A childhood brush with cancer ignited 2010 alum Catherine Duncan’s faith journey, but it wasn't until she faced another near-death experience as an adult that she began to listen to the call in her heart.

Interested in taking your ministry to a new level or changing its trajectory? United’s DMin Directed Study offers you the flexibility to customize your DMin program to suit your specific ministerial needs and goals! 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/yGzDZfF to learn more!

Shai Wise (’11) reflects on Passover, which ends Thursday, April 9: One year, one of my kids put a high heel on the Seder plate. It’s not a tradition of any type. But the kid in question loved high heels, and so there it was.

Now accepting applications for the third cohort, the Sims Scholars Initiative aims to prepare leaders to engage issues confronting Black spiritual communities. In the Winter 2026 VOICES, we received heartfelt praise for the initiative from our amazing Scholars. 📖 Visit buff.ly/aKO7cNg to read!

A statement by President Molly T. Marshall: The terrorizing threat posed by the United States against Iran is against all principled advocates for peace and justice.

Can you see yourself in this photo? Graduating from seminary, knowing you are prepared to creatively minister for justice and the common good—in a church, nonprofit, or other organization? United is accepting applications for Fall 2026. Pick your program and apply by July 1!

Happy Eastertide! President Molly T. Marshall reflects: It was the Victorian-era English poet and Jesuit priest Gerard Manley Hopkins who famously used “easter” as an active verb. In his poem “The Wreck of the Deutschland,” he invites resurrection, inner renewal, and joy.

In a March chapel service, Rev. Grant Spencer (’16) lifted up the story told in Mark 6: 32–44: “Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand.” In this clip, Rev. Spencer—who is also pursuing his DMin at United—emphasized that we all have things in our “baskets” to make life better for others.

United’s MDiv in Religion and Theology degree prepares one to minister through a deep understanding of religion and theology. It can also be foundational for DMin, leading to academia or faithful work as a resident theologian. 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/Bx4e4L9 to learn more!

We are excited to be accepting applications for the third cohort of the Sims Scholars! 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/1XxDMLY to learn more and apply by May 1.

Now that you’re ready for seminary, you might want to know about scholarship opportunities. The Dayton Merit Scholarship, for which qualified master’s degree seekers can apply, can offset your tuition by up to 50 percent and no less than 25 percent!

Last year, treasured former United faculty member, Dr. Mary Lane Potter, noted that Passover is “a time of deep reflection on oppression, justice, mercy, the enslaved, liberation, freedom, refugees, all those who hunger for food, shelter, and justice.” ✡️ Visit buff.ly/IbGOdp5 to read the message.

President Molly T. Marshall looks forward to preaching at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis during the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM services! ⛪️ Visit buff.ly/yH5LyhX to access the church website and address. Hope to see you there!

Looking for ways to offset the cost of a seminary degree program at United? Explore our Dayton Merit Scholarship. See if you qualify, apply by May 1, and you may be eligible for 25–50 percent off tuition! 🧧 Visit buff.ly/j2NmEC9 to learn more!

Happy Trans Day of Visibility from United! In our communities and society, may we be prophetic witnesses for the good of every trans and nonbinary person. And may we cultivate a society that is just, protects civil rights, and celebrates every individual's inherent worth. #TDOV

Delivered on Monday, February 23, Dr. Ellen T. Amour’s well-received Susan Draper White Lecture was titled, “Seeing Gender Otherwise: Theology as Visual Practice.” The engaging lecture covered feminism and explored bio-disciplinary power. 💻️ Visit buff.ly/dEz2MdD to view in full!

A Palm Sunday reflection from President Molly T. Marshall: What an entry! It was an unabashed political act, and it was a prophetic provocation. Most likely, it deliberately countered what was happening on the other side of the city, and Jesus is showing what kind of leader he is.

As we ease into Spring, we wanted to remind you that the Winter 2026 issue of VOICES is now available online. View the wonderful cover art and read the stories. 📰 Visit buff.ly/cIKu3Do and click on “View the Current Issue” to access the newsletter.

Are you hoping to become an effective and ethical organizer, nonprofit leader, or minister? United’s Master of Arts in Leadership will give you the theological and practical skills you need.

We are thrilled to accept applications for the third cohort of our Sims Scholars. Primarily funded by Dr. Frank and Robyn Sims, the Sims Initiative addresses racial inequities and helps prepare leaders to engage issues confronting Black spiritual communities. Visit buff.ly/dbqq9TJ to apply by May!

We are delighted to welcome one and all to witness the commencement of our 2026 United graduates one month from today, on April 26 at 3:00 PM CT. Festivities will take place at our long-time progressive partner venue, Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis.

In celebration of their leadership in social justice, ecumenism, and interreligious engagement, United—with unanimous support from its faculty and board—will confer Doctors of Humane Letters (honoris causa) upon sisters Jackie Baugh Moore and Julie Strathe Baugh during Commencement on April 26.

Looking to take your public ministry to the next level? United’s DMin in Public Theology offers in-depth exposure to the academic and practical elements of theology as applied in the public sphere in service of the common good. 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/fBxJbvl to see if it’s a good fit for you!

In addition to being gifted teachers and mentors, most members of United's faculty are also directors of degree programs or core seminary courses. Rev. Dr. Andrew Packman, pictured here, is an associate professor of Theological Ethics and the program director for Formation.

Join us tomorrow, March 25, at 3:00 PM CDT to celebrate Trans and Nonbinary Joy ahead of International Transgender Day of Visibility! This Queer & Trans Theology Salon is hosted by the Social Transformation program and LCSJ. 🏳️‍⚧️ Visit buff.ly/5Sh2AZq to learn more!

NEW: United has launched a new blog! Our website is our new home for the latest announcements, faculty and student features, and more. Check it out at buff.ly/9tRhGTL!

Planning to pursue a master's degree at United? If you have a history of academic and leadership success with a heart for social justice, you may be eligible for a Dayton Merit Scholarship that will cut your tuition by as much as 50 percent! buff.ly/j2NmEC9

In preparation for International Trans Day of Visibility and to celebrate trans and nonbinary joy, we are delighted to be hosting our next Queer & Trans Theology Salon in two days! Join us this Wednesday, March 25, at 3:00 PM CT on campus and online.

While many people think of seminary as a place to train ministers, pastors, and other worship and church leaders, United also offers Master of Arts degree concentrations that can lead to other faith-inspired vocations. Are you drawn to theology as a research interest or as a path to academia?

Though our priority deadline has passed, we are still accepting applications for the Fall 2026 term. For those who apply for degree programs, there are still scholarships available, too! 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/Ik5CaFw to get started!

What do you know about biblical studies? And what about biblical studies at United? First published in 2024, “The Role of Biblical Studies in Seminary” blog was written to answer your questions! 🧾 Visit buff.ly/lP7QXY3 to learn more!

When you come to study at United, you become part of the United community. At United, you can explore your artistic side and marvel at the seamless integration of theology and the arts. You can get involved in student government, deliver sermons during chapels, or join a student organization.

Eid Mubarak! Tonight, Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan. May this be a time for gratitude, community, and the joys of gathering at the table.

Largely funded by Dr. Frank Sims and his wife, Robyn, the Sims Scholars Initiative—designed to address racial inequities and prepare leaders to engage with issues confronting Black spiritual communities—is entering its third year. Applications are due May 1. 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/dbqq9TJ to learn more!

Launched in February 2024 and made possible through a generous donation from former trustee Dr. Frank Sims and his wife, Robyn, the Sims Scholars Initiative is designed to address societal inequities and prepare leaders to constructively engage with issues confronting Black spiritual communities.

Our 2026 Commencement happens next month! We will celebrate our new graduates on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 3:00 PM CT online and at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis! 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/pwDgtly to learn more and register!

The Winter 2026 issue of VOICES is hot off the presses! Inside the beautiful cover (created and photographed by gifted 2020 alum Melissa Miller), we have features about another beloved alum (Catherine Duncan—’10), amazing students in the Sims Scholars Initiative, United friends, and more.

Dr. Ellen T. Armour offered a fascinating Susan Draper White Lecture during Symposium Week last month. She gave an overview of feminism and trans theology and explored the idea of bio-disciplinary power as challenged by photos. 💻️ Visit buff.ly/KaozmMK to watch the full lecture.

Not ready to start a degree program? Or want to brush up on core graduate-level vocational competencies? Consider enrolling in one of United’s three certificate programs.

Have you ever wanted to inspire congregational justice initiatives? United’s DMin in Social Transformation could be a perfect fit. Grounded in liberation theology, the program helps you develop and apply practical tools for social transformation. 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/OS5y1kz to learn more!

If you act now to accept the call and apply for a Fall 2026 degree program at United, scholarships are still available! We have rigorous degree programs, engaging professors, and contextual education opportunities to help you discern a meaningful vocational path.

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, Hamline University will host the 2026 Mahle Lecture, “Just Resilience: How to Stay in the Struggle for the Long Haul,” in Saint Paul, MN. This series, which dates back to 2006, continues to be made possible through the generosity of Stephen and Kathi Austin Mahle (‘78).

TOMORROW: United’s priority deadline for applying to a degree program starting Fall 2026 is tomorrow, March 15. Priority means that if you accept the call and apply for a master's or DMin degree program by tomorrow, you will earn a $1,000 scholarship! 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/SzqZ6m8 to get started!

Are you a working chaplain who wants to take your vocation to the next level? United’s DMin in Interreligious Chaplaincy offers the enhanced knowledge, skills, and mentorship to prepare you to be a thought-leader or attain a leadership position. 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/6Azes8R to learn more.

Have questions about studying theology at United? Let our amazing admissions team guide you through discernment. In case you didn’t know, our director of admissions, Mason Mennenga (’22), is an alum who earned an MDiv and an MA.

Join us for a Queer and Trans Theology Salon at 3:00 PM onsite and online on March 25 to celebrate trans and non-binary joy ahead of Trans Day of Visibility (March 31). This event is free and open to all trans and queer academics, clergy, students, and community members. 🏳️‍⚧️

Held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, student Nina Johnson’s chapel service was bookended by music. During her sermon, Nina touched on the Second Epistle of Peter and elaborated on the idea of authority, positive and negative. 💻️ Visit buff.ly/oGru8QT to watch in full!

United hosts topical and theologically creative chapel services most every Thursday at 12:15 PM CT during the term. We have a wonderful lineup for March.

Are you feeling nudged toward attending seminary? United is currently accepting applications for the Fall term. Our priority deadline is March 15. Apply for a degree program on or before that date to earn a $1,000 scholarship! 👟 Visit buff.ly/nWkhARv to learn more and take that first step!

Do you feel the movement of spirit in your life? Want to make a difference and work for the common good? United is accepting applications for Fall 2026 on a priority basis until March 15.