social justice Archives - Page 2 of 4 - United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

September 2, 2020

Unexpected Healers: How the next generation of chaplains is changing the way we think about spiritual care

Back when I was a CPE educator in a large, metropolitan hospital system, I often gave my students an interactive assignment for their first day of training. I asked them to place themselves in busy lobbies, cafeterias, and waiting rooms at their assigned hospital, then sit at a table with open faces, a video camera, and a sign that said, “Tell Me What a Chaplain Does?” (more…)

June 16, 2020

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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…)

June 1, 2020

Alums Anti-racism Church Church History Jesus ministry racism social justice Theology Voice

A Letter to My Christian Family Everywhere: From Alum Yolanda Y. Williams

Dear Christians, (more…)

May 28, 2020

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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…)

April 3, 2020

Alums Community ministry social justice social transformation UUA Voice

‘Live out your faith and values in your own life and in ministry:’ 2019 Distinguished Alum Meg Riley

United celebrates 2019 distinguished alum Meg Riley. Meg has focused her ministry around world peace and justice for over 25 years. She has inspired and mentored many church leaders in this community and beyond. Her mantra is, “live out your faith and values in your own life and in ministry.” (more…)

February 7, 2020

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Statement Regarding the Expanded Travel Ban From the Academic Council of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

The Trump administration recently added six countries to the travel ban list which, as a recent New York Times article puts it, “will virtually block immigration from Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, and from Myanmar, where the Muslim minority is fleeing genocide.” (more…)

November 19, 2019

Inclusion Jesus justice lgbtq ministry Open and Affirming social justice social transformation Theology Voice

“Being faithful sometimes requires us to break the rules:” A Response to the Issue of LGBTQ Inclusion in the UMC.

“I’d rather be excluded for who I include than included for who I exclude.” This sentence, often appearing on a church sign, shows up fairly regularly on my social media feed, a moving reminder of what the communities of faith are called to be. The Rev. Eston Williams, a United Methodist pastor, said these words in 2016 to a reporter for a story on his rural Texas church’s decision to begin offering same sex weddings. The congregation voted overwhelming to offer the services, even though they are banned by the United Methodist Book of Discipline. (more…)

May 16, 2019

Discernment ministry New Students Progressive Christianity social justice social transformation Vocation Voice

Why Now is the Time for the Religious Left to Pursue Faith Leadership Positions

Who gets to claim religious values? In recent debates about Democrat presidential candidate Pete Buttigeig, Franklin Graham ridiculed the religious left: “Using new terms like ‘Progressive Christianity’ & ‘Christian Left’ may sound appealing, but God’s laws don’t change.” Buttigeig is openly gay, a veteran, and self-identifies as progressive. He is also a Christian in the Episcopal denomination. To some, Buttigeig is a contradiction. Evangelical Erick Erickson even implied that the Episcopal Church is not really Christian. As a progressive seminary, United denies that a far right, ultra-conservative Christianity is the only way for people to live out their faiths. Members of the religious left must pursue leadership positions and reclaim what it means to be a person of faith in today’s world. (more…)

March 8, 2019

lgbtq Methodist Studies ministry social justice social transformation Theology Voice

How I Want to Shape My Ministry: Student Riva Tabelisma on the UMC General Conference

It has been more than a week since the Special Session of the General Conference of the UMC adjourned. The result of that gathering came as a shock to many people, especially to me as I witnessed it in person. I went to the Special Session of the General Conference because the Filipino American Caucus (National Association of Filipino American United Methodists) was launching the Global Filipino United Methodist Movement -- a missional ministry for Filipinos in diaspora worldwide. I also went to provide support for the delegates of the Philippines Central Conference. (more…)