United Methodist Seminaries Offer Unitarian Universalist Ordination Training

The United Methodist Church (UMC) has long been a denomination rooted in Christian theology, with its seminaries expected to reflect and support those beliefs. However, recent scrutiny has revealed a troubling trend among several UMC-funded seminaries. These institutions, which receive financial support from congregations through apportionments, have increasingly embraced and promoted Unitarian Universalism (UU), a religious tradition that diverges significantly from traditional Christian teachings.

A comprehensive review of the UMC’s seminaries shows that a majority of the thirteen official seminaries in the United States have engaged in practices that align with UU principles. These include developing curricula and programs designed to prepare ministers for leadership within the UU faith. This trend is not limited to a single institution but is widespread across the seminary network, raising concerns about the alignment of these institutions with the broader mission of the UMC.

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), which represents the UU faith, is characterized by its rejection of the divinity of Jesus Christ and its emphasis on universal salvation. The UUA also promotes a relativistic view of religion, considering all faiths as equally valid. Despite these theological differences, UMC seminaries have formed close partnerships with the UUA, creating programs that explicitly prepare students for UU ministry.

One such example is the Boston University School of Theology (BU-STH), which has developed the Unitarian Universalist Community of Learning (UUCL). This initiative, coordinated directly with the UUA, aims to nurture and prepare students for leadership within the UU church. The UUCL’s mission statement reflects its commitment to forming a community dedicated to UU values and practices, indicating a clear alignment with the UUA’s goals.

BU-STH’s website further underscores this alignment by stating its commitment to hiring faculty and offering courses that meet the requirements for ordination in the UU tradition. Courses such as “UU History” and “UU Polity” are specifically identified as part of this collaborative effort with UU leaders. This institutional support for UU training highlights a significant shift in the educational focus of these seminaries.

The involvement of UU mentors at BU-STH illustrates the extent of this collaboration. Rev. Dr. Wendy von Courter, a UU mentor, works closely with students interested in the UUCL, providing guidance and support. Additionally, other area UU ministers contribute to the mentoring network, reinforcing the UU presence within the seminary. This network of mentors not only supports students but also strengthens the UU community within the institution.

The presence of non-Christian mentors at BU-STH further underscores the seminary’s alignment with UU values. For instance, Steph Braman, a member of the STH Alumni Mentoring Network, focuses on building community from a humanist perspective, often centering on non-Christian theologies and sociological perspectives. This reflects a broader trend of seminaries moving away from traditional Christian teachings and embracing a more pluralistic and secular approach.

These developments raise important questions about the role of seminaries within the UMC and their commitment to the denomination’s core beliefs. As these institutions continue to promote UU principles, the implications for the UMC’s theological identity and mission become increasingly significant. The alignment of UMC seminaries with UU values challenges the traditional understanding of Christian education and ministry, prompting a reevaluation of the relationship between these institutions and the broader denomination.

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