social transformation

August 9, 2019
Gun Violence news social transformation Theology Voice White Supremacy

Statement on White Nationalism

The events of the last week tragically remind us of the devastating impact hatred continues to have on our nation. We recognize that these horrific acts of violence far too often have a common thread—white nationalism, which is the wrong and sinful belief in white superiority, and the warped desire to rule our country by and only for the benefit of white people. White nationalism in the United States is stoked by daily political diatribes, easily-accessed hate-filled ideas, and faulty theology. We acknowledge a direct connection between white nationalism and Christian nationalism—the dangerous falsehood that the United States was meant to be a country that privileges and protects the lives and beliefs of white Christians above all others. We denounce these ideas as heresy. (more…)

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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…)

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April 26, 2019
interfaith social transformation Theology Vocation Voice

Why You Should Consider a Christian Seminary — Even If You’re Not a Christian

As a queer, Jewish artist, when I told my friends and family that I would studying at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, many were confused. “So like, are you becoming a priest?” some would ask. Others more directly retorted, “But you’re Jewish!?!?!?! Why would you want to do that?” The fact is, there are numerous reasons why I think it is important to study at a progressive, pluralistic seminary rooted in Liberal Christianity. Three key reasons are that Christianity is a defining theological and ideological component of our culture; that being in conversation with Christians helps us better understand our own traditions; and that our presence and voice helps decenter Christianity as an assumed norm. (more…)

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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…)

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