Global Mission Center dedicated to Christian education champion

…in front of 200 people in the newly renovated Richmond Hall, celebrated both the launch of the center and the man for whom it is named. “It’s perfect that we name a center for teaching that invites students from around the globe to participate in the study of Christian education,” said President Brian K. Blount. “It’s perfect that we name…

Pathways Online Courses

Pathways Online Course Program Pathways Online Courses are offered to provide educational preparation toward leading a congregation as a Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) or Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP). Courses are open to all, and one does not need to be working toward becoming a CRE or CLP in order to participate. Courses aim to enhance knowledge and discipleship, and each…

Gems for the Journey: Keep Playing Even When You’re Hurt

…The Christian brother or sister must expect to be jostled by trials on the Christian way. All kinds of experiences will come to us. There will be the test of the sorrows and the disappointments which seek to take our faith away. God allows certain tests in our faith for a purpose. “The trying of your faith worketh endurance” (KJV)…

Center for Womanist Leadership

 Drawing from the Black Southern colloquial expression (you actin’ womanish), the word “womanist” is a dynamic term that describes a growing field of study and social movement that takes seriously the historical and contemporary experiences of Black women while advocating for the wholeness and wellbeing of all humanity. Union Presbyterian Seminary has developed the Center for Womanist Leadership “to…

Lana Martinez (MDiv’16): Leveraging faith & community organizing beyond the pulpit

…activism on?” she questions. “We need to interject theology into our politics and politics into our theology.” Unfortunately, from Martinez’s perspective, the church still has strides to make in its role as an advocate for oppressed communities. “I see the church getting involved in some ways, but unfortunately I haven’t seen religious communities really support the work of impacted communities…

Online Course: This Womanist Work– Models of Womanist Leadership

…and global community. Melanie is co-curator of #MillennnialWomanism Digital Forum and Co-Founder of The Millennial Womanism Project (TMWP)—an enterprise committed to enhancing the well-being of Black millennial women of faith and justice and fostering trans-generational womanist dialogue. As a global leader serving professional societies and international boards, Melanie is the chair of the board of directors of the Daughters of…

Union to hold Seminary for a Day Sept 28

…$25 (includes lunch), and the event is open to all. To register, please visit: www.eiseverywhere.com/semforaday. KEYNOTES Morning Keynote Rodney S. Sadler Jr., Associate Professor of Bible What Does the Lord Require? This address will explore what the Lord has demanded of us and how are we living in that call as a seminary. Are we responding adequately to God’s call…

Key to knowing your neighbor is opening your front door

…Planning Office. “And we realized the things we’ve taken for granted like our home, we see as a refuge, but the more I read the Bible the more I see the home as a centerpiece of ministry,” said Strickland. “I said ‘I’m going to have to open my front door.’” While a student at UPSem student, Percy and Angie opened…

2024 Sprunt Lectures May 6-8

…Era. Dr. Thatamanil is committed to comparative theology that asks how religious diversity can be a promise rather than a problem. An accomplished teacher and preacher, Dr. Thatamanil has published editorials in The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times. His opening lecture begins at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Watts Chapel.   Our worship leader will…

Webinar: Understanding Islam – An Interfaith Dialogue with Muslim Americans

…three Ottoman Muslim diplomats who introduced him to a significant verse in the Qur’an: “Let there be no compulsion in matters of RELIGION.” (al Baqarah 256) Many Jefferson scholars believe this verse to be Jefferson’s inspiration for his concept of “Freedom of Religion.” Join us in this upcoming FREE Webinar to learn more about the history of Islam in America…

Children’s Spirituality Hub

…family, and families come in all shapes and sizes Families are primary sources of nurture for children Spirituality is vital for children’s flourishing (like eating and sleeping) Community connections help families explore their spiritual lives Spirituality shapes how we act in the world with compassion, mercy, and justice Diverse relationships create empathetic humans Research helps us understand ourselves, children, and…

Free Public Lecture to be led by Director of Syngman Rhee Global Mission Center on March 25

…Center for Christian Education and Assistant Professor of World Christianity at Union Presbyterian Seminary. The 2019 Dawe Lecture will take place on March 25 from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in Watts Chapel on the Richmond campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary. The event is free and open to the public. ### Contact: Mike Frontiero Director of Communications Union Presbyterian Seminary mfrontiero@upsem.edu…

Online Course: Womanist Biblical Interpretation

…a life-long member of Greater Institutional AME Church. There she has been most committed to those ministries that empower women, girls, and those who love them. Russaw shares her gifts as a sought after keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and preacher. Named one of “Six Black Women at the Center of Gravity in Theological Education” by NBCNews.com, Russaw is an ordained…

Center for Christian Education

A Nexus of Creativity and Innovation in Educational Leadership, Research, and Practice View CECE’s Website…

Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation

Online Course: Womanist Social Ethics

…will engage womanist social ethics as a lens to grapple with racial, gender/sexuality, and economic inequities in real-life contexts. Students can expect to apply their learning to critique structural injustices (e.g., the U.S. legal system, state/communal/intimate partner violence, poverty, Anti-Black racism) and construct liberatory interventions to catalyze ecclesial and social responses for transformative change. Led by: Rev. Dr. Nikia Smith…

Conferencias en línea: En el Umbral de Algo Nuevo (Online Conference in Spanish)

…El biblista Ricardo Foulkes nos recuerda que el llamado del Apocalipsis a vivir algo nuevo implica el compromiso con transformar la realidad y no un impulso por evadirla. Este evento de dos partes es una invitación a reflexionar juntos sobre lo que significa transforma nuestra realidad hoy. Ponente: Dr. Rubén Arjona (Union Presbyterian Seminary) Liturgistas: José Manuel Capella-Pratts, Vilmarie Cintrón-Oliveri,…

Online Workshop: Teaching Social Justice in Comfortable Congregations and a Deeply Divided World

Online Workshop: Teaching Social Justice in Comfortable Congregations and a Deeply Divided World This online workshop is sponsored in partnership with the seminary’s Leadership Institute and the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation (CSJR). Dates: Thursdays, November 4 and November 11, 2021, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. EDT (Note: This online workshop is a two-part series). Led by: Dr. Rebecca…

Dr. Blount to Deliver Inaugural Lecture at Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation

Dr. Blount will be the inaugural lecturer at the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation at the Charlotte campus. He will lecture on the theme “Just Jesus,” addressing why it is that our seminary feels led to address issues of justice and racial reconciliation….

Congregational Corner: Take on, A New Perspective

…with shouts of “Hosanna!” let us each strive to open our hearts to hearing and reflecting on the experiences and perspectives of those around us. Reading the “Big Book” and attending an AA meeting does not make me an alcoholic, but it does open my heart and mind to understand that experience a bit better. What can you open your…

Online Course: Womanist Activism & Public Witness

…introduction to the various roles and experiences of women in the formation and lived commitments to the ideology of freedom from tyranny and freedom to participate fully as citizens in the American project. From an intersectional framework, the contribution of women in the advancement of human flourishing will be examined. Led by: Dr. Teresa Smallwood, Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate Director…

Professor Voelz to Serve as Facilitator and Guest Speaker at Open and Affirming Listening Session

Professor Voelz will serve as a facilitator and guest speaker at the Open and Affirming Listening Session at 7th Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Richmond, VA. The session will be held on January 19th, 2020 from 12:15-1:15pm. Richard W. Voelz is Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship at Union Presbyterian Seminary….