General Seminary welcomes Jee Hei Park as the Affiliate Professor in New Testament for the 2017-2018 academic year. Jee Hei Park is currently a Doctor of Philosophy candidate in the Christianity in Antiquity program at Fordham University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Philosophy from Yonsei University in Seoul, and her Master in Divinity from Harvard Divinity School. She was a Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) Doctoral Fellow for 2016-2017. Read more...
Author Archives: Joshua Bruner
Commencement & Alumni Gathering in Under 3 Minutes
In case you were not able to make it to Chelsea Square for Alumni Gathering & Commencement, we made a quick video for you to experience a few of the highlights from the week. We hope to see you around the Close soon, though, to welcome you home. Enjoy the video! Read more...
A Contemplative Approach to Sexuality and Spirituality
Few topics provoke such heated debate as sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity—particularly in faith communities. The Episcopal Church is developing resources to help navigate potentially difficult conversations on the subjects of sex, sexuality, and spirituality, as well as the impact of a shifting theology of marriage. Recently, General Seminary professor Westina Matthews received a grant from The Episcopal Evangelism Society to develop a program and workbook that uses contemplative practices to explore issues of human sexuality. Read more...
General Seminary Holds 195th Commencement
The General Theological Seminary held its 195th Commencement on May 17, 2017. Twenty seven individuals received degrees, diplomas, and certificates conferred by the Very Rev. Kurt H. Dunkle, Dean and President. The seminary’s honorary doctorate was conferred on the Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton, the Rt. Rev. Maria Griselda Delgado del Carpio, the Rt. Rev. DeDe Duncan-Probe, and Mr. Herbert Thomas. Read more about the honorary doctorate recipients here. Read more...
Want to make a couple of extra dollars?
The communications office is searching for a student (must be work study) to assist in running the Barbara Crafton Book Party on the afternoon of May 15 at 4:30 pm. The student would need to be available to help with set up and clean up (Clean up could happen after evensong on that evening for those who want to attend). Contact Joshua Bruner, bruner@gts.edu if you are interested or have any questions. Read more...
#TheCloseUpClose Campus Photo Contest Results
Last week, we hosted our first-ever social media photo contest, #TheCloseUpClose. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni submitted dozens of beautiful photographs of the campus. The photograph that was chosen to be the next cover photo for General’s social media presence was submitted by Hank Tuell IV. Thanks to Hank and everyone else who participated. We were so excited by the participation, we made a short video to share some of the photos that were submitted. Read more...
Graduating Students – Share Your Next Steps
The week leading up to Commencement will feature very short profiles on social media of our students’ next steps – for those who opt-in to participate.
Each day our social media platforms will share the photo of a graduating student with their post-grad plans. Anyone completing a program this semester is invited to participate.
Participation only takes 5 minutes of your time. Simply email Joshua (bruner@gts.edu) the following info, and you will be included! Read more...
2017 Summer Courses Open For Registration
This summer, The General Theological Seminary will offer six courses, including a broad range of subject matter. Additionally, in celebration of the 200th anniversary, the seminary invites alumni to come back to campus and audit a course with a 75% discount. Alumni may use the discount code: WELCOMEHOME2017
For more details on any of the courses, or to register – simply visit: http://www.generallearners.com.
Three Events at the Close with Barbara Crafton
Called Book Party
Monday May 15 at 4:30 p.m.
Kick off the week of Commencement festivities and the Alumni Gathering with the celebration of Barbara Crafton’s newest book, Called. Join the extended community of General Theological Seminary for conversation, refreshments and a reading from Crafton’s newest book. Additionally, the author will answer questions and sign books. Copies of Called and The Alsolife will be available for purchase.
Battle’s Newest Monograph Celebrated
On Thursday, April 11, General Seminary celebrated the launch of the Rev. Dr. Michael Battle’s monograph Heaven on Earth: God’s Call to Community in the Book of Revelation.
Deans Dunkle and Delashmutt introduced Battle; both emphasized the unique accomplishment of research and theological reflection on the Book of Revelation within the Episcopal Church and Anglican Tradition.
Members of the local Chelsea community and area clergy joined the General Seminary community to discuss the book and its relevance in theology and current social issues. Read more...
GENERAL SEMINARY TO HOST LAUNCH FOR CELEBRATED THEOLOGIAN’S NEW BOOK
NEW YORK CITY: On Tuesday April 11 at 4:30pm, The General Theological Seminary will host a celebration to honor the launch of Michael Battle’s newest monograph, Heaven on Earth: God’s Call to Community in the Book of Revelation. Battle will offer remarks and be available for conversation and book signing.
Desmond Tutu comments on Battle’s Heaven and Earth: “Michael invites the reader into the birthing process of heaven on earth. Read more...
General Seminary to Award Four Honorary Degrees at 2017 Commencement Ceremonies
The General Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the next recipients of its Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa, to be conferred at the 195th Commencement ceremonies on Wednesday May 17, 2017. “Honorary doctorates of divinity (DD) include individuals who are called into the special ministry of leadership within the episcopacy, priestly service, and laity alike,” said The Very Rev. Kurt H. Dunkle, Dean and President. Read more...
Living Sacrifices: Repentance, Renewal, and Reconciliation Conference
Living Sacrifices: Repentance, Renewal, and Reconciliation
A conference on Anglicanism and the Church
6-9 June 2017
This conference focuses on the necessary connection between repentance, reconciliation, and renewal, which we approach under the heading of “living sacrifice,” drawn from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. Sacrifice, after Christ’s example, draws the faithful into a transformative participation in his Passion, through which death is overcome. In this perspective, repentance serves as the offering that enables forgiveness and reconciliation.
Reflection on the Board of Trustees Meeting – Samuel Tallman ’12
This was my first meeting of the Board of Trustee for The General Theological Seminary as a newly elected alumni trustee. Having served for several prior years on the Alumni Executive Committee and the Board Investment Committee, I came with reasonably current knowledge about the Seminary, but perhaps uncertainty about what the Board’s collective perspective about the future might be.
At this meeting, there were major developments on several fronts that connect the Seminary’s present with its trajectory for the future. Read more...
Prof. Michael Battle Book Release Date Announced
The most recent book from the Rev. Dr. Michael Battle, Professor of Church and Society and Director of the Desmond Tutu Center at The General Theological Seminary, has been published, and the release date announced.
Heaven on Earth: God’s Call to Community in the Book of Revelation
Much of the literature on the book of Revelation paints a frightening apocalyptic vision of the end times. Michael Battle offers an alternative look at Revelation in this new work, seeing it instead as a hopeful call to bring heaven on earth. Read more...
St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s School Chapel Named for the Rev. Canon Jay Gordon ’62
The chapel at St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s School in Manhattan has been renamed in honor of General Seminary Alumnus, the Rev. Canon Jay. H. Gordon (Class of 1962). Gordon served on the Board of Trustees of St. Hilda’s and St. Hugh’s for more nearly 30 years and acted as the Chair of the Board from 1989 until his retirement from the Board in the spring of 2016. Read more...
Spiritual Directors Available to the GTS Community
Spiritual direction is about companionship. In a Christian context, a spiritual director is someone who accompanies you as you explore your spirituality and grow in relationship with God. Spiritual direction can help you listen for the voice of God and live more fully into Christian faith. A spiritual director will invite you to reflect on your life in the light of faith, guide you in prayer and spiritual practices, co-listen with you in discerning God’s good purposes for you, and encourage your baptismal discipleship.