Union Theological Seminary

Union Theological Seminary’s Kelly Brown Douglas named the winner of the 2023 Grawemeyer Award in Religion

How do we really know God cares when Black people are still getting killed? How long do we have to wait for God’s justice? Hearing her son ask those questions and seeing Black Lives Matter protests erupt nationwide after George Floyd’s death in 2020 led theologian the Very Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas to write “Resurrection Hope: A Future Where Black Lives Matter.” On Friday she was named winner of the 2023 Grawemeyer Award in Religion for the book’s ideas.

‘Navigator of Peace’ the Rev. Jack Mathison dies at 97

The Rev. John Thomas “Jack” Mathison, navigator of peace, died on May 24 at age 97 after a period of declining health, in Richmond, Virginia, according to an obituary published in the Washington Post this week. He was the widower of Elaine (Sauerwein).

Why do we keep doing these prayers of confession?

Two thoughtful theologians — Dr. Martha Moore-Keish, the J.B. Green Professor of Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary, and the Rev. Dr. David Gambrell, Associate for Worship in the Office of Theology & Worship — put their brains and their hearts on display Thursday during the Presbyterian Association of Musicians’ town hall, “Why do we Keep Doing these Prayers of Confession?”

Practicing resurrection

What does it mean to practice resurrection, particularly in light of the last two years of the pandemic, where death has not been a stranger?

Thou shalt not steal

Thanks to the pandemic, tens of thousands of worship services are now posted online each week. For at least some stressed preachers who may be pressed for time, the temptation can be overwhelming to hear a well-crafted online sermon somewhere and pass all or part of it off as one’s own.

‘COVID-19 did not discriminate, but we did’

The Poor People’s Campaign, co-chaired by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastor and theologian the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, took to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Monday to release a detailed report connecting information about COVID-19 deaths to demographic characteristics including income, race, health insurance status and more.