STH Announces New Unitarian Universalist Learning Community
Photo credit: Ben Atherton-Zeman (MDiv’21)
BOSTON, MA | December 2019 – The School of Theology (STH) is pleased to announce that it has formed a new denominational learning community, in consultation with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and leaders in many aspects of UU ministry. The mission of the Unitarian Universalist Community of Learning (UUCL) is to form a community of students, faculty, and staff dedicated to nurturing and preparing Unitarian Universalist students for future leadership and service in and through the church. The UUCL is a specialized program that aims to provide the best possible education in an ecumenical community that values the unique histories and ministerial legacies of the denomination.
The Communities of Learning at the School of Theology seek to nurture the next generation of leaders for ministries in churches and in service to the larger world. The intention is to equip students in their own distinctive denominational traditions and in ecumenical and interfaith traditions, providing them with curricular and co-curricular opportunities to ground their academic, spiritual, ecclesial, professional, and social-global growth. At the same time, BUSTH seeks to enrich the spiritual and global life for all students at the School. The new UUCL joins the already-established Anglican/Episcopal Community of Learning and United Church of Christ Community of Learning, as well as the multiple supports for Wesleyan and Methodist community and learning.
“I was thrilled to learn that BUSTH was moving forward with a deeper commitment in the formation of Unitarian Universalist ministers,” said Rev. Dr. Wendy von Courter, STH alum and pastor of UU Congregation in Marblehead, MA, who will mentor the UUCL. “To have these learning communities within the context of this strong, Methodist seminary, bodes well for our collective future. Part of my own formation at BUSTH was in the creation of strong collegial relationships across diverse theologies. I treasure those relationships to this day and they’ve come into play throughout the years as we join together in justice work. To be part of this effort is exciting! I am looking forward to meeting with our UU students to listen to their experiences, share some perspectives, and talk about the many possibilities before us.”
The Communities of Learning share common features that respond to unique denominational traditions and needs, such as courses, co-curricular opportunities, contextual education, spiritual life offerings, mentors and consultants, and opportunities to connect with programs and projects of the denominations and the School of Theology. These projects may focus on theological and historical traditions, worship, social justice, sacred music, mission, and other important concerns. The rich collaborations and shared courses with other schools of the Boston Theological Institute will also be a part of the STH Communities of Learning experience. Students in the UU denomination will be eligible, as all of our students are, for generous scholarships to further their studies.
“I could not be happier to welcome the Unitarian Universalist Community of Learning, which will support our UU students and partner congregations and will stretch the horizons of our entire community,” says Dean Mary Elizabeth Moore, who expresses enthusiasm for the newest Community of Learning. “As we dive into our own traditions, we open ourselves to others; as we dive into others’ traditions, we discover more about our own and about ourselves. The UUCL is a wonderful gift for all of us.”
STH is grateful for the wise and generous leaders of the Unitarian Universalist Association, as well as its alumni/ae and students. Many have offered direction and ideas for this new Community of Learning, which will continue to grow and change over time with the addition of certificates and adaptations that are required by an ever-changing church.