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Dr. Ginger Morgan Announced as New Associate Professor and Program Director for Interreligious Chaplaincy

Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, April 16, 2026 — United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is thrilled to announce that Dr. Ginger Morgan will join its faculty as the new Associate Professor for Pastoral and Spiritual Care and Program Director for Interreligious Chaplaincy. Dr. Morgan will come to United from Madison, WI, where she is concluding her role at the Presbyterian Student Center Foundation as director of Candid and Community Initiatives. She is a highly qualified program director and chaplain with experience in healthcare, campus ministry, and higher education. With a PhD in Religion and Psychological Studies from Iliff School of Theology at the University of Denver, as well as a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) from Vanderbilt Divinity School, Dr. Morgan draws from her theological and multidisciplinary education in her work. Interreligious studies is one of United’s four pillars, and the Interreligious Chaplaincy (IRC) program—unique among peer institutions—constitutes the largest and fastest-growing of the seminary’s programs over the past five years. In alignment with United’s ethos, Dr. Morgan is a gifted scholar of religious pluralism, highly educated in progressive theological education, and foregrounds justice in chaplaincy and pastoral care. These values are evident in a chapter titled “Many Doors: Expanding Thresholds for Grace,” written by Dr. Morgan for the upcoming book Dispatches from Campus (Augsburg Fortress Press). Dr. Morgan’s career also reflects her personal experiences and identity. Writing to the search committee, she shared, “My formation includes reconciling my lesbian identity with my faith and living as a religious minority in India during high school, both of which shaped my intercultural perspective and vocational commitments.” She continued, “Throughout my career, I have sought to create inclusive spaces of belonging, whether supporting LGBTQIA+ students, young adults in recovery from addiction, or building programs attentive to justice and equity." Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall, President, reflects, “United welcomes Dr. Ginger Morgan with confidence and great enthusiasm. Her varied leadership roles, especially in chaplaincy, equip her uniquely to lead our robust IRC program and to teach pastoral and spiritual care.” In his announcement to the student body, Dr. Kyle Roberts—Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs—noted that Dr. Morgan’s “career in chaplaincy spans hospital, hospice, and higher education contexts, and extensive program leadership experience.” He added, “I want to thank Dr. Demian Wheeler for leading this search process, especially during its formative stages during my sabbatical.” After participating in a months-long faculty search and on-site candidate lecture, being recommended by a unanimous faculty vote, and gaining approval from the Board of Trustees’ Academic Committee, Dr. Morgan will officially begin on July 1. Students, faculty, and staff are eager to welcome her to United for this exciting new chapter. For more information about United’s Interreligious Chaplaincy program, click here. 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. Contact Nathanial Green (he/him) Director of Marketing and Communications press@unitedseminary.edu • (651) 255-6138 Admissions and Enrollment admissions@unitedseminary.edu

“Blasphemous Hallelujahs: Art as Theology after the Death of God” with Micah J. Murray

For the Arts Lunch on April 13th, 2021, Micah J. Murray presented an online art exhibit showcasing a multi-disciplinary collection of post-theist theological artworks exploring themes of alienation, irony, iconoclasm, de/construction, reclamation, curiosity, and mystery. The collection includes sculpture, painting, poetry, and photography. Micah is a writer, theologian, and artist living in Minneapolis and studying for an M.Div in Religion and Theology at United Theological Seminary.  [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnGZ44lTOgw[/embed] Access the images at: https://micahjmurray.com/art/

Séances, Spirits, and Snails: Uncovering the Spiritual Story behind the Visionary World of Hilma af Klint with Stephani Pescitelli

Over a century ago, Swedish artist Hilma af Klint received a commission from a spirit to translate a “secret growing” of spiritual truths about humanity through her art. Regarded as a “crazy witch,” she perhaps wisely willed these works to be kept secret until 20 years after her death. As the art world is being turned on its head by how her fantastical, visionary work disrupts art history’s narrative, we see what might be revealed about her legacy--and our own callings and creativity--by looking at her story through a theological lens. On Tuesday March 16, 2021, Stephani Pescitelli spoke to the Arts Lunch about Hilma's work. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8AXmm41KLE[/embed] Stephani Pescitelli (she or they) is a born, raised, and rooted Midwesterner currently living in South Minneapolis where she is working towards a Master of Divinity and MA in Theology and the Arts at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She is a 2020-21 fellow with ARC--Arts, Religion, and Culture--and her research and art look through and make with a transdisciplinary theopoetic lens at questions, people, communities, art, and beings seemingly occupying the ‘secular’ sphere. She is currently working towards ordination in the Unitarian Universalist tradition.

Bisa Butler and the Legacy of AfriCOBRA with Suzanne Roberts

Bisa Butler in the studio. Photography by John Butler. On March 9, 2021, Suzanne Roberts, local art historian and lecturer of African American artists, shared with the Arts Lunch about Bisa Butler and the history and resurgence of the AfriCOBRA movement in recent times, using CoolAde color and other techniques to consciously subscribe a non-western approach to art. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErclRHGNMJY[/embed]

Drag Theopoetics with Max Brumberg-Kraus

On Tuesday March 2, 2021, United alum Max Brumberg-Kraus ('20) presented to the Arts Lunch on their current work with Drag Theopoetics. A “drag theopoetic” is the theopoetic of the professional or amateur crossdresser who performs in front or with an audience. It is experiencing the divine while being in drag. It is the sacred phenomenon of attending a drag show. Drag Theopoetics is camping the gods. It is the production of another gender or a heightened version of one’s own gender as a means to understand God, the cosmos, and one another. Drag Theopoetics is the sacred rite of gesturing, performing, then becoming a self.  (more…)

United Faculty Recommend Books for Incoming Seminarians

As incoming students get ready to embark on their seminary journey this fall, faculty members took a moment to consider books they read at the beginning of their journey, or books they wish they’d read at the beginning. While you will soon have plenty of reading once the semester starts, here are a few books to whet your appetite between now and September! (more…)

Artist and Ecosystem / Spirituality, Looking, Flowers, and Making in the Garden: Virtual Artist Talk by Benedict Scheuer

On October 1, 2020, Benedict Scheuer gave a virtual talk at United. Benedict is an interdisciplinary artist who views gardening and nature as the spiritual center of his practice. His work spans drawing, painting, sculpture, video, photography, performance, singing, and textiles. He values a non-prescriptive approach to engaging with his work, allowing color, texture, shapes, and narrative to engage with each viewer uniquely. Death, Love, Connection, Mindfulness, and Cyclicality are often warmly encountered. Benedict received his MFA in visual art from the Ohio State University and holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Yale University. You can stay up to date on his work on Instagram and at his artist website here.   Benedict's work will be featured in an exhibit at United during the spring 2022 semester.