YES!!! (Photo Credit: Reuters on Election Night at Mayor-Elect Mamdani's Victory Celebration)

New Yorkers – it’s Election Day! As President of Union Theological Seminary, I believe deeply in our shared call to justice, community, and the dignity of all people. Voting is one of the most profound ways we live out that call.

The images from Gaza — starving children, devastated families — reveal not just a humanitarian emergency, but a moral crisis. At Union Theological Seminary, we reaffirm: every life is sacred. Every death is a rupture in the body of God.

The IRS’s ruling allowing churches to endorse political candidates marks a significant and unfortunate shift. At Union, we believe the public has been well served by tax-exempt religious institutions refraining from participation in partisan political activity.

Today is Election Day in NYC! As people of faith and conscience, voting is one powerful way we shape a more just and compassionate society. I urge all New Yorkers to make your voice heard today. Polls are open from 6 AM to 9 PM.

As war escalates, we pray for peace, justice, and the protection of all civilians and those in military service. At Union, we reject the logic of war and call on leaders to choose de-escalation, dialogue, and compassion over violence.

At Union, we know children's medical decisions must be made with compassion—by their guardians, doctors and the child—not the state. Protecting trans youth is a moral and spiritual duty. To our trans students, alumni, and neighbors: you are beloved. Your humanity and dignity are not up for debate.

Today’s arrest of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander by ICE—for simply asking to see a judicial warrant— is yet another outrageous example of the rise of authoritarianism in our nation.

We are heartbroken by the senseless killing of Israeli Embassy staff in DC. This trauma weighs heavily on all of us. Our communities need justice, dignity, and safety for all people. We mourn this loss of life and stand against all forms of violence. It must end.

Political strain? 🌍 @serenejones.bsky.social of @unionseminary.bsky.social suggests our duty is to build bridges to Trump voters questioning that vote – to catch them falling! Catch them in love and simply converse. Walls mean no one to catch anyone. #BridgeBuilding #CatchThem

Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost, the first Peruvian and American to be elected pope. We look forward hopefully to the continuation of Pope Francis' legacy of building bridges and centering the most vulnerable among us in the church's global movement of peace.

@unionseminary.bsky.social President @serenejones.bsky.social joined @ministter.bsky.social on the Make it Plain podcast where they discussed faith, justice & action in times of conflict—drawing on Bonhoeffer, MLK, and her visits with congregations across the U.S.

“You see extended into his papacy the work that he did for so many years in Argentina, where he was known as a Jesuit leader, a priest who attended so carefully to the poor, the vulnerable, was amongst the masses of people, didn’t separate himself,

We join communities around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His ministry was marked by compassion, humility, and a call to justice that resonated far beyond the Church.

In her latest op-ed, @UnionSeminary President Rev. Dr. Serene Jones shares on the dismantling of USAID, "As I watch the Trump administration and his cronies continue to make references to God through their policy decisions, I can't help but be disgusted.

Read the full oped, “Reverends: Trump’s Anti-Trans Attacks Are Unchristian” published by Time here: buff.ly/uc7KDEP

“We believe that God created trans and intersex people and that gender fluidity is as natural to some of God’s creations as is identification with only a single gender expression. And the struggle for the freedom to be is as old as humanity itself. Indeed, this is the Biblical Story...”

We are shocked and outraged by the DHS raids at CU last night. City, state, and university leaders must intervene to stand up for student safety and the rule of law.

Read the full meditation entitled “Eternally Present Love” published today as the Center for Action and Contemplation’s Daily Meditation here: cac.org/daily-medita...

On the 60th anniversary of the Selma Bridge Crossing: “Without the profound work of faith leaders during this time, it’s very possible the Voting Rights Act would have stayed only a dream,” stated UTS Asst. Prof.of Homiletics Rev. Dr. Timothy Adkins-Jones and UTS President Rev. Dr. Serene Jones.

Read Rev. Dr. Timothy Adkins-Jones and Rev. Dr. President @SereneJones.Bsky.Social recent Oped published in Religion News Service here: buff.ly/ZMqQwvH

Our criminal justice system is sinful—fueling mass incarceration that punishes the poor and people of color. Overcrowded, underfunded prisons strip dignity, disregarding the image of the divine within all of us.

So heartbroken & outraged by the brutal murder of Sam Nordquist. Faith leaders must confront the pervasive violence faced by our trans siblings & advocate for policies that protect them, so our communities are welcoming & safe spaces.

So saddened & horrified by the heinous murder of Imam Muhsin Hendricks, a trailblazer in the Muslim community for LGBTQ+ rights.

“Bishop Budde’s gentle but firm call for mercy, compassion, justice, and moral clarity in this pivotal moment reflects the core values that @unionseminary.bsky.social, as a historically Christian seminary with a growing interreligious emphasis, holds dear-