Written by: United Theological Seminary March 18, 2021

Love Is No Sin: Response to Vatican Statement on Same Sex Marriage

“So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.” 1 John 4:16

At the center of our faith is love—God’s love for all of creation and our love for one another. While the Vatican acknowledges the truth of this statement, it fails to recognize that love in all its forms is blessed by God, by denying love between two people of the same gender. As one of many advocates for inclusivity from within the Catholic Church Fr. Bryan Massingale has said, “Every human being is born with this innate desire to love,” and that “for those who are oriented toward members of the same sex…to have it being described as inherently or innately sinful without any qualification, that is crushing.”¹ Massingale elsewhere asks: “How can something be positive, valued, and appreciated, and yet be sinful?”²

This is the crux of the matter. To call love between people a “sin” is directly counter to the idea that God is love. To condemn this love is to condemn God and that is the sin! God has no exclusions or caveats to the commandment to love. The Roman Catholic Church, and many other Christians, continues to choose prejudice over blessing, division over inclusivity. The church was not created to judge but to be the conduit of goodness and a builder of holy community.

As professor of Catholic ecclesiology Dr. Natalia Imperatori-Lee writes, “It boggles the mind that the hierarchy can affirm that LGBTQ+ persons are made in the image of God but that their unions are a sin. […] Are they made in God’s image with the exception of their hearts? With the exception of their abilities and inclinations to love?”³

Let us be clear: God created this world and called it good.⁴ The goodness of God’s care and affirmation is for all God’s people, including those who are LGBTQ, created in the very image and likeness of God. The sacrament of marriage simply acknowledges that which God has already blessed—the deep and abiding love between people. In fact, it is love that is the blessing, love that leads us to joy, fulfillment, and the commitment to share in both good times and in bad. Affirming that holy blessing is an act of faithfulness.

God who is Love, we hold in Your unyielding compassion all those, particularly LGBTQ Catholics, who are harmed by the Vatican’s statement. We honor the holy dissidents of the Catholic faith working within the tradition to make the Church a true conduit of Your Goodness. And we praise You, God whose blessing persists even when fallible humans do not recognize it.

1. Quoted in David Crary and Luis Andres Henao, “LGBTQ Catholics stung by Vatican rebuff of same-sex unions,” abc News, accessed March 17, 2021, https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/lgbtq-catholics-stung-vatican-rebuff-sex-unions-76472627

2. Amna Nawaz and Bryan Massingale, “Could the Vatican’s decree on same-sex unions turn people away from church?.” NBC News, accessed March 17, 2021, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/could-the-vaticans-decree-on-same-sex-unions-turn-people-away-from-church

3. Quoted in Crary and Henao, “LGBTQ Catholics,” abc News.

4. Genesis 1.

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September 30, 2026

Announcements News Releases

United Celebrates Largest New Class and Highest Enrollment in Its 65-Year History

Enrollment Has More than Tripled in Ten Years For the second consecutive year, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (United) is thrilled to welcome its largest-ever incoming class of degree-seeking students. With 85 new degree-seeking students, the seminary is celebrating a total fall term enrollment of 288 degree-seeking students and 7 certificate students, representing the largest total enrollment in United’s history. The seminary’s 65th academic year features: 25% year-over-year enrollment growth and a staggering 239% increase over fall 2016; 163 Master of Divinity (MDiv) students, an increase of 42% year-over-year; 63 Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL), and Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) students; 62 Doctor of Ministry (DMin) students. Public theology, social transformation, interreligious engagement, and theology and the arts comprise the four foundational pillars of United’s curricula. They are unique among seminaries and divinity schools rooted in Christian traditions, cultivating an educational environment that practices ecumenism, religious pluralism, and social justice. The MDiv in Interreligious Chaplaincy is United’s largest degree program, with 73 students enrolled for the fall term. The concentration’s interfaith emphasis sets the school apart among its peers, drawing students from diverse backgrounds and faiths. Reflecting the program’s flagship status, the seminary marked a new milestone on July 1 when it welcomed Dr. Ginger Morgan as associate professor for Pastoral and Spiritual Care and program director for Interreligious Chaplaincy. United’s considerable ten-year growth can be credited to its leading-edge academic offerings, widely accessible distance education, and accomplished faculty. The seminary is a bold witness for the common good, preparing innovative leaders for myriad vocational and professional outcomes. From rural congregations to the city hospital’s ICU, United students and alums equip their communities for justice and peace. Mason Mennenga (’22), director of Admissions, leads a passionate and creative staff, all of whom are current students or alums. He reflects, “United’s growth in enrollment over the last number of years and our record for this year is truly a remarkable achievement in theological education. We’re showing what’s possible for progressive theological institutions!” Dr. Hillary Vamstad, director of Student Services, adds, “We’ve created an environment where students feel more than just a number, and I think students see that through the admissions and onboarding process. Feeling seen, heard, and supported while pursuing a seminary education is an important component to United’s growth.” Growth in student enrollment underscores the need to increase the number of core faculty members to continue to provide the quality of education for which United is well-known. Dr. Kyle Roberts, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, shares, “We are undertaking two faculty searches this year, which include an additional faculty role focused on Ministry Practices. This is a specialty we have been needing for some time on our core faculty to ground students in the practical elements of ministry leadership, such as preaching and liturgy, religious education, institutional leadership and administration.” Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall, who is beginning her final year as United’s beloved president, asserts, “I believe United’s remarkable growth is due to our progressive and relevant curriculum, our theological hospitality, and our accessible educational delivery.” She continues, “We delight in creating space (perichoresis) for everyone who desires formative theological education, a distinctive pursuit among seminaries.” United looks ahead to a historic 65th year of progressive theological education, and we give thanks for the students whose vocations, traditions, and unique perspectives enrich the life of our seminary. About United Founded by the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the creative edge of progressive theological thought and leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to educate leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling of systems of oppression, explore multi-faith spirituality, and push the boundaries of knowledge. Media Contact Nathanial Green (he/him) Director of Marketing and Communications press@unitedseminary.edu • 651.255.6138 Admissions and Enrollment admissions@unitedseminary.edu

United Launches National Search for Its Next President

The Position Profile and Application Are Now Available Today, the Presidential Search Committee, on behalf of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, is opening the national search for the seminary’s next leader. This comes after the July announcement of Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall’s 2027 retirement following six transformative years of institutional growth and expansion. United’s next president will helm a dynamic school with a student body that has more than doubled in size in just ten years; a world-class faculty of artists, scholars, and theologians; and a diverse and interreligious student body preaching in pulpits, ministering in ICUs, leading nonprofits, and organizing for the common good. In a message shared with the United community, trustee and committee chair Rev. Dr. Kenneth V. Daniel (’81) describes the committee’s work in concert with executive search firm Isaacson, Miller (IM) to help “the seminary step into the next chapter of United’s mission and ministry.” Describing the ideal candidate, Dr. Daniel writes, “We are seeking an engaged leader who will join our mission to inspire creative scholarship, advance innovative pedagogy, develop leaders of distinction, and move the school forward to increased sustainability and global impact.” As of today, the public profile of the President’s role, as well as the application, is available to prospective applicants. Additionally, the public is invited to nominate individuals for consideration by the Committee. The application is linked on an official landing page that features Dr. Daniel’s note and a list of the committee members and their affiliations. The committee includes trustees as well as current and former faculty, student, staff, and alum representatives. Each faithfully brings their experiences to bear on their assignment. Dr. Daniel urges qualified leaders from myriad backgrounds to consider applying, writing, “Leaders from interfaith and ecumenical traditions, academic disciplines, relevant professional and denominational roles, and innovators in educational practices are invited to consider this unique opportunity.” Visit the link below to learn more, nominate a candidate, or submit your application. Apply or Nominate a Candidate About United Founded by the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the creative edge of progressive theological thought and leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to educate leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling of systems of oppression, exploring multi-faith spirituality, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Search Committee Contact Grace Pennings Guenthner (’26) Administrative Assistant, Presidential Search Committee pssearch@unitedseminary.edu

United Welcomes Site Visit by The Association of Theological Schools’ Commission on Accrediting

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is hosting a comprehensive evaluation visit for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools’ Commission on Accrediting on October 12–15, 2026. The purpose of this visit is to verify that the school meets all applicable Commission Standards of Accreditation. Comments regarding how well the school meets those standards and/or generally demonstrates educational quality may be sent to accrediting@ats.edu at least two weeks before the visit. Comments may also or instead be sent in writing to the Dean of the Seminary Kyle Roberts at kroberts@unitedseminary.edu. All comments will be shared with the onsite evaluation committee. For more about United's accreditation, click here. >