Tag: climate change

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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

Spirit of Water: A Celebration with Mississippi River

Join us July 25–26, 2025, for a celebration with Mississippi River! Together, we will connect, learn, pray, engage, play, celebrate, and honor the spirit of water. This year’s event will take place over two days! On Friday, July 25, we are meeting at United’s campus (or online) from 3:00–5:30 PM CT for an educational afternoon and evening. Afternoon workshops will focus on water protection, ecological justice, and more. After the sessions, we will offer a light dinner for participants. In the evening, starting at 7:00 PM, we will hear from two scientists and Anishinaabeg leaders in climate justice work: Leanna Goose, a co-facilitator of the Rise & Repair Coalition and 2024 Storyteller, and Dawn Goodwin, co-founder of R.I.S.E. Coalition. They will speak about issues related to climate justice, water protection, and Indigenous water rights. Friday, July 25 | 3:00–8:30 PM United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities 767 N Eustis St, #140, St. Paul, MN 55114 2:30–3:00 PM — Arrival / Check-In / Tech Support 3:00–3:15 PM — Welcome & Opening Remarks - Spirit of Water organizers Orientation to workshops and locations 3:15–4:15 PM — Workshop Session I (concurrent workshops) Paula Maccabee (WaterLegacy) “Protecting Water from Toxic Sulfide Mining: Advocacy & Action” James Birr & Carmen Carruthers (Citizens Utility Board of MN) “Decarbonizing Your Home: Electrification 101” Mitch Nelson (Pastor and 2020 United Alum) “Christian Spiritual Ecology” 4:15–4:30 PM — Break (15 minutes) 4:30–5:30 PM — Workshop Session II (concurrent workshops) Lindsay Potter (Nukewatch) “Nuclear Greenwashing – Protecting Our Clean Water, Air, and Land and Demanding Community EmPOWERment” Kaden Colten (United Student) “Water, Disability, & Community Care” Emily Meyer (The Ministry Lab and 2009 United alum) “Woven Together: Watersheds, Spiritual Communities, and Resilience” 5:45–7:00 PM — Light Dinner for Participants 7:00–8:30 — Lecture and Discussion with Leanna Goose, a co-facilitator of the Rise & Repair Coalition and 2024 Storyteller, and Dawn Goodwin, co-founder of R.I.S.E. Coalition ______________________________________ On Saturday, July 26, we will meet at Hidden Falls Regional Park in St. Paul from 1:00–5:00 PM. While there, we and our partners will host a community celebration that features speakers, music, booths, food, art, and play areas. Saturday, July 26 | 1:00–5:00 PM Hidden Falls Regional Park 1:00–1:15 PM — Opening Welcome 1:15–1:30 PM — Orientation to the Celebration Overview of the afternoon and introduction to the booths. Invitation to explore, participate, and connect throughout the day. 1:30–2:00 PM — Music Set #1: Eòin Small (Part 1) 2:00–2:10 PM — Campaign Update: Friends of the BWCA 2:10–2:30 PM — Music Set #1: Eòin Small (Part 2) 2:30–2:45 PM — Artist Reflection: Sandy Spieler 2:45–3:05 PM — Water Movement Workshop: Emily Jarrett Hughes 3:05–3:20 PM — Campaign Update: Nukewatch / Nuclear-Free Mississippi 3:20–3:40 PM — Community Voices: R.I.S.E. Coalition 3:40–4:10 PM — Music Set #2: Sunni Leilani (Part 1) 4:10–4:20 PM — Campaign Update: Tamarack Water Alliance 4:20–4:40 PM — Music Set #2: Sunni Leilani (Part 2) 4:40–4:50 PM — Collective Gratitude 4:50–5:00 PM — Closing Circle These partners are co-presenting the event: Resilient Indigenous Sisters Engaging (R.I.S.E. Coalition) Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light Friends of the Mississippi River Now in its third year, this event is designed to highlight the care and responsibility involved in protecting and sharing valuable water resources, like Mississippi River. Too often, infrastructure and institutions hide our water resources. Our focus centers on themes of gratitude, celebration, unity, coming together, the commonality of water as a presence in our life, reverence, respect, and honor for our water and all that is sacred. Please register for this event in the form below!  

Picard Lecture on Environmental Theology and Ethics

Join us October 28 for the Picard Lecture on Environmental Theology and Ethics at United or online. Dr. Kiara Jorgenson, associate professor of Religion and Environmental Studies at St. Olaf College, is this year's speaker. Kiara, whose lecture is titled “Hope through Tears,” is a theologian who earned degrees from St. Olaf College (BA, Religion & Women’s Studies), Denver Seminary (MDiv) and Luther Seminary (PhD, Theology). Her research interests include: Protestant ecotheologies, vocation, ecofeminisms, agrarian studies, ecological resistance movements, childhood studies, and the theology of motherwork. At St. Olaf College, she teaches religion courses on ecotheologies, place-based spiritualities, and a smattering of environmental humanities offerings such as Biophilia, Theo-Ethics of Climate Change, and Culture of Nature. Kiara recently published Ecology of Vocation: Recasting Calling in a New Planetary Era (Fortress/Lexington, 2020) and an edited volume, Ecotheology: A Christian Conversation (Eerdmans, 2020). She has also published articles in journals on interdisciplinary topics ranging from Jürgen Moltmann’s ecological ethics to the vocation of children to Indigenous influence on Christian watershed liturgies. After she speaks, Dr. Munjed M. Murad, United’s program director for Eco-Justice and assistant professor of World Religions and Intercultural Studies supported by the Johnson-Fry Endowment, and Dr. Timothy R. Eberhart—the Robert and Marilyn Degler McClean Associate Professor of Ecological Theology and Practice at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary and Director of the Center for Ecological Regeneration—will offer brief responses to Kiara's lecture. Free parking is available in either the North or South lot adjacent to the CASE building in St. Paul. About the Picard Lecture The Picard Lectures on Environmental Theology and Ethics are supported by an endowment made possible through the generosity of United alum, Rev. Frank Picard (’02), and members of the Picard family. The purpose of the lectureship is to explore questions and issues concerning the state of the creation from theological and ethical perspectives. The lectureship seeks to raise questions such as the relation between our spiritual life and the state of the natural world, and the response of religious leadership to the decline of the planet. In establishing the endowment the Picard family especially wishes to remember the deep appreciation for God’s creation they shared with the late David and Roland Picard.

Reweaving Earth & Soul: A Conversation with Leah Rampy

Climate chaos and ecosystem losses are growing; we live amidst beauty and sorrow. We have frayed our ties with this wondrous, beloved Earth, and that is breaking our hearts. Spirit beckons us to the depth of our souls to reclaim our birthright of kinship with all living beings. Within that holy web, we might learn to lay stepping stones toward a future of greater mutual flourishing and well being. We hope you can join us on September 28 at 4:00 PM for a conversation with Dr. Leah Rampy about living more deeply connected in these edge times. Leah Rampy is a writer, speaker, and retreat leader who weaves ecology, spirituality, personal stories, and practices to help others deepen their relationship to the natural world. She is the author of the award winning Earth & Soul: Reconnecting amid Climate Chaos and a frequent speaker on spiritual ecology and leadership in these uncertain times. (This book is available for purchase at a reduced price through The Ministry Lab. Contact Rev. Emily Meyer to reserve your copy and arrange for pick-up.) Through Shepherd University’s Lifelong Learning Program, Leah teaches classes on ecology through the lens of current writers. Her essays on living more fully connected to Earth in these uncertain times have appeared in the Anthology of Appalachian Writers (Barbara Kingsolver edition), The Cardinal Anthology Vol 1, and Soul Food; Nourishing Essays on Contemplative Living and Leadership. She is a member of West Virginia Writers. Leah holds a doctorate in Curriculum from Indiana University. She has extensive leadership experience as an executive in Fortune 100 organizations and in nonprofits and has offered executive coaching and consulting to individuals and organizations through the business she founded in 2001, Illumined Way, LLC. Registration Deadline: September 27, 2024