Multifaith Allyship & Solidarity
2026-06-09 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Course Description:
In a religiously diverse society, working within and across religious lines requires intention, persistence, and care. This course will explore the theory and practice of multifaith allyship and solidarity. We will consider frameworks for fostering trust and building coalitions, and we will also explore the challenges and pitfalls of multifaith work. Throughout the course, guest panelists from diverse faith traditions and multifaith leadership roles will share their real-world experiences in building bridges across religious communities.
Meet the Instructor

Jonathan C. Zur is President & CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), an organization that works with schools, business, and communities to achieve success through inclusion. An experienced facilitator and consultant on issues of diversity and inclusion, Jonathan was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to the Commonwealth Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, formed in the aftermath of the tragedy in Charlottesville in August 2017. In 2016, he was a speaker at the inaugural White House Summit on Diversity and Inclusion in Government. Jonathan is a graduate of the University of Richmond and he received a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
Dates: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm EST, May 5 – June 9, 2026
Click here to Register!

Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary
We believe everyone should have access to this learning opportunity. If you are in financial need of a discounted registration fee, please contact Deborah Keyes, subject line “SCMAS: Financial Aid”.
UPSem faculty, staff, and students can register for this class for free. If you are a UPSem faculty, staff, or student, please contact Deborah Keyes for a promo code you can use to register.

25-26 Pathways: The Christian Life
2026-06-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-25 19:00 - 21:00
Course Description: This course is designed to provide knowledge of Protestant perspectives on the Christian life. Participants will explore biblical and theological foundations that shape an understanding of the Christian life. Reflection on focused experiences of spiritual practices will engage students in critical analysis of their own spiritual lives and nurture opportunities for congregational ministry and leadership. Through assignments, online discussion, and class lectures, participants will engage in vital components of the Christian life.
Meet the Instructor: Karen-Marie Yust

Karen-Marie’s work nurtures spirituality and fosters theological reflection across generations. Currently, she researches the impact of digital culture on spirituality among children, youth, and young adults, using insights from media studies, psychology, and education. She examines how online interactions influence identity and community and how the Church can respond to modern realities. She also explores moral development in young children and how adults can nurture their moral sensibilities.
Additionally, she investigates changing dynamics in congregational life, seeking new approaches to faith formation and educational ministries outside traditional settings, including online platforms and non-religious spaces. She is an experienced pastor and Christian educator, ordained in both the United Church of Christ and Disciples traditions.

Dates: Thursdays, 7-9pm EST, May 21 – June 25, 2026
Registration closes 2 days before the first class meeting on May 19, 2026.
Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary

If you are in financial need of a discounted registration fee, please contact Deborah Keyes, subject line “PWTCL : Financial Aid”.
UPSem faculty, staff, and students can register for this class for free. If you are a UPSem faculty, staff, or student, you can register here using your UPSem email address.

Exploring Biblical Languages
2026-06-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-30 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-14 19:00 - 21:00
Course Description:
“Why are there so many different biblical translations and what’s the difference between them?” “What is the Greek or Hebrew word used here?” “What is an ‘Aorist’?” “What does ‘Jussive’ mean?” Questions such as these often arise when we engage the Bible critically. This course seeks to prepare you to answer them. Exploring Biblical Languages will offer a concise instruction to both Biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek, surveying grammatical concepts broadly so that readers of the biblical text are prepared for deeper engagement with commentaries and Bible study tools. We will also dive deep into the meaning of key Hebrew and Greek words to appreciate the richness of these ancient languages and how we can apply that appreciation to our lives and ministry.
Meet the Instructor

Rev. Dr. Megan Fullerton Strollo is Assistant Professor of Biblical Languages, beginning in July 2020. She received both her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy in biblical studies degrees from Union Presbyterian Seminary in 2012 and 2020, respectively. Her primary research interests include the Megilloth, post-exilic literature, Wisdom literature, biblical languages, biblical theology, women in the Bible, intertextuality in the Bible, and feminist biblical interpretation. She has published articles and reviews in peer-reviewed journals and is a contributor in Megilloth Studies: The Shape of Contemporary Scholarship (Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2016).
Dates: Tuesdays, 7-9pm, June 23 – August 4, 2026
Click this link to register

Registration closes 5 business days before the first course meeting.
Offered by the Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary
If you are in financial need of a discounted registration fee, please contact Deborah Keyes, subject line “SCEBL: Financial Aid”.
UPSem faculty, staff, and students can register for this class for free. If you are a UPSem faculty, staff, or student, you can register here using your UPSem email address.
