Tag: Social Transformation

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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

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. 

Rev. T. Michael Rock Preaching at Lyndale UCC

Rev. T. Michael Rock, United’s director of Contextual Education and Spiritual Direction, as well as an adjunct professor for Spiritual Formation and Contextual Education and shepherd of the chapel, will be preaching at Lyndale UCC (610 W 28th St,  Minneapolis, MN) starting at 10:30 AM CT on Sunday, February 22, 2026. He is also Lyndale UCC’s pastor for Congregational Life, and would love to see you at the service. Visit the church website to learn more.  

Rev. Dr. Andrew Packman Preaching at St. Paul’s UCC in Delano

Rev. Dr. Andrew Packman, United’s assistant professor of Theological Ethics and Formation, as well as our program director for Formation, will be preaching at St. Paul’s UCC in Delano (201 Buffalo Street, Delano, MN) on Sunday, February 22, during the 9:15 AM CT service. He would love to see you there! Visit the church’s website for details. 

Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis Preaching at St. Anthony Park UCC

Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis, United’s McVay Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Social Transformation, as well as program director for Social Transformation, will preach at St. Anthony Park UCC in St. Paul —led by pastor Rev. Victoria Wilgocki (’06)—(2129 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul) on Sunday, March 22, during the 10:30 AM CT service. He would love to see you there! Visit the church’s website for details. 

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.

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!

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 >

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

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