”She’ll be right, mate!” is an oft used expression from the “Land Down Under” which exemplifies the Australian spirit of optimism. Few people better express that “Can do! Things will work out!” spirit better than David Ryan, UTS class of ’85. Born in Melbourne, Australia, David was raised in a brood of eleven siblings. His parents, who met and married during World War II, were faithful members of the Roman Catholic faith, and escorted their children to Mass every week.  David attended Monash University in Melbourne where he earned a degree in economics and politics. “When I...

BARRYTOWN – The month of August is shaping up to be one of the busiest months ever at the Barrytown Conference Center on the campus of the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) located in upstate New York. Six separate events are scheduled, with the possibility of a seventh that could take place at the end of the month. The action starts even a few days earlier, however, when the Empire State Riders (ESR) make their annual pilgrimage to the area and spend a night camped out in tents on the UTS Barrytown grounds. Every year the Riders begin their week-long ride in lower Manhattan...

New York – July 18 of every year may soon be a world-wide celebration for the International Day of Education for Global Citizenship (IDEGC), alongside such popular celebrations as March 8, International Women’s Day and April 22, International Earth Day.  On July 18, 2018, members of civil society groups at the United Nations officially kicked off the event to promote grassroots values education in order to bring about peace and prosperity, in the wake of increased global division and wars.  The launch event was held at the Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations...

BARRYTOWN – There was a time when attending a seminary meant you planned to become a full-time priest, minister or pastor. However, the traditional concepts about ministry are being turned upside-down. Today’s seminaries offer a wide range of studies that can help enrich a variety of careers and professions; students are recognizing that seminaries can provide them with a solid underpinning in preparation for diverse occupations, as well as enhancing their spiritual awareness. This concept of expanding the vision of ministry is now being explored in established circles: Most of...

On May 14, Dr. Hugh Spurgin, president of the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS), announced to UTS alumni(ae) and friends that the UTS Board of Trustees decided to sell the Barrytown property.  It was a difficult decision, but it was a step that they had to take as responsible stewards of the institution. He wrote that the Seminary is “re-positioning itself as an entrepreneurial, urban Seminary with traditional classes at our campus in New York City and online courses for students worldwide.” Online education is disrupting traditional education models throughout the industry,...

BARRYTOWN – When someone is considering classes at the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS), they may very well ask, “What is the value of a degree from UTS?” Recently, the Alumni Relations team at UTS has been exploring that question with our graduates, and has come up with some surprising answers. We decided to gather information about the varieties of pastoral ministry being performed by UTS alumni/ae in and around the metropolitan New York City area. We came up with a list of 25 ministers/pastors who are actively working in their chosen profession within various faiths and...

Men and women who serve in their local church, may have viewed engaging in theological education as an ideal rather than a reality. Now, pursuing those studies has never been more in reach; taking online courses is the fastest growing form of seminary education. Students can remain in their ministry field or place of work and get theological and ministry training at lower costs. They don’t have to relocate their family to obtain the education they seek. UTS Online joins other leading online communities that have high engagement and interaction with chats, forums, and video using a state...

Learning about religions helps us to better understand other people’s perspectives and to gain a greater respect for those around us, no matter their religion. Our Interfaith Youth Dinner Dialogue seeks to challenge stereotypes through enriched dialogues, with the goal to promote world peace. The second Interfaith Youth Dinner Dialogue will center around the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Come and join us and learn with us. The series “Interfaith Youth Dinner Dialogue” has been launched by the Recruitment Office at UTS. The recruitment team of Joy Theriot,...

The Journal of Unification Studies is a forum for committed engagement with Unification theology and practice, published annually by the Unification Theological Seminary. 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...