Tag: social justice

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April 16, 2026

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

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March 19, 2026

Social Transformation Lunch—Easter as Uprising

"There has been a tendency to spiritualize resurrection, softening how radical and disruptive an act of resistance and justice it is. Some of our ancient spiritual forebears bore witness to the empty tomb as an uprising, an ongoing, embodied witness of getting up again and again in resistance to all that opposes abundant life." Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis. Join us after Chapel on Thursday, April 9, for a lunchtime conversation with Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis between 12:45 and 1:30 PM. Rev. Dr. Davis will lead a conversation reflecting on “Easter as Uprising.” Bring your own lunch and join the discussion in the Intersection on campus or on Zoom. This event is hosted by United’s Social Transformation Program and its Leadership Center for Social Justice. Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis is ordained by the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches and has served as the lead minister at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, with expertise in social justice analysis, advocacy, and organizing. As an adjunct professor at United, he teaches “Preaching and Your Public Voice” and “The Formed and Transformed Leader.” Rev. Dr. Davis is also a member of United’s Board of Trustees. Join us online at 12:45 PM CDT on April 9 at this Zoom link. >

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March 4, 2026

Queer & Trans Theology Salon to Celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility

Together with United’s Social Transformation Program, the Leadership Center for Social Justice is delighted to invite you to a Queer and Trans Theology Salon on Wednesday, March 25, from 3:00–4:30 PM. Join us to celebrate Trans and Non-binary Joy ahead of International Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31, 2026)! This event is free and open to all trans and queer academics, clergy, students, and community members. Come for enriching and joyful conversation, either in-person on United’s campus or via Zoom. We will provide snacks and sparkling beverages on campus.  Join us online at 3:00 PM on March 25 at this Zoom link. >   If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Grace Pennings Guenthner at hawkinson@unitedseminary.edu or Dr. Sabia-Tanis at jsabia-tanis@unitedseminary.edu. 

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January 7, 2026

Theology and the Arts Lunch with Dale Dobias (’89)

Join us for the first Theology and the Arts Lunch of 2026 featuring Dale Dobias (’89), an alum and former staff member. Dale, the artist and curator of the on-campus exhibit titled "Re: assembled — An Offering," will be joining us to talk about his art practice in mini collage and guide attendees in creating their own. Join us onsite in The Intersection or click here to join via Zoom. > Questions? Contact Sheryl Schwyhart.

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August 11, 2025

United Days: Interpreting Texts for the Liberation and Flourishing of Our World

Join fellow United alums and students, faculty, and staff for United Days. This year’s two-day homecoming event is themed “Interpreting Texts for the Liberation and Flourishing of Our World.” Drawing on the Hebrew Bible, we will experience new ways to think about leadership in our current landscape. Together, we will engage questions such as: What does it mean to be a neighbor? How do biblical texts provide liberation stories? How might liberation stories restore our souls? What is the liberative power of art? In our exploration of these questions, we will invite the texts to direct us as we work toward the transformation of our human and ecological world. Leaders of faith communities will be challenged to envision their call in new ways. We will also seek liberation and flourishing in musical texts, specifically in the lyrics of Prince, in our Friday morning plenary session. This year’s United Days is being supported by the Gustafson Lectureship in New Testament Studies. Established in honor of Rev. Dr. Henry A. Gustafson, Professor Emeritus of the New Testament (1968–1989), Henry was a lifelong teacher and student of the New Testament. His excitement about the scriptures was infectious among his students and churchgoers who attended his Adult Education classes. His fine mind and gentle manner made him easily accessible to students and colleagues alike. Everyone who knew him had a “Henry Gustafson story.” Henry was a graduate of Yale Divinity School in New Haven and earned his PhD at the University of Chicago. CEUs are available for all plenary sessions for interested attendees. Keep scrolling for more information on our speakers and registration. Speakers Dr. Jennifer Maidrand is United’s visiting assistant professor of Bible, Culture, and Interpretation, supported by the Louisville Institute. A scholar, educator, and activist, Maidrand holds a PhD in Bible and Cultures and an MA in Theological Studies with an emphasis on Religion and Ecology from Drew University. This summer, she spent several weeks in Palestine-Israel researching how biblical interpretation shapes contested landscapes. She has served with Global Ministries (UCC) in Palestine and has valuable experience providing education and advocacy related to the Middle East to diverse churches across the US. Maidrand is a member of the UCC and is committed to fostering interfaith and intercultural community education around sacred texts, the earth, and social justice. Dr. Kenneth Ngwa, this year’s Gustafson lecturer, is the Donald J. Casper Professor of Hebrew Bible and African Biblical Hermeneutics and director of the Religion and Global Health Forum at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Dr. Ngwa holds a Master of Theology degree from the Protestant University of Central Africa in Cameroon, as well as a ThM and PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Cameroon, his bilingual and multicultural upbringing colors his perspective on African identities in the world. “For me,” Ngwa observes, “multiplicity is the starting point for a shared life of faith, hope, justice-work, ecological sustainability, research, teaching, empathy, curiosity, dreaming, health/healing, worship, and all that makes life both tender and fragile, but also deeply cherished and durable.” Dr. Pamela (Ayo) Yetunde, JD, MA, ThD, is a pastoral counselor in private practice, an author, and a speaker. She is the author of Dearly Beloved Prince, Spirituality and This Thing Called Life, a book inspired by the Theology of Prince Project she led while a professor at United. Ayo is also the co-director for the Black Buddhism Faculty Project at the Center for Culture, Society, and Religion at Princeton University.   Schedule Thursday, October 23, 2025 8:30 AM    Registration/Gathering/Coffee 9:15 AM    Opening Worship 10:15 AM    Coffee Break 10:50 AM    Welcome by President Molly T. Marshall 11:00 AM    Gustafson Lecture: “A Daughter’s Perspective on Liberation: A Dialogical Reading of Matthew 15:21-28” by Dr. Kenneth Ngwa 12:00 PM    Lunch Join classmates and meet new people for over lunch table conversations. 1:15 PM    Plenary Session: “Terrestrial Interpretation: Earthly Readings in Times of Crisis” by Dr. Jennifer Maidrand 2:15 PM    Break 2:45 PM    Gustafson Lecture: “Dreaming Up Ministries of Liberation and Flourishing: Reflections on Psalm 126” by Dr. Kenneth Ngwa 5:30 PM    Reception at Town and Country 6:00 PM    Banquet at Town and Country Sit with alums from your class and meet newer generations of alums at the banquet. Includes presentation of the 2025 Spirit of United and Distinguished Alum Awards, recognition of our Bossard-Ward Society Members, and updates from President Molly T. Marshall.   Friday, October 24, 2025 8:30 AM    Gathering and Coffee 9:30 AM    Plenary Session: "Becoming Public Theologians from the Inside Out: Prince and How United Makes a Mark in This World" with Dr. Pamela (Ayo) Yetunde, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Gary F. Green II 11:00 AM    Songs of Prince and Sweet Treats 11:30 AM    Depart   Registration Details Early registration has been extended through October 8. Space is limited. If you intend to register for the banquet or lunch, we must receive your request by October 16. Onsite registrations (with no food) will close on October 21. We will not be able to accommodate late registrations. If you have food allergies, please contact Andrew Fox at afox@unitedseminary.edu. We also have limited scholarships available. If you are unable to cover your registration costs, please contact Rev. Dr. Cindi Beth Johnson at cbjohnson@unitedseminary.edu.  Note: For attendees who are coming from afar, United has secured a 10 percent discount at Delta Hotels Minneapolis Northeast, a Marriott property located north/northwest of United, steps from vibrant restaurants, breweries, and galleries. Visit Delta Hotel’s Preferred Client Reservation Link to check availability. United has also arranged for a discount at the Hampton Inn & Suites University Area, a hotel much closer to United. To access the discount, visit Hampton’s Booking Link and use Group Code LHHT27.   General Attendees Early Registration by October 8 Regular Registration by October 16 Both Days includes lunch and banquet $90 $125 Banquet Only $45 $45 Distance Only not in-person $20 $20 Friday Only $15 $25   United Students must register with United email Early Registration by October 8 Regular Registration by October 16 Both Days includes lunch and banquet $55 $70 Plenaries and Lunch no banquet $15 $15 Plenaries, no Lunch Free registration required Free registration required Distance Only not in-person Free registration required Free registration required Friday Only Free registration required Free registration required Able to do more? Consider adding a gift of $63 for the United Fund in honor of United's 63rd year as a seminary. The United Fund provides the seminary with unrestricted operating funds. If you are interested in making a gift of a different size, click here for our Give page. 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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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 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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December 10, 2024

Susan Draper White Lecture: “Battle for the Minds, Revisited” with Rev. Molly T. Marshall, PhD

United is very pleased to announce that our 34th annual Susan Draper White Lecture will take place on February 24, 2025, and feature Rev. Molly T. Marshall, PhD, United’s esteemed and beloved president. President Marshall’s lecture is titled “Battle for the Minds, Revisited.” Thirty years ago, writer and producer Steve Lipscomb created his first documentary, Battle for the Minds, about the Southern Baptist Convention’s conservative shift and how that was affecting women pastors. Prominently featured in the film was a progressive, feminist professor of Christian theology, and experienced pastor, at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky: Dr. Molly T. Marshall.  This year's lecture will feature Rev. Dr. Marshall's reflections on that pivotal episode in her professional and theological life and how the experience shaped the theologian and leader she has become, as United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities’ president. The evening will include a screening of the documentary along with Rev. Dr. Marshall’s remarks and reflections. Dr. Marshall writes: If you attend the Susan Draper White Lecture, you will witness a story of resilience. The documentary chronicles what happens to a woman who challenges the power structures that deem women unfit to exercise spiritual leadership. Although filmed nearly 30 years ago, it remains a cautionary tale about the crushing power of patriarchy—all too resilient itself as recent days attest. Indeed, misogyny is hurtling forward. It is not just my story, but the story of countless women whom the Church has silenced, marginalized, and castigated. While there have been many breakthroughs for women in ecclesiastical circles, contempt and abuse stalk their presence, claiming their leadership to be invalid and contrary to theological tradition. On the larger social landscape of politics, law, commerce, and education, the pernicious oppression of women—especially women of color—continues. Naming this reality and concrete resistance remains urgent. It will be an evening of reflection and thoughtful conversation about what is at stake when patriarchy prevails. This special event will begin at 7:00 PM and conclude by 9:15 PM. It will take place on United’s campus and will be available via live streaming. To learn more, please contact Jen Buck (jbuck@unitedseminary.edu). REGISTRATION

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November 8, 2024

Theology and the Arts Lunch: “Tradition and Juxtaposition in the Work of Mahmoud Saleh Mohammadi”

Mahmoud Saleh Mohammadi (b. 1979) is an Iranian artist from Tehran who studied as a painter at the Art University in Tehran and then continued his education at Brera Fine Arts Academy in Italy, graduating in Visual Arts. In his works, he combines the focus, uniformity, and tradition of the (Middle-)East with the Western ideals of creative expression. In many of his pieces, Saleh Mohammadi juxtaposes iconography from Persia to explore the histories of Iran, Italy, Japan, and other countries of his encounter. His vision continues to push the boundaries of his own art, urging spectators to look beneath the surface and uncover the essence of materials, colors, and cultural intersections. He is currently based both in Milan and Antwerp. Join Us Via Zoom > Questions? Contact Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman.

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