Tag: Interreligious Chaplaincy

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September 30, 2026

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

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June 22, 2026

The Past and Future of Chaplaincy: Celebrating the Past, Engaging the Present, Inviting the Future

Join us on Wednesday, August 12, to celebrate the past and present of chaplaincy, while imagining and inviting its future. The program will feature a panel discussion about the future of chaplaincy. We will gather on campus at 9:00 AM, and the program will start at 9:30 AM. Our panelists for the event are: Vilasini Balakrishnan, ecclesiastical endorser of Hindu chaplains for the U.S. Armed Forces and program director for the Chinmaya International Foundation Certificate in Hindu Spiritual Care, Rev. Lynda Lee (’14), trauma-informed chaplain at the Minnesota Department of Corrections—Lino Lakes, Dr. Cody Sanders, associate professor of Congregational & Community Care Leadership at Luther Seminary. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Ginger Morgan, United’s new faculty member in Pastoral and Spiritual Care and program director for Interreligious Chaplaincy. Rev. Dr. Amy Levinski (’17), chaplain at Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center, will be offering reflections about the impact of chaplaincy education on the growing vocation. During the event, we will also celebrate Rev. Dr. Russ Myers, a former adjunct faculty member. This June, the Association of Professional Chaplains honored him with a distinguished service award. Register below!

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October 2, 2023

Chaplaincy & Reproductive Justice: A Conversation on Intersections

Practitioners and pastors who are engaged in chaplaincy and spiritual care are invited, now more than ever, to consider how their role as spiritual care providers can support social justice efforts within their institutions and communities. “Chaplaincy & Reproductive Justice: A Conversation on Intersections,” led by Rev. Dr. Jessica Chapman Lape, creates space for spiritual care providers, chaplains, and chaplaincy students to explore the intersections of spiritual care and a critical and timely topic in social justice: reproductive justice. The reproductive justice framework advocates for a person’s right to have a child, the right to not have a child, and the right to raise children in safe and healthy environments. In this presentation, we will explore how the reproductive justice framework informs the spiritual care practices of professional spiritual care providers in healthcare and community-based settings. Register below. Panelists Rev. Jess L. Chancey • MDiv, BCC Rev. Jess L. Chancey (they/them) originally hails from Atlanta, GA, where they earned their Master of Divinity at Columbia Theological Seminary. They completed their chaplain training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and they now serve as staff chaplain at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul while also completing their Doctor of Ministry work at United. Jess developed a passion for advocacy through their own experiences of struggling for acceptance and inclusion as a queer minister with a disability, leading them to serve as Co-Chair of UCC Disabilities Ministries and on the planning team for the LGBTQ+ peer network at Regions. When Jess isn't working, you'll likely find them watching Star Trek, writing their dissertation, or doing an Out of the Darkness walk with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, accompanied by their trust pup Macy. jessica young chang • MFA, MDiv jessica young chang (she/her) is excited about growth and transformation in individuals and communities through creative, embodied, mystical, and collective spiritual practices. Originally from Ohio, jessica has a background in Performance Studies (Northwestern University) and Creative Writing (MFA, Columbia College Chicago). jess started practicing yoga to help her deal with the trials and stresses of college. Her teaching is informed by vinyasa and Tantric traditions, and she has taught in community, for-profit, and private contexts for years. Before entering spiritual study, jess served as a collective member and board member at Chicago Women’s Health Center. Having cultivated a career in performance, writing, yoga and reproductive justice, a calling toward the intersection of embodiment and spiritual practice led jess to earn a Masters of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School. jess is pursuing ordination in the United Church of Christ, and is currently serving as a staff chaplain at Massachusetts General Hospital. Rev. Latishia James • MDiv Rev. Latishia James (she/they) affectionately known as Rev. Pleasure is a Black queer femme, womanist culture change agent, facilitator of healing spaces for QTBIPOC women + femmes and writer. A Master of Divinity and Certificate of Sexuality+ Religion graduate from Pacific School of Religion they currently serve as Co-Director for Organizational Development at Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity (SACReD) where she works to make Reproductive Justice a lived reality through liberating religious education and organizing people of faith. Latishia is ordained in The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries and is a certified healing-centered coach. Like the true womanist she is, she “loves music. Loves dance. Loves the moon. Loves the Spirit. Loves love and food and roundness. Loves struggle. Loves the Folk. Loves herself. Regardless.” Rev. Jude Johnson • MDiv, BCC Jude (he/they) joined All-Options in June 2023. He is a Board Certified Chaplain and Minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC). Jude received their Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion (Berkeley, CA), with a focus on the intersections of sexuality and religion. Jude completed their internship, residency, and fellowship for chaplaincy in VA hospitals – specializing in spiritual trauma, LGBTQ+ spiritual care, transgender-competent provider education, and holistic mental health. Other work from Jude includes writing camp programming for children and adults at Pilgrim Pines Camp (Yucaipa, CA), and educational workshops on sexuality, gender identity, and queer theology. Rev. Dr. Jessica Chapman Lape • PhD, MDiv Rev. Dr. Jessica Chapman Lape (she/her) is assistant professor and program director for interreligious chaplaincy. Jessica received her PhD in Practical Theology from Claremont School of Theology where she earned the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence and the Jack Coogan Award for the Creative Use of the Arts in the Life of the CST Community. Jessica’s research inhabits the intersection of spiritual care, healthcare, and reproductive justice. Her dissertation, missTreated: A Womanist Clinical Pastoral Theology on the Mistreatment of African American Women in U.S. Healthcare, explores Black women’s perception of cultural violence in U.S. healthcare systems and the subsequent role of spiritual care in interrupting such violence. Jessica’s current research is working to expand paradigms of clinical spiritual care to include contextualized spiritual care practices such as Black indigenous birthwork. As a trained community birth doula, Jessica works to integrate traditional African American birthwork and midwifery practices into her clinical chaplaincy. She has been a chaplain for faith-based nonprofit organizations, and a healthcare chaplain specializing in areas such as palliative care, women’s health, community health, and perinatal care. Jessica is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, a staff chaplain at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She lives and plays with her spouse, J.D., their little one, Johnathan, and their rambunctious yet curmudgeonly senior dog, Andie.

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