Sep 16 & 30, Oct 7 & 14 (6:45 PM - 9:15 PM)
Online (Zoom)
Registration Deadline: Sep 2
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Climate Ethics is a framework for examining the moral issues that have arisen within the global climate crisis, and the implications of what to do about it. It includes framing questions such as: How do we respond to the reality that communities hurt first and most intensely by the crisis? Are they generally the least responsible for causing it? What are our responsibilities to future generations? What values shape our relationships with other-than-human species and the elements of nature? What are the threats and opportunities of proposed technological solutions? What are the laws and social norms that undergird the status quo? How can we create positive change? The course will provide basic literacy in climate science and case studies of impacts, but also focuses on an understanding of the drivers of human behavior that are shaping our shared biosphere. Recognizing that the climate crisis is about more than data, science, and technology (as important as they are), Climate Ethics explores how to draw from values, culture, and spirituality to heal and protect the life-support system of the Earth.
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Union Theological Seminary's 189th Convocation Ceremony
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Wednesday, Sep 3 (4:00 PM - 5:45 PM)
In-Person & Online
James Chapel, 90 Claremont Avenue, New York, NY 10027
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Union Theological Seminary invites you to join us for our 189th Convocation ceremony on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST. This annual tradition marks the beginning of a new academic year, gathering our community of students, faculty, staff, and friends to celebrate Union’s legacy and look ahead with hope and vision. Together, we will reflect on the Seminary’s enduring commitments to faith, scholarship, and justice while welcoming new members of our community into the life of Union.
Convocation is a joyful moment of blessing and recommitment as we embark on another year of study, teaching, and activism rooted in Union’s mission. We hope you will join us for this milestone event, whether as a longtime supporter or someone newly connected to Union. Your presence helps us affirm the values of learning, community, and prophetic witness that shape all we do.
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Sep 27 (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM), Sep 28 (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Online (Zoom)
Registration Deadline: Sep 13
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This course will explore environmental stewardship within the Islamic tradition, emphasizing faith-inspired ecological ethics. It begins by introducing the context of the Qur’anic verses, the Prophetic Sunnah (tradition), and scholarly interpretations that describe humanity’s role as Khalifah (steward), appointed to protect the Earth. Rooted in the Islamic understanding of the interconnectedness of all creation and the responsibility to preserve our beautiful planet, the course draws attention to introduce that notion. Through case studies, we will examine Muslim-led initiatives to water conservation, forest protection, sustainable agriculture, waste reduction, and renewable energy, including important international efforts. It will also look into the challenges we are facing today, such as land use change, the climate crisis, and resource inequities from local and global perspectives. Students will be encouraged to develop practical ways to apply principles of Eco-Islam in personal, community, and/or professional contexts, promoting a comprehensive understanding of sustainability.
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ReUnion 2025 - Community in Action
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Oct 16 - 18
In Person & Online
Union Theological Seminary, 3041 Broadway, New York, NY
Registration Deadline: Sep 15
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In challenging times, our shared purpose becomes a force. This October, Union alumni and students—wherever you are—will gather to activate our global network: break bread together, tune into vital conversations, and strengthen the bonds that carry us forward.
We’ll continue to honor milestone classes (ending in 4, 5, 9, and 0), but this year, ReUnion is evolving. For the first time, we’re opening Night of Union—our flagship Friday evening event—to all Union alumni, whether you’re joining us in person or online. It’s a new tradition to keep our community informed, inspired, and connected—no matter where you are.
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The Flower Garland Sutra: Huayan Buddhism and the Modern World
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Oct 3 (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM), Oct 4 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
In-Person
Union Theological Seminary, 3041 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
Registration Deadline: Sep 19
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How can we truly live from a sense of the interdependence of all things? How can we keep opening to the vast diversity of people, needs, and liberative practices? How can we integrate a path of freeing ourselves from suffering with a path of universal and collective liberation? The Flower Garland (Huayan) tradition arose in the sixth century in China, rooted in the Flower Garland Sutra, and made an indelible mark on East Asian Buddhism, notably Zen, and was a deep well of inspiration for Thich Nhat Hanh’s vision of engaged Buddhism. This book lays out the practical implications of this sutra and the Huayan Buddhist tradition: interdependence, positivity, celebration of the sensuous, collective liberation, and social action. The sutra brings forth great teachers of diverse identities and practices, including queens, monks, nuns, goddesses, children, mathematicians, scientists, a mariner, and perfumers. They teach with words, with touch, by feeding people, freeing prisoners, and meditating alone in the mountains. In this era when many folks see ever-deepening divisions, this course will explore how Huayan offers particular wisdom for those concerned about how to care for their own lives as they work to end harms such as ecological devastation, poverty, militarism, addiction, marginalization, and exploitation. This Flower Garland tradition’s central theme of interdependence and emphasis on diversity of people and practices brings us timely medicine. This course will balance teaching, dialogue, reflection, and meditation to make space for integrated learning and transformation.
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Histories of Incarceration: New Scholarship and Insights for Today
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Friday, Sep 19 (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)
Online Webinar
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Join us for presentations and conversation on research that illuminates past and present carceral systems. Union’s Historical Studies field is bringing panelists with new books on incarceration in contexts near and far, ancient and recent. At a crisis point in today’s systems, comparing the sometimes similar, sometimes different ways imprisonment has looked in the past helps us rethink the present and reimagine the future.
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4th Annual Mama Leo Lecture Series - Prophetic Legacy: Latina Voices Shaping the Church and Society
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Wednesday, Oct 18 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
In Person
James Chapel, 90 Claremont Avenue, New York, NY 10027
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Union Theological Seminary, in partnership with Dr. Samuel Cruz, Associate Professor of Religion and Society, is establishing The Mama Leo Latinx Lecture Series to honor the Puerto Rican spiritual leader, the Reverend Leoncia Rosado Rousseau, known to many as Mama Leo.
The Mama Leo Latinx Lecture Series will memorialize her legacy as a Latinx pioneer in the New York City faith community for those like her, who seek to give their lives in service to transforming and liberating the oppressed on the margins of our city and the world.
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Multifaith Mondays: Witness to Democracy
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Every Monday (5:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
In-Person
Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
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Faith leaders and community members gather weekly at Columbus Circle to stand in solidarity and bear moral witness for democracy. Each vigil, held from 5:30 to 6:00 PM at the USS Maine Monument on the southwest corner of Central Park, is hosted by a different faith community or interfaith coalition. Through reflections, prayer, song, and collective presence, we affirm the power of spiritual resilience in the face of challenges to democratic values.
These gatherings serve as a space for inspiration, connection, and public witness, reminding us of the shared moral responsibility across faith traditions to uphold justice and human dignity. If your house of worship or community organization would like to host a Monday vigil, please sign up here. We invite all to join in this weekly call for unity and action.
Sponsors Include: The Interfaith Center of New York | Union Theological Seminary | The Jewish Theological Seminary | Episcopal Diocese of New York | The Riverside Church | T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights | The BeaconNYC
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Invest in the Future of Moral Leadership
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When the world is on fire, Union forms leaders who don’t look away. Your support builds communities shaped by that kind of courage.
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