Union News

Union Mourns Professor Emeritus Roger L. Shinn, ’41, ’51

Wed, 15 May 2013 19:11:00 GMT

Distinguished ethicist and Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics Emeritus, Roger L. Shinn, died on Monday, May 13. He was 96 and had recently been admitted to hospice care.

Prof. Shinn, who first arrived at the Seminary as a student in 1938, began his teaching career at Union when Reinhold Niebuhr and Paul Tillich were still on the faculty. He taught from 1947 to 1949 and 1959-1985, and over the years was Instructor, Professor, Dean and Acting President at Union, where he succeeded John C. Bennett, President Emeritus, in the Niebuhr Chair. He was also Adjunct Professor of Religion and Society at Columbia University from 1962 to 1986, and taught at any number of other institutions while still at Union and after he retired. He also served terms as President of the American Theological Society, and the Society of Christian Ethics.

Roger and his wife Katharine celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in November 2012. She survives him, along with their daughters and their families.

Plans for a memorial service are underway. Details to follow as they become available.

Meet the driver behind “Nuns on the Bus” - A CNN Interview with Sister Simone Campbell

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:38:00 GMT

Sister Simone Campbell, the keynote speaker at Union Theological Seminary’s Third Annual Judith Davidson Moyers Women of Spirit Lecture, speaks with Christiane Amanpour about Pope Francis and her own campaign for social justice. Watch the full video>>

President Serene Jones and Rev. Susan Sparks in 'Easter: Facing Violence to Understand the Power of the Resurrection'

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 16:30:00 GMT

New video from Odyssey Networks on the eve of Easter Sunday.

“I think that the challenge of Easter is, is you don’t understand the power of the resurrection if you don’t really take in the horror of the cross,” said the Rev. Serene Jones, president of Union Theological Seminary. As violence and cruelty dominate our culture, we must stare violence in the face before we can find the good news. Jones said, “I mean, the good news is, that the love of God just keeps coming.” See the full video here.

Regime Change: Benedict & His Successor

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:27:00 GMT

Mary C. Boys '75. ‘78, Skinner and McAlpin Professor of Practical Theology at Union Theological Seminary write for Commonweal about Pope Benedict XVI and his successor. Read More>>

Dr. Sarah Azaransky to Join Union as Assistant Professor of Social Ethics

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:05:00 GMT

February 25, 2013

Dear Members of the Union Community and Friends of the Seminary,

I am happy to announce that Dr. Sarah Azaransky has accepted the position of Assistant Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary beginning Fall 2013.

Dr. Azaransky is currently teaching at the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego where in 2011 she won the "Mortar Board Teaching Award".

Dr. Azaransky, a graduate of the University of Virginia, comes to us not only with excellent teaching credentials but with a passion for social justice and has focused her work on disenfranchised communities. Most recently, in 2012, she received a grant to travel to Ghana where she visited with church leaders to examine their work with environmental justice. Among the courses Dr. Azaransky will be teaching at Union Theological Seminary, she will offer courses on sexual/LGBTQ ethics.

In accepting this new position, Sarah noted:

"I am thrilled to be joining Union's vibrant and justice-oriented intellectual community. I look forward to the opportunity to participate in Union's unsurpassed tradition of teaching, learning and research in social ethics, and I am eager to contribute to Union's future as a world-engaged seminary in the heart of New York City".

Dr. Azaransky will move to New York City with her husband and two children.

Please join me in welcoming Sarah and her family to Union!

Sincerely,

Daisy L. Machado
Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Church History
Union Theological Seminary

President Serene Jones Delivers a Prayer for the Nation at the Inaugural Prayer Service

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:29:00 GMT

At the request of President Obama and Vice President Biden, President Serene Jones delivered a Prayer for the Nation at the 57th Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral, Tuesday, January 22.

Joining President Jones – former Union Theological Seminary student, Rev. Gabriel Salguero, and Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, ’2006.

View the program and the read the transcript>>

Watch Inaugural Prayer Service>>

From left to right: Former student Gabriel Salguero, Executive Vice President Frederick Davie, Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock '06, President Serene Jones, and Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook '83.

A Memorial Service & Celebration of Ron Casanova and Larry Gibson

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:29:00 GMT

Ronald Casanova

Larry Gibson

The Poverty Initiative is hosting Lifting Up the Fallen Fighters: A Memorial Service & Celebration of Ron Casanova and Larry Gibson. The evening is dedicated to the memory, life, leadership and legacy of these great men. Through image, song and word we will reflect on the lives and work of these Poverty Scholars and seek guidance together in the carrying forward of their legacy. For more informaiton, please click here.

Union Mourns the Passing of Dr. Arthur Caliandro (1933-2012)

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 20:25:00 GMT

Senior Minister, Marble Collegiate Church, 1984-2009

Dr. Arthur Caliandro passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning, December 30, 2012. His gift as a "people's minister" shaped the character of Marble Collegiate Church. Through his remarkable ministry, Marble acquired the reputation for offering a positive, non-judgmental setting in which all are welcome to explore their faith journey.

Read more about the legacy of Dr. Arthur Caliandro here.

Union Mourns the Passing of Dr. Beverly Harrison '56, '75

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:06:00 GMT

Union mourns the passing of the mother of Christian feminist ethics, Dr. Beverly Wildung Harrison, '56, '75. Read More>>

President Serene Jones appears on PBS Thirteen/WNET’s “Frontline” in a Roundtable Discussion called From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians.

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:54:00 GMT

Journalist Daljit Dhaliwal hosts a roundtable discussion featuring President. Serene Jones, Reverend Stephen Phelps, and Dr. Lawrence Schiffman to discuss Frontline: From Jesus to Christ, Episodes 1 and 2. Watch the Full Video>>

GLAAD World AIDS Day Article, Featuring Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary by first year M.Div., Todd Clayton.

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:24:00 GMT

On the eve of World AIDS Day, Union remembers and honors the lives lost and lives impacted by HIV/AIDS.

First-year M.DIV. Todd Clayton reflects on World AIDS Day in an article for GLAAD that includes an interview with President Serene Jones.

“When asked why she believes Union’s involvement in World AIDS Day to be important, Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union and professor of feminist theology, explained: “Religious communities can often be the most oppressive places for people living with HIV/AIDS, and these communities, in their posture, encourage the pandemic to grow.” She said that because of this reputation, it is all the more incumbent on them to be places of healing. “Churches should be leading the charge.”

Read the Full Article>>

Bishop K.H. Ting '48 Passes Away

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:44:00 GMT

Union mourns the loss of Bishop Ting Kuang-hsun, M.A. '48, recipient of the Union Medal in 1994. Bishop Ting was the honorary chair of the Eighth National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China (TSPM), honorary president of the Sixth China Christian Council (CCC), honorary principal of Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, and chairman of the Amity Foundation. He passed away on November 22 in Nanjing at the age of 98.

A Place Where Art and Religion Meet

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:18:00 GMT

A.A. Bronson, Director of Union's Institute for Art, Religion, & Social Justice, gives an interview about his work at Union to the art blog Hyperallergic. Read More>>

Union Theological Seminary Closed until Monday, November 5, 2012

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Union Theological Seminary will be closed until Monday, November 5 due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the NYC-metro area. The seminary will re-open on Monday, November 5 for classes and normal business operations.

More information can be found here:

http://www.utsnyc.edu/hurricane-sandy

Union Theological Seminary Closed on Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:48:00 GMT

Union Theological Seminary will be closed on Wedneday, October 31 due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the NYC-metro area.

More information can be found here:

http://www.utsnyc.edu/hurricane-sandy

Union Theological Seminary Closed on Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:48:00 GMT

Union Theological Seminary will be closed on Tuesday, October 30 due to the weather forecast for Hurricane Sandy and its projected impact on the NYC-metro area.

More information can be found here:

http://www.utsnyc.edu/hurricane-sandy

Union Theological Seminary Closed on Monday, October 29, 2012

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 19:18:00 GMT

Union Theological Seminary will be closed on Monday, October 29 due to the weather forecast for Hurricane Sandy and its projected impact on the NYC-metro area.

More information can be found here:

http://www.utsnyc.edu/hurricane-sandy

Wolcott B. Dunham, Jr., Appointed Chair of Union's Board of Trustees

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:44:00 GMT

Union Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of Wolcott B. Dunham, Jr., as Chair of its Board of Trustees. Dick Dunham, a Trustee since February 2011, succeeds Mary H. White, M.D., Chair from 2010 until July 2012, and Dr. John D. Maguire, Chair on an interim basis since July 2012. Dr. White and Dr. Maguire continue as Trustees.

Mr. Dunham said, "I am honored to be chair of this great institution. I want to express my thanks to Mary White and John Maguire for their leadership. I look forward to working with President Serene Jones and my fellow Trustees.”

Mr. Dunham is Of Counsel to the law firm of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. After serving as a VISTA Volunteer with the Hough Area Development Corporation in Cleveland, he joined the Debevoise firm as an associate in 1969, was a partner from 1977 through 2010 and, through 2010, was global Co-Chair of its Financial Institutions Group. His law practice concentrates on insurance industry corporate transactions, state, federal and international regulatory matters and corporate governance as well as not-for-profit corporate and governance matters.

Mr. Dunham is Senior Warden of St. James’ Church in the City of New York and is a Trustee of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. For 30 years, he has been on the board of the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter, which serves homeless people. Until 2012, he was on the board of Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of New York. In 2011, he received the Servant of Justice Award of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. He is a director of Dutchess Land Conservancy, on the members committee of Terrafirma Risk Retention Group, a non-profit insurer offering insurance to land trusts holding conservation easements, and President of the Fund for Astrophysical Research.

Mr. Dunham is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.

President Serene Jones said "Dick brings with him an expansive view of Union's mission and a wise and steady view of its past and its future. I look forward to working with him as we continue to strengthen the institution and build on its distinctive legacy."

Mr. Dunham is the recipient of the Buist M. Anderson Distinguished Service Award. Read more>>

Eternal Light Award to be presented to Professor Mary C. Boys

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:39:00 GMT

The Center for Catholic Jewish Studies is proud to announce that the Eternal Light Award for 2012 will be presented to Professor Mary C. Boys, S.N.J.M, Union Theological Seminary, New York. Professor Boys is a superb teacher and scholar who has devoted nearly four decades to examining some of the most difficult issues confronting Catholic-Jewish relations and has opened new dimensions of understanding between both communities. Read More>>

Bishop Disani Christopher Senyonjo, MDiv 1966, STM 1967, Unitas Distinguished Alumnus 2011 has been honored with a Clinton Global Citizen Award for Support of LGBT Rights

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:02:00 GMT

Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Kampala, Uganda, will receive a Clinton Global Citizen Award at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting this evening for his outstanding work to support the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people through the St. Paul's Reconciliation and Equality Centre in Kampala. The award recognizes Bishop Senyonjo's work in promoting the equal rights of LGBT people in Uganda and across more than 70 countries where being LGBT is illegal and often persecuted. Read More>>

America Needs a New Econo-Theology by Serene Jones, President and Johnston Family Chair for Religion and Democracy at Union Theological Seminary

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 17:20:00 GMT

In her Hiffington Post article, President Serene Jones draws parallels between economy and theology, and the need to reevaluate our moral values in order to address the imbalance of wealth in America.

“We live in a society where we have traded virtue for material rewards. We should have more conversations about our deep diminishing of human life; talk less of success, and more about love” writes Serene Jones, “for if we don't, we will continue to pay the price of inequality. And that cost is high.” Read the Full Article>>

Salon’s Coverage of Economics & Theology, A New Lecture Series Hosted by The Institute for New Economic Thinking & Union Theological Seminary

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 21:17:00 GMT

Wednesday night, Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize – winning economist, spoke to a packed chapel at Union Theological Seminary, which, along with the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET), a New York-based think tank, hosted the first conversation in a brand-new series meant to change the way we understand economic issues. Read More>>

President Serene Jones Appears on CBS News to Discuss Newly Surfaced Ancient Papers that Claim Jesus was Married.

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:43:00 GMT

A 1,600-year-old document, translated for the first time, has a message that could shake up Christianity. It is the first-known statement from that era that refers to Jesus, talking about having a wife. Watch the full video>>

Union Mourns Rev. Howard Moody

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:25:00 GMT

Rev. Howard Moody passed away on September 12, 2012. Moody retired as Senior Minister of Judson Church and was named its Minister Emeritus in 1992, after the Church celebrated its centennial. In retirement, Moody continued to work for progressive causes, particularly efforts to reform harsh drug laws, and taught a course in Urban Ministry at Union Theological Seminary in NYC, until the past few years when his health began to fail. Moody gave the 2002 Commencement address at Union and in 2004, an Urban Ministry Scholarship Fund was established in his name. Read More>>

The Work of Memory

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:42:00 GMT

On the anniversary of September 11, 2001, Prof. Thatamanil meditates on the role that memory plays in Christianity, patriotism, Islamophobia, and retaliatory violence. "Given the enormous power of memory," he writes, "everything depends on the why." Read More>>

Invitation to a Dialogue: Name That Sacrifice by Donald W. Shriver, President Emeritus of Union Theological Seminary

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:49:00 GMT

In his New York Times letter to the editor Donald W. Shriver

Jr., President Emeritus of Union Theological Seminary, urges politicians to

specify details on the revisions of the Medicare and Social Security

programs. Read the Full Article>>

Former Union Student, Reverend Gabriel Salguero, to Pray at DNC

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 22:14:00 GMT

Rev. Gabriel Salguero, former Union Theological Seminary student and current President of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, will deliver the prayer at the Democratic National Convention's Invocation Ceremony, tonight 9/6/12. Read More>>

Union Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:42:00 GMT

Dr.'s Serene Jones and James Forbes and the Rev. Fred Davie will represent Union at public activities related to the Democratic Party's gathering in Charlotte. Dr. Forbes will preach at the Myers Park Baptist Church on Sunday, September 2. He and Rev. Davie will attend a voter participation workshops sponsored by Faith Partnerships, Inc., and will moderate panels over the course of the week. All three will attend the President's acceptance speech.

Dr. Forbes participated in similar public events related to the Republican National Convention. Rev. Davie received invitations to related actvities but was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.

Dr. Forbes’ sermon at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte will be streamed live at 10:00 a.m. this Sunday (9/2) on www.mpbconline.org. Look for: “click here to stream.”

PBS Spotlight on Union: “Women in Theology and Ministry”

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 22:05:00 GMT

Union Theological Seminary was recently featured on PBS’s Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly in a segment called “Women in Theology and Ministry,” with managing editor Kim Lawton. Watch the Video >>

An interview with Cathy Busby, the first full-time artist-in-residence at the Institute for Art, Religion, and Social Justice

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:11:00 GMT

Canadian artist Cathy Busby was drawn to Union Theological Seminary's collection of 63 portraits as the first full-time artist-in-residence at the Institute for Art, Religion, and Social Justice. For About Face: Portraits at Union Theological Seminary, Busby photographed, catalogued, and eventually removed thirteen of the portraits from Union's Refectory. The artist then replaced them with monochromatic wall painting of their silhouettes to create a new artwork [...] Read More>>

President Serene Jones appears on MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry Show to Discuss Consumer Ethics and Apple Products & Where Faith and Policy Converge

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:22:00 GMT

Rev. Serene Jones, New York University law professor Cynthia Estlund, and Columbia University visiting scholar Obery Hendricks discuss the legacy left by Apple founder Steve Jobs and the controversy over the working conditions of his company’s supplier, Foxconn. Watch the Full Video>>

Faith Inspires: Union Theological Seminary's Poverty Initiative

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:29:00 GMT

The Huffington Post Faith Inspires highlights the Union Theological Seminary's Poverty Initiative, based in New York City. On a mission to "raise up generations of religious and community leaders committed to building a movement to end poverty," the Poverty Initiative educates destitute community members while organizing poverty-conscious religious leaders through Theological Education courses. Read More>>

President Serene Jones appears on MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry Show to Discuss Gender Roles in the Church and State

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:33:00 GMT

Host Melissa Harris-Perry is joined by Reverend Dr. Serene Jones of the Union Theological Seminary, NYU law professor Kenji Yoshino, and University of Pennsylvania Professor Anthea Butler to discuss the number of women with positions of power in both Congress and the church. Watch the full Video>>

Mormons and Evangelicals: A Theological Divide

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:40:00 GMT

In this video, theologians The Rev. Dr. Serene Jones and The Rev. Dr. Richard Mouw explain the differences between the traditional Christian theology and Mormonism. And Mark DeMoss, an evangelical and senior advisor on Romney's campaign, explains why divisive language when it comes to faith is so dangerous. Watch the Full Video>>

Johnston Family Chair for Religion and Democracy Created by $3 million gift to Union Theological Seminary

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:37:00 GMT

The Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary, announced today that Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Johnston, of Gladstone, New Jersey, have given $3 million to create The Johnston Family Chair for Religion and Democracy. The chair, which is fully endowed upon its creation, will support scholars whose work explores the crucial role religion plays in American politics and society. Read More>>

Dr. Cornel West to Join Faculty of Union Theological Seminary

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:49:00 GMT

Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary, announced today that Dr. Cornel West, one of America’s most influential civil rights activists, authors, commentators and scholars will rejoin the faculty of Union Theological Seminary. (Dr. West previously served on Union’s faculty from 1977-84 and 1987-88.) In his new position, Dr. West will serve as Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practices.