Tag: Social Transformation

Featured Post

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

Read More >

November 27, 2024

Social Transformation Lunch: “Post-Inauguration Conversation”

Are you feeling anxious, fearful, and hopeless since the election? Oppressive power seeks to render us powerless by creating confusion and isolating us from one another. Join us for a theological conversation about our current conjuncture and what might be on the horizon nationally and globally. How are you “discerning the spirits” and what does it look like for you to act faithfully with others today? Gather onsite and online with Rev. Dr. Ry Siggelkow, director of United’s Leadership Center for Social Justice, and Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis, director of our Social Transformation program, for a conversation about this fraught moment in US history and how we can move through grief and anger to affirm the exigency of justice. Join Us Via Zoom >

Read More >

November 22, 2024

Social Transformation Lunch: “Pre-Inauguration Conversation”

Feeling anxious, fearful, and hopeless since the election? Oppressive power seeks to render us powerless by creating confusion and isolating us from one another. Join us for a theological conversation about our current conjuncture and what might be on the horizon nationally and globally. How are you “discerning the spirits” and what does it look like for you to act faithfully with others today? Gather onsite and online with Rev. Dr. Ry Siggelkow, director of United’s Leadership Center for Social Justice, and Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis, director of our Social Transformation program, for a conversation about this fraught moment in US history and how we can move through grief and anger to affirm the exigency of justice. Join Us Via Zoom >

Read More >

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.

Read More >

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. >

Read More >

June 28, 2024

“Radiance of the Body: Spirituality in the Art of Keith Haring” | Faculty Lecture with Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis

Artist Keith Haring used multiple symbols to convey spirituality in his art, most commonly a series of lines to depict radiance, which were applied to everything from the Christ child in his nativity to explicit images of sexuality. Angels appear darting about in all kinds of circumstances, as do crosses, priests, and other religious symbols. What does this broad application of holiness to a wide range of subjects tell us about Haring’s understanding of spirituality? Hosted in the art gallery of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, this talk by Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis will explore Haring’s religious background and his liberated and freeing view of sexuality and spirituality. We will look at examples in the current show, Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody at the Walker Art Center, as well as other examples of Haring's work. Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Social Transformation, Program Director for Social Transformation Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis is an associate professor of Christian ethics and social transformation supported by the McVay Endowment and the director of the Social Transformation program at United Theological Seminary. He earned his PhD from the Graduate Theological Union in Interdisciplinary Studies in addition to a Master of Divinity degree at Harvard Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. As a pastor, he served congregations in Boston, Honolulu, and San Francisco and was Director of Leadership Development for Metropolitan Community Churches; he is now with the United Church of Christ. In his prior work, he served as Managing Director at the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS) and directed communications for the Hawai’i Equal Rights Marriage Project, the National Center for Transgender Equality, and Out & Equal Workplace Advocates. He has taught at the University of Arizona, Pima Community College, Iliff School of Theology, and Pacific School of Religion. He lives in Minnesota with his husband, Henry, and their two dogs. Learn more >

Read More >

March 13, 2024

Social Transformation Showcase

Every year, each Social Transformation student at United completes a project or internship that addresses a significant social issue. Join us onsite or through Zoom on April 3 at 7:00 PM to learn about this year's group of projects and the meaningful impact these students have made. This showcase will include seven brief presentations and the opportunity to ask questions and celebrate the work of these students. We will also serve light refreshments.   Register

Read More >

February 20, 2024

United Days

We are living through perilous and divisive times. The idea of building walls that keep “us” safe from “them” is as much a vexing spiritual and theological problem as it is a social and political one. How might faith leaders and congregations courageously and creatively engage in socially transformative action from a place of spiritual grounding and depth? How might compassionate listening and radical imagination help us forge new connections across lines of difference, build a more just world with others, and facilitate a “revolution of values,” rather than fuel the flames of fear, hatred, and exclusion? We are excited to welcome you back May 9 and 10 as we explore these questions together in plenary sessions and workshops. Susan Draper White and Keynote Speaker Joy Ladin is a widely published author, essayist and poet, literary scholar, and nationally known speaker on transgender issues. From 2003 to 2021, she held the David and Ruth Gottesman Chair in English at Stern College for Women of Yeshiva University; her gender transition and return to teaching in 2008 made her the first openly transgender employee of an Orthodox Jewish institution. Since coming out as transgender in 2008, Joy has become a nationally recognized speaker on transgender issues. She has been featured in many National Public Radio interviews, most notably “On Being with Krista Tippett,” which has been rebroadcast three times, as well as numerous interviews and profiles in numerous publications. Joy holds a PhD in American Literature from Princeton University, where she was awarded the Porter Ogden Jacobus Fellowship as top graduate student in the Humanities, an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst), and a BA from Sarah Lawrence College. Joy has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts writing fellowship, a Fulbright Scholarship, an American Council of Learned Societies Research Fellowship and two Hadassah Brandeis Institute Research fellowships, among other honors. Note: Due to health issues, Joy will be joining us via Zoom. All other workshops will be led by onsite presenters. Schedule Thursday, May 9, 2024 8:30 AM    Registration/Gathering/Coffee 9:00 AM    Opening Worship 10:00 AM    Coffee Break 10:45 AM    Welcome—President Molly T. Marshall 11:00 AM    Susan Draper White Lecture–“Divinity in the Key of ‘She:’ Feminist and Trans Theology in Shekhinah Speaks”—Dr. Joy Ladin Noon    Lunch 1:15 PM    Workshop 1: "Deeply Rooted Leadership for Tumultuous Times"—Rev. Dr. Gary F. Green II and Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis Workshop 2: “The ‘Art’ of Organizing”—Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman and Ricardo Pérez  Workshop 3: “Tools of the Trade: Gifts from the Shareable World”—Rev. Frenchye Magee 2:15 PM    Break 2:45 PM    Workshop 1: "Spiritual Formation: A New Vision, the Foundation of Formation"—Rev. Dr. Andrew Packman and Rev. T. Michael Rock Workshop 2: "Deepening Our Roots and Engaging Our Differences"—Rev. Dr. Jessica Chapman Lape and Dr. Munjed Murad Workshop 3: “Uprising Theology: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church after the Murder of George Floyd”—Dr. Amy Levad and Rev. Ingrid Arneson Rasmussen   4:00 PM    What’s New at United? A Conversation with Dr. Molly T. Marshall, Dean Kyle Roberts, and friends. Join in a lively conversation with United folks curated by the president and the dean. 4:30 PM    Presentation of Spirit of United Award 6:00 PM    Banquet at Town and Country (includes presentation of Bossard Ward, Distinguished Alum Awards) Friday, May 10, 2024 8:15 AM   Gathering/Coffee 9:00 AM   Plenary—Mike Klein and Nikki McComb from Art is My Weapon 10:00 AM   Break 10:15 AM   Keynote Speech–“Babel and Beyond: Understanding and Responding to the Transformation of Gender”—Joy Ladin 11:15 AM   Final Words/Blessing     This year’s United Days programming was organized by United’s Leadership Center for Social Justice with support from the Susan Draper White Lectures that were established by Priscilla Braun* (’83) in memory of her grandmother, Susan Draper White. This endowed event provides lectures in the areas of women in religion, theology, and ministry. * Deceased Registration Details Early Registration (by April 12) Regular Registration (April 13–April 26) Both Days (including lunch and banquet) $85 Registration closed Current United Student (Plenary only, no meal) $10 $20 Current United Student (Plenary + meals) $50 Registration closed Non-Student Zoom $25 Current United Students Zoom No Cost Note: Space is limited. If you intend to register for the banquet or lunch, we must receive your request by April 26. Onsite registrations (with no food) will close May 1 and we will not be able to accommodate late registrations. If you have food allergies, please contact Andrew Fox at afox@unitedseminary.edu. Able to Do More? Consider adding a gift of $61 for the United Fund in honor of United’s 61st year as a seminary. The United Fund provides unrestricted operating funds for the seminary. If you are interested in making a gift of a different size, click here for our Give page. Registration Form

Read More >

February 9, 2024

Flamy Grant in Concert

We are beyond excited to announce that United will host award-winning drag songwriter and singer, Flamy Grant, for a performance on April 10 at 7:00 PM.  Billboard-charting artist Flamy Grant, describes herself as a “shame-slaying, hip-swaying, singing-songwriting drag queen from western North Carolina.” Her 2022 debut record, Bible Belt Baby, was nominated for best pop album at the San Diego Music Awards, reached the top spot on iTunes Christian Charts (a first for a drag performer), and was named as one of the Top Ten Queer Country Albums of 2023 by Rainbow Rodeo Magazine. “Good Day,” a single from the album, debuted at number 20 on the Billboard Christian digital sales chart.  Among other accomplishments, Flamy won the 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition, was nominated for a 2023 QueerX award, and has been featured in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and People. Her music has more than 750,000 streams on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon music. Much of Flamy’s music focuses on the queer spiritual journey with stories of resilience and recovery from religious trauma in a world where LGBTQ+ people are too often ignored by, harmed in, or ejected from religious spaces. Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis, associate professor of social transformation and leadership, shares, “Drag has a long and established history in the performing arts and as a form of personal expression. It is also a means of resistance against oppressive gender and sexual norms; after all, the first person to use the term ‘drag queen,' William Dorsey Swann, was also the first to organize and petition the US government for rights for sexual and gender minorities.” Learn more about Flamy via United student Amanda Schultz’s profile published by the LGBTQ Religious Archive Network. United students, faculty, and staff can attend this special event for no cost (or a donation). Non-United students pay just $5.00; guests who come with United faculty and staff, and other community members, can enjoy the show for $10.00. Space is limited! Students and alums who are not able to attend onsite have the option of joining via Zoom.  We encourage you to learn more and sign up via the form below.

Read More >

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. >

Read More >

©Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved