It was such a privilege to participate in the Interfaith Trolley Tour! This was a great way to start meeting other people in the area who care about interfaith engagement. The novelty of the trolleys acted as a kind of icebreaker, creating a fun and informal environment as we met our co-travelers. We had people from so many walks of life and from so many areas of the city come together for this special experience. The trip also facilitated so much learning. We got a taste of the rich religious diversity within Hyde Park as we visited various nooks of the neighborhood, stepped into architectura ..read more

We are so excited to get to work on our latest endeavor in the world: the Black Faith Leader Collective! This interfaith group of Black religious leaders meets regularly to discuss issues they have in common across faith backgrounds. Watch the video below to learn more ..read more

We are pleased to announce the new issue of Challenge & Response! This is an issue of change. CTS is changing, growing more diverse and bringing people together like never before – and doing so with an Interim President and Interim Dean. But we remain dedicated to our Commitments. With that in mind, this issue of Challenge & Response showcases how all this change is a direct outgrowth of the CTS mission. It includes interviews with former President Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray, Jr., Interim President Dr. Marsha Foster Boyd, and Interim Dean Rabbi Dr. Rachel Mikva; an update on the Blac ..read more

For over 165 years, Chicago Theological Seminary has pushed at the boundaries of theological education with an on-going legacy of progressive firsts and historic social justice. That continues. Our commitments remain. Our community represents a diverse array of traditions, beliefs, and life stances. Yet we are united in our shared responsibility to civic engagement, and the creation of a public square that insists on room and power for everyone. But change is happening around us every day, in the world and also here at CTS. The landscape of theological education is also rapidly changing. In re ..read more

More than 170 people attended an online virtual celebration Aug. 30 for Chicago Theological Seminary president, Dr. Rev. Stephen Ray, who is retiring from his post effective August 31. The event included a diverse mix of speakers, readings and music, reflecting Dr. Ray’s inclusive and expansive approach to his ministry and service at CTS. In his remarks, Dr. Ray said: “I want to give God thanks for each and every one of you because you all have played a part in who it is that I am and who it is that I’ve become. I want to continue to encourage all of you because the world needs people of good ..read more

Stephen Ray has informed the Chicago Theological Seminary Board of Directors of his decision to retire as president. The entire CTS community regrets to see his day-to-day leadership of the organization end, but is grateful for the impact he has had. “While a difficult decision, my heart and my life tell me it is time,” said Stephen. “I will be forever grateful to all the people I have worked side-by-side with over the years. Through the difficulties of the pandemic and other challenges, I am proud of the strong position CTS holds today. We are well-positioned to meet our responsibility: to eq ..read more

Watch Darnell L. Moore’s full lecture, Let’s Get Free: A Case for An Abolition Theology. This page creates space for academics, clergy, and community members to engage with Moore’s lecture on Abolition Theology. Responses will be collected and listed below the forthcoming video. This collection of resources is maintained by the Center for the Study of Black Faith & Life. Darnell L. Moore was the speaker for the 2019 C. Shelby Rooks Lecture. To submit a response for posting consideration, please contact Tyler Tully. Nyle Fort serves as the ongoing editor for this project. Responses “Our wi ..read more

“ Chicago Theological Seminary remains committed to the ideal that religious leadership is at its best when it seeks the flourishing of all of God’s children and creation. As news of an agreement between differing parties in the United Methodist Church breaks, we stand ready to partner with any committed to this work, of any faith or belief, knowing that this world which God so loves is worthy of our every effort. As a seminary which formerly had ties with the UMC, well wishes to each of the bodies which will be formed from this disengagement. While details remain to be worked out, it seems th ..read more

Bursts lighting the night Children splashing Families grilling Grandmothers fanning A gentle 4th, freedom for most Simple celebrations A parade, picnics The Roadtrip Humble gratitude For the woman in the harbor   Children in cages Nuclear “chicken” Arrogance Citizenship Arrests, civil disobedience Resistance – patriotism –   Lovers lean in Catch the light Seeing it in the other Children in wonder Glow sticks I’m a big girl now   I sit in peace on a border My white skin not a question for entrance What is the purpose of your trip? Glancing at our passports We cross, without scrut ..read more

These are days of much hurt and sorrow for our sisters and brothers in the United Methodist Church. With the failure of the One Church Plan and approval of the Traditional Plan, a majority of delegates to the 2019 General Conference has said unequivocally that baptism is an insufficient qualification for the full exercise of membership in the Church. I regret this path was chosen because the wounds of this struggle will not soon be healed, if ever. My heart is always made heavy when the body of Christ bears the marks of the lack of human imagination and penchant for limiting the workings of gr ..read more