Edna Ruth Byler was someone who lived her life to make a difference.  Although I never knew her, she was raised as a Mennonite in the town where I went to college. For those of you who might not know about the Mennonites, they are a faith group that began in the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation. They are known for peace, justice and non-resistance and my father is a retired Mennonite minister. Mrs. Byler grew up surrounding by role models who made a difference through their life.  However, in the 1930-1950’s, the role of a woman in the Mennonite Church was largely to...

The news came that the NY Board of Regents had approved the change of the main campus for UTS from Barrytown, NY to New York City. From July 1, 2019 the new name of the UTS main location will be the UTS New York City Campus located at 4 West 43rd St.  Barrytown will be an “instructional site”. The Board of Regents then held its meeting on May 7.  Master Plan Amendment – Unification Theological Seminary – Relocation of main campus from Barrytown, NY to NYC – The Board of Regents voted to approve a master plan amendment to authorize the Unification...

For those who want a top-level interfaith education, accredited class work, and a self-paced schedule at affordable cost, I heartily recommend the UTS-Online education program. I’d like to give a brief reflection about my experience teaching a UTS Online course — Unification Rituals and Traditions — an 8-week intensive graduate class for students from America and worldwide.  As the instructor, my first task was to prepare the syllabus content in the form of 8 modules on Unification rituals and traditions — 8-Day Dedication, Il Shim, Blessing, Seonghwa, Pledge, Hoon Dok Hae, Holy...

Twenty Unification scholars gathered over Memorial Day weekend, May 26-27, at the Seminary’s now-former main campus in Barrytown, NY for a “Theological Strategy Workshop.” The purpose of the gathering was to prepare for an international academic conference in conjunction with observances in Korea honoring UTS founder, Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s 100th year birthday in February 2020. In its early years, UTS hosted dozens of theologian’s conferences which led to the publication of some thirty books from 1977-84 on various aspects of Unification theology. Part of this was due to controversy...

NEW YORK~ On Saturday May 25th, the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) held its forty-third Commencement at the midtown New York City campus located in the 4W43 Building. Many friends, family and alumni gathered to celebrate the graduation and accomplishments of the Class of 2019. The commencement exercises were followed by a catered reception All attendees were handed a program in which the words of the UTS Founders were featured prominently to introduce the spirit and vitality of the proud graduates and the whole event itself. “The Seminary is not a place or a building; it is...

Congratulations to the UTS class of 2019, and congratulations to our Unification Theological Seminary on its 43rd commencement ceremony. Forty-three years ago, our Seminary’s co-founders, Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, led the first UTS commencement. The number “forty-three” has an important spiritual significance. From a Biblical perspective, it signifies separation from evil. In Exodus 12:40-41, it is written, “The length of time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the Lord went out from the...

UTS administrators often attend Association of Theological Schools (ATS) events. Experience shows that it is important for UTS to stay current with the conversations which are part of the theological landscape in North America. UTS has affiliate status with ATS Robin James Graham, UTS Director of Institutional Advancement Women in Leadership survey: what we found may not be what you think The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) recently held a 20th anniversary celebration of its work in the Women in Leadership (WIL) initiative, and ATS staff shared findings from a...

The Journal of Unification Studies is a forum for committed engagement with Unification theology and practice, published annually by the Unification Theological Seminary. Its articles address concerns of the theological community and the professional ministry, as well as contemporary social, cultural, political, scientific and economic issues, from a Unificationist perspective.In addition, the Journal promotes dialogue and understanding by presenting papers from diverse viewpoints that engage Unification theology and practice. A recent poll shows that a growing number of young people...

Although you might think that Mother’s Day was initiated by Hallmark, it was not motivated by commercialism but from women’s peace groups. In 1868, Ann Jarvis– mother of Anna Jarvis – created a committee to establish a “Mother’s Friendship Day.” The purpose was to reunite families that had been divided during the Civil War. When the Civil War broke out, Ann Jarvis called together women to pledge that friendship and good will would not be a casualty of the war. In a remarkable display of courage and compassion, the women nursed soldiers from both sides and saved many lives...