Written by: United Theological Seminary October 23, 2018

“You Are Not Alone”: Response to the Government’s Attacks on Trans Civil Rights

TRANS BLOG POST

Friends, this weekend we all read or heard of a N.Y. Times article that reported that the U.S. Government is considering denying the existence of Transgender people.

While the cruelty of the current administration is well-documented and only shocking in its consistent heartlessness; that reality does not bring any comfort.

I recognize that the impact of discussions like this one re-traumatize those who, until recently, could not dare to be themselves.

Who only recently, and with great bravery, could identify and describe their own sense of self.

There is little that can be said to reduce the pain caused by those who deny the identity of others.

Know that you are not alone. Know that those around you care and feel a piece of the pain caused. Know that we will fight alongside you for the right to be who you are. Know that United is and will be a safe place for all to be and be known.

Peace,
Lew

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December 17, 2025

Community Relationships Faith

Lauren Busey (’07) Ministers to a New Beloved Community at Pickledilly Skokie

Lauren Busey (’07) grew up in the Lutheran church, earned an undergraduate degree from Luther College, and thought she would probably attend a Lutheran seminary. Then, at a Luther College women’s retreat, Rev. Dr. Christie Cozad Nueger (’80)— Professor Emerita of Pastoral Counseling and Pastoral Theology (1992–2005)—was the featured speaker and knew Lauren’s campus pastor. “So,” Lauren remembers, “we just kind of got to talking, and within a couple of weeks, I was enrolled at United.” United “was a good fit,” Lauren asserts. She found a welcoming community of fellow students and treasured professors. Those who had the greatest impact include Rev. Dr. Jann Cather Weaver (Associate Professor Emerita of Worship, and Theology and the Arts, 2001–2012), Dr. Marilyn Salmon† (Professor Emerita of New Testament Theology, 1989–2014), and Dr. Carolyn Pressler (Professor Emerita of Biblical Interpretation, 1990–2020). (more…)

Images of Hope: Advent in Art

Art has the tremendous power to restore us in a time when our world seems to make no sense and we need a moment of respite and encouragement from our daily struggles. A single photograph of a flower or a laughing child can buoy our spirit to carry on. (more…)

Alex Sánchez Rodriguez Finds Vocational Inspiration at United

Alex Sánchez Rodriguez, who plans to graduate from United in 2026 with an MA in Religion and Theology, was initially drawn to the seminary’s Interreligious Chaplaincy program. Since taking more classes, engaging with his professors, becoming involved in the Student Leadership Collective, and taking on other extracurricular activities, he has settled on a new calling. “I discovered,” Alex shares, “that I have a natural affinity toward academics.” In fact, he admits, “I want to be like my professors.” Before coming to United, Alex was a substitute teacher in Puerto Rico. Since he moved to Minnesota, he has been working in student development and promoting student success. The priority of student success is the throughline, Alex perceives, from his current role and an academic career. “If I am to go into academia,” he explains, “part of my success as a teacher, professor, and researcher depends on the success of my future students.” (more…)