Tag: Leadership Center for Social Justice

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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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October 28, 2025

Queer and Trans Theology Salon

Join us onsite on Wednesday, October 29, for conversation, dialogue, and connection with others. Trans and queer academics, clergy, students, and community members are all welcome; no preparation is necessary, and this event is free. Light refreshments will be served. United’s Leadership Center for Social Justice and its Social Transformation Program sponsor these events. WHEN Wednesday, October 29 4:00 – 6:00 PM WHERE United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, the Common Area 767 Eustis St., Suite 140 Saint Paul, MN  55114 We look forward to seeing you there!

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June 9, 2025

2025 Hawkinson Award Ceremony and Gala

The Leadership Center for Social Justice at United is delighted to invite you to the 2025 Hawkinson Award Ceremony and Gala! The event takes place at United on Friday, October 10, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM CT. There is also an option to participate online. Join us for an evening of festivities to celebrate our 2025 Hawkinson Scholars and recipients of the Hawkinson Honorary Award. Together, we will honor Rev. Vince Hawkinson’s peace and justice legacy and the Hawkinson Fund for Peace and Justice’s powerful impact over 36 years.  During the event, we are delighted to be welcoming Kavyesh Kaviraj, an acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and arranger from Oman. Since moving to Minneapolis in 2016, Kaviraj has been enjoying opportunities to perform for his growing fan base. He is also an adjunct faculty member at St. Thomas University, where he teaches jazz piano. Before the program starts, we will host a reception. Arrive early to enjoy light appetizers and beverages, music, artwork, and a silent auction. If you have any questions, please contact Grace Pennings Guenthner at hawkinson@unitedseminary.edu.  Meet Our 2025 Honorary Awardees Lyn and John Pegg Ever since Lyn and John Pegg met in New York City in 1963, their shared dedication to peace and justice has sustained their work and life. John was in the Marine Corp at the time and growing disillusioned with the inhumanity of war, and Lyn had her college degree and was working in a lab. Their life took a turn in the 1970s when John attended Hartford Seminary (now Hartford International University for Religion and Peace) and accepted a call to a UCC church in upstate New York. Lyn began organizing to promote women’s rights. In the mid-1980s, the Peggs moved from the East Coast to accept a call at Peace UCC in Duluth, Minnesota—a church that prioritizes peace and justice work. While there, Lyn worked as a manager of a social service agency and created an interfaith anti-racism organization. In addition to pastoring, John became a leader of the local Veterans for Peace chapter. The couple has also led dozens of delegations to Latin American countries to draw attention to how U.S. foreign policy and corporate practices have adversely affected their lives.“Collective activism for justice,” the Peggs note, “is both effective and sustainable—and gives us hope.” Thom and Diane Haines Thom and Diane Haines were deeply affected by the horrors of the Vietnam War. They both protested and advocated for peace during this time, and it shaped their collective commitment to justice. Diane describes taking to the street in protest as “a vital piece of the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger.” Like John, Thom served as a parish pastor for an ELCA church. For most of his career, however, he was an assistant county attorney in Carver County, Minnesota. Diane has been a social worker for decades, most recently as a mental health case manager in Scott County, Minnesota. In the late 1980s and into the 1990s, Thom and Diane traveled to Guatemala, where they learned about forces of oppression and the role that US policy has played. In 2013, they were executive producers of a powerful documentary— Gold Fever—that contrasts nature-reverent Indigenous spirituality with the predatory capitalism of gold mining companies. The Haines’ experiences in Guatemala, as well as Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Haiti, and the Philippines, also heightened their passion for helping marginalized communities and working to ameliorate the plight of migrants. Register Note: We are aware of and working quickly to resolve an intermittent issue with our form vendor. If you experience any difficulties registering, please wait a couple of minutes and refresh the page. If you still encounter a problem, contact Andrew Fox at afox@unitedseminary.edu, and he will ensure you are registered. We regret any inconvenience.

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April 29, 2025

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!  

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March 26, 2025

Justice and Joy: Empowering Religious Support for Trans Lives

In a time when trans lives are under direct attack, LGBTQ leaders are pushing back and inviting more allies to speak up about our religious identity. Join other people of faith at United—on May 30, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM—to learn how to lift your voice effectively in large and small ways that are authentic to your beliefs and tradition. We are delighted to share that we will be hearing from many important voices in this discussion, including Rabbi Arielle Lekach-Rosenberg, Rabbi Heather Renetzky, Rev. T. Michael Rock, Rev. Nora Elliott (’17), Rev. Karen Hutt, Dallas Rising, Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis, Rep. Leigh Finke, Rev. Oby Ballinger, Justin Lewandowski, Seth Anderson-Matz (’24), Rev. Dr. Ry Siggelkow, Allison Connelly-Vetter, Chelsea Boyden (’25), and Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel (’13). We will remember what our traditions teach about affirming diverse genders. Then we will learn practical ways to take action at the legislature, in public forums, and with our faith communities. There will also be plenty of opportunities for networking and celebrating with others whose faith calls them to work for trans liberation. Here’s the schedule for the day: 9:00 AM Opening Ritual/Workshop 9:30 AM Welcome 9:40 AM Opening Address: Why We Are Here 10:20 AM Break 10:30 AM Faith-based Small Groups 11:30 AM Reconnect and Share 12:00 PM Lunch 1:00 PM   How-to Workshop Creating an Op-Ed/Communications Connecting with Elected Officials Organizing Your Family or Faith Community Creating a Trans-Inclusive Ministry Setting 1:45 PM How-to-Workshop 2:30–3:00 PM Closing and Next Steps   After the day’s activities, join us for Queer Prom. The fun happens at SpringHouse Ministry Center in Minneapolis starting at 7:00 PM. This event is sponsored by United’s Social Transformation program and Leadership Center for Social Justice, Prism Organizing Network, Creekside United Church of Christ, and the Center for Sustainable Social Justice at Lyndale UCC. To sign up for the Justice and Joy and/or the Queer Prom, please fill out the Google Form linked below. Access the Google Form >

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March 10, 2025

2025 Cohort Graduation and Showcase | Leadership Center for Social Justice

The Leadership Center for Social Justice at United invites you to join us onsite or online from 6:00 to 8:00 PM CT on Thursday, May 22, to celebrate the graduation of the Center’s 2024–2025 Cohort and experience a showcase of members’ transformational projects. Throughout this nine-month program, each student has committed time to sensing and discerning what is happening in their community and congregation. From that perspective, they worked to build a social justice ministry project that is concrete and contextual to their community and its needs. This graduation and showcase is an opportunity to learn more about projects the students have worked on and to celebrate them for their intentional and important work. Registration is free! Direct any questions to Stella Pearce: spearce@unitedseminary.edu Register

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October 22, 2024

Social Transformation Lunch: Post-Election Conversation

Now that we are a week past the 2024 election, what lessons have we learned? Where do we go from here? How do we reconcile with our neighbors after all the chaos and intensity of the last few months? How do we move forward with peace, grace, and renewed purpose? Join Rev. Dr. Ry Siggelkow, director of the Leadership Center for Social Justice, and Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis, associate professor of Christian ethics and social transformation supported by the McVay Endowment and the director of the United’s Social Transformation program for this interactive conversation. Join us in person at the Intersection or online through Zoom.

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October 1, 2024

Social Transformation Lunch: Christians Against Christian Nationalism

Join us for a session led by Jerry Gale from Christians Against Christian Nationalism Minnesota. Christians Against Christian Nationalism was started in 2019 as an initiative of the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty (BJC). BJC was started in 1936. It is a faith-based advocacy organization, headquartered in Washington DC, that focuses on upholding the historic Baptist principle of religious liberty. Jerry Gale is retired and a member of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. In January 2024, with BJC’s support, he started Christians against Christian Nationalism Minnesota. The group’s goal is to improve communications and coordination among Minnesota Christians who are concerned about Christian Nationalism. Onsite attendees can gather at 12:15 PM CT in The Intersection. Online attendees can join via Zoom at this link. >

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January 5, 2024

United Hosts Stream & Discussion of the Rainbow Push Coalition’s Emergency Summit for Gaza

President Molly T. Marshall, on behalf of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, joins fellow “faith leaders and civil and human rights advocates, all united in this moment of moral reckoning to affirm the sanctity of all human life. ​​We call on the Biden Administration and Congress to act for justice and the preservation of Palestinian and Israeli lives now.” “... We collectively urge the United States to leverage its power to end the atrocities underway now in Gaza, atrocities that meet the definition of genocide. A ceasefire is just the beginning.” The Leadership Center for Social Justice and Social Transformation Program also invites members of the United community to join us on campus for a livestream of the beginning of the Rainbow Push Coalition's Emergency Summit for Gaza taking place on January 12 at 11 AM CT. You are encouraged to bring your own lunch. At 12:15 PM, Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis and Rev. Dr. Ry Siggelkow will facilitate a discussion for those gathered. Online attendees can register via Zoom. > To attend the full Chicago gathering and read the statement, click here. >

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December 5, 2023

Caregivers in a Care-less Society: A Panel on Care Work and Social Justice

What difference would it make if the many caregivers of our world—doulas, chaplains, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, pastors, nurses, doctors—accompanying those with whom they care, worked together to transform our careless social structures?  What if the remedy to widespread caregiver burn-out was to be found in building infrastructures of care rather than in promoting marketized practices of self-care? The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us of our dependence on one another for life and, perhaps especially, our collective need for care. It made visible the radical inequalities produced by a social and economic system that prioritizes profit over people. As many have noted, those who were most at risk of infection and death from the virus—elderly, poor, disabled, incarcerated, migrants, unhoused people—received little support from existing public infrastructure or were neglected and abandoned altogether.  And yet, we live in a society of many caregivers. We have caring professionals (nurses, doctors, midwives, doulas, pastors, chaplains, therapists, social workers, etc.) and unpaid caregivers (friends, parents, communities of faith, etc.). How do our careless systems and structures affect our caregivers and those for whom they provide care? How might reflecting on experiences in caregiving help us reimagine a more caring social life? What is the role of caregivers in the struggle for a more just world? To discuss these questions further, we are delighted to welcome four panelists who are experts in medical care work and social justice: Rev. Dr. Jessica Chapman Lape Rev. Dr. Jessica Chapman Lape is United’s assistant professor and program director for interreligious chaplaincy who received her PhD in Practical Theology from California’s Claremont School of Theology. 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. Dr. Michael Westerhaus Dr. Westerhaus, who graduated from Harvard Medical School in 2006, practices at HealthPartners’ Center for International Health. “As a medical anthropologist,” Dr. Westerhaus writes, “I am very interested in understanding the impact of socioeconomics and culture on health and illness. In my role as a member of the global health faculty at the University of Minnesota, I work both here in Minnesota and in northern Uganda to improve community-based primary care delivery, teach about the social determinants of health, and build partnerships based upon respect and equality that advance health for all.” He is also on the leadership committee of EqualHealth. Dr. Aarti Bhatt Aarti Bhatt is an assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, where she completed a chief residency year in Global Health. She is also an associate program director for the Med-Peds residency program and works as a primary care physician at the Community University Health Care Center (CUHCC). She is an active member of the Social Medicine Consortium and does community organizing through the Equal Health Campaign Against Racism (which also has a Minnesota chapter). Dr. Bhatt is a founding board member for Minnesota Doctors for Health Equity. She has a particular interest in using narrative health and community centered approaches to dismantle the social forces of systemic racism that drive health inequity.  Rev. Laura Cannata Rev. Laura Cannata (a 2013 United alum) is a Disability Justice Minister at Robbinsdale Parkway UCC. She is also on the Disability Ministries’ Board of Directors for the National UCC. She lives with chronic illnesses and mental health issues but is disabled by attitudes and societal structures. She speaks the truth to power and writes prophetic poems. She quotes the Bible almost as much as she quotes The Lord of the Rings and loves both people and animals. Register below:

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