UMC in Minneapolis, said: (more…)
As we grieve for those murdered in Pittsburgh, we are called individually and collectively to demand elimination of the political rhetoric that flames divisiveness and hatred toward people who are perceived to be different. The time is now to turn our collective rage, fear and sadness into community action and change. Vigils and prayers must evolve into sustained expressions of a healthy and loving community. It will take more than healthier politicians to reduce the pathology of hatred in our communities and nation. (more…)
It has been more the rule than the exception through the last six months or so that our world, national and local news has focused on one unbelievable human atrocity after another; with a seemingly endless ability to trump the previous week’s painful emotional impact. The capstone of this last week was the criminal case of the Philando Castile murder ending in an acquittal of the police officer who shot him. (more…)
**This photo was taken September 17, 2017 in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Having recently lost her mother and currently viewing the horrific devastation Florence is bringing to the Carolina coast, this reflection from last year is especially poignant to the photographer. (more…)
Congratulations to the 2017 Distinguished Alums: Craig Wright ’01 and Gretchen Thompson ’93, ’14! (more…)
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is seeking comments from the public about the seminary in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. United will host a visit December 4–5, 2017, with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission. United has been accredited by HLC since 1977. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. (more…)