MTSO offers Unitarian Universalist courses

Methodist Theological School in Ohio, which has thrived by bringing together students of many faith traditions, will offer two courses of value to those pursuing ministry within the Unitarian Universalist Association.

A three-credit-hour Unitarian Universalist History course will be offered during the 2016 Spring Semester, which runs Jan. 29-May 20. The hybrid course will combine online learning with on-campus classroom learning over a three-day weekend April 22-24. Reasonably priced on-campus housing is available.

MTSO also will offer a convenient 1.5-credit-hour Unitarian Universalist Polity course during the UUA General Assembly June 22-26. This class will be presented on-site at the General Assembly in Columbus.

Both courses fulfill requirements of the UU ministerial fellowshipping process, and credits may be transferred to other institutions.

The Unitarian Universalist History course traces the theological and institutional emergence of Unitarianism out of the Radical Reformation. It will also focus on the universalism of 18th century England, and the state of Unitarianism in Europe and North America through its development through the late 19th and 20th centuries.

In the Unitarian Universalist Polity course, students will explore how changing cultures and theologies of leadership, authority and church shape our governance; how polity helps or hinders commitment to social justice; what historical roots exist for institutional behaviors; and how insights are taken to congregations and communities. When timing and geography allows, the course will include immersion in the UUA General Assembly.

The courses will be taught by Susan Ritchie, minister of the North Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Lewis Center, Ohio, and a trustee on the national board of the Unitarian Universalist Association. She holds a doctorate in cultural studies from Ohio State University and a Master of Divinity degree from MTSO.

“We’re excited to offer these courses to Unitarian Universalist students,” said MTSO President Jay Rundell. “Students from 20 different faith traditions come together on our campus. They appreciate our progressive approach to issues of social justice, race, gender and sexuality, and ecotheology, including our organic Seminary Hill Farm. Our campus community has long benefited from engagement with UU students, and I’m confident UU students will continue to find that MTSO is a good fit.”

Those interested in either class or in applying for an MTSO degree program may begin the enrollment process by contacting the Admissions Office at 800-333-6876 or admissions@mtso.edu.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of lasting significance in service to the church and the world. In addition to the Master of Divinity degree, the school offers master’s degrees in counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, along with a Doctor of Ministry degree. 

CONTACT:

Danny Russell, director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322