Iliff School of Theology

🍽️ Join Blaxplanation and the Colorado Council of Churches on September 14, 2024, from 11am-1pm for "Faith, Food, and Fellowship: Discussion and Lunch" at South Broadway Christian Church. Explore the complex history of the American picnic, a space once used to harm Black Americans but reclaimed by Black faiths and communities to foster support, fellowship, and joy.

📢 Featured Speakers:
- Adrian Miller, Soul Food Scholar & Executive Director of Colorado Community of Churches
- Imam Abdur Rahil Ali, Northeast Denver Islamic Center
- Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr., President and CEO of Iliff School of Theology
- Dr. Thomas S. Mayes, President of Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance
- Shara Smith, CEO of Interfaith Alliance of Colorado

🎟️ Tickets: $25 (Member), $28 (Nonmember), $18 (Low-Income/Student)
⭐️ The first 10 students to sign-up will get a FREE ticket on behalf of Pres. Butler! Email [email protected] to sign-up

Learn more and register: https://loom.ly/XXPCrmg

📣 Everding Lecture is back on Monday, September 23 at 7:00 pm in Shattuck Hall! Join us along with St. John’s Cathedral Denver for the rescheduled lecture featuring Adam Gregerman, Ph.D., Professor of Jewish Studies at Saint Joseph’s University. Originally planned for Winter Gathering Days, this lecture, "Reclaiming the Jewishness of Jesus: Implications for Jewish-Christian Relations," will explore Christian theologies of Judaism from antiquity to today, focusing on the rapprochement between these traditions.

This annual lecture, generously sponsored by the late Lee Everding in honor of Dr. Ed Everding, celebrates interfaith dialogue and the connections between Abrahamic faiths.

🗓️ Save the date and see you there! https://loom.ly/5fIz1AI

📚✨ NEW Hybrid course for Iliff Alum and community members! Join Dr. Antony Alumkal, Associate Professor of Sociology of Religion, for a survey of major bioethical debates and Christian perspectives. Topics will include stem cell research, cloning, genetic engineering, euthanasia, and vaccinations. Students will learn how the specific debates are shaped by larger religious dynamics. Details below!

🗓️ Course Dates: Sept 9 – Nov 15, 2024
💻 Online Hybrid: Asynchronous (Weeks 1-4, 6-10)
🏫 On-Campus: Oct 10 (afternoon) & Oct 11 (morning)
💲 Audit Cost: $800
📧 To Register: Email [email protected] by Sept 6, 2024

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟 We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lisa Withrow as our new Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Program Coordinator, starting August 15, 2024. Dr. Withrow brings a wealth of experience, as she was previously the faculty director of the DMin at Methodist Theological School in Ohio and teaches in the DMin program at Episcopal Bexley-Seabury Seminary. She will continue her work as a church consultant, coach, and editor.

Dr. Withrow will collaborate closely with administration, enrollment, and advising of Iliff's DMin students. We believe her expertise will help our DMin program thrive and grow! Help us welcome Dr. Withrow to the Iliff community! 🎉

⏰ There is still time to register for the final 2 courses in this summer's TIER program! TIER offers opportunities for lifelong learners to engage with Iliff's amazing community of scholars! The classes are inexpensive, 3-weeks long, and asynchronous. Plus, if you are clergy, TIER courses count for 3 units of continuing education credit!

📘 8/12 - 9/2 Dismantling White Silence in Churches
📙 8/12 - 9/2 Re-enchanting Ecological Praxis
Build your summer schedule now by clicking the link in bio http://www.iliff.edu/tier

🎉 We're proud to celebrate Meredith Wilson Parfet, Iliff Master of Arts in Pastoral and Spiritual Care Alum and current Iliff Trustee, as she speaks at TEDNext in Atlanta, GA, this October! Her session will focus on the intersection of personal and professional crises as well as the mindset and tools necessary to manage these crises. Join us in supporting Meredith as she shares her insights and expertise on this important topic!

📣 Our upcoming immersion trip to El Salvador 🇸🇻, a partnership with Augsburg CGEE, is now open to the public! Join Iliff faculty member, Dr. Miguel De La Torre, on this 11-day journey of education and enrichment Nov. 30-Dec. 10, 2024. 🌟 Some highlights will include meeting with human rights defenders, visits to historical sites, engaging with local social justice communities, tour of San Salvador, a visit to the site where Monseñor Oscar Romero was assassinated, a beach day on Costa del Sol, and more! For more details, including cost and the full itinerary, visit https://loom.ly/lkYJM9Q

📚✨ Have you heard about TIER, our new theological education program for the public? The first course is already in session and we're excited to highlight the second course, "Engaging Sacred Texts: Following the Lectionary Postcolonially" with Eric Smith, PhD. Register now at www.iliff.edu/tier and details below!

Dates: July 8 – 29, 2024

Focus & Course Options:
- Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary for Advent 2024 and Lent 2025.
- Frameworks and tools for postcolonial biblical interpretation.
- Create a postcolonially-informed worship plan for Advent and Lent.
- Focus more broadly on postcolonial biblical interpretation.

🎙️ In these divisive times, we must engage in meaningful conversations about complex issues. Iliff is launching the "We Advocate Freedom!" Teach-in Series, a five-session event starting Thursday, June 27th, to create a space for in-person and remote discussions. Details about Session 1 are below and be sure to Save the Dates for Sessions 2-5. Visit https://loom.ly/P3Tugu8 for more details!

🗓️ Session 1 • June 27, 2024
📌 Topic: Strategies Toward Effective Social Change
👥 Facilitated by President Lee Butler
🎤 Speakers: Dr. Teresa Smallwood, Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, and Bro. Daniel Klawitter

Join us to explore advocacy for inclusion and freedom, with insights from veteran leaders. Topics include protest and consequences, resistance strategies, and community organizing.

📝 Check out the latest reflection from our president, Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr., as he shares his thoughts on Juneteenth 2024. ❤️🖤💚 Iliff has long supported the work of abolition, emancipation, and liberation. Freedom is more than a sentiment. Those who believe in freedom must declare it for all still living in bo***ge and work to remove the obstacles that obscure emancipation. We Advocate Freedom for All! Read his article at https://loom.ly/EUShS4Y

❤️🌈 Listen to Bishop Karen Oliveto, a beloved Iliff trustee since 2016 and the first openly gay bishop of the United Methodist Church since 2016, share her story of love on StoryCorps with her wife, Robin Ridenour. Despite not growing up in a religious family, Karen's love for Sunday school ignited her passion for ministry. At 16, she delivered her first sermon. During seminary, Karen realized she was a le***an, but she persevered against the odds. We're inspired by her unwavering commitment to lead with love. Hear the rest of her story at https://loom.ly/myWguAI

“We’re Going to Lead with Love.” A Le***an Bishop Reflects on a Career of Service Karen Oliveto and Robin Ridenour came to StoryCorps to reflect on Karen’s career as the first openly gay Bishop of the United Methodist Church.

🚀 Don't miss out! Join the Iliff Innovation Lab and Colorado Smart Cities Alliance on Thursday, June 20th for the culminating event of the AI For Government series. This event features special guests, Governor Polis, State Representative Titone, and Iliff's own Ted Vial!

Discover how AI can revolutionize government services and enhance community living through an interactive, hands-on showcase. 🤖✨ Meet and engage with innovation leaders from across Colorado, including towns, cities, counties, utilities, and state agencies, as well as entrepreneurs, solution providers, and research organizations at the forefront of AI. Be there to witness the future of AI in government! Visit https://loom.ly/fYbMKTc to learn more and register.

🌈 Happy Pride Month from Iliff School of Theology! We celebrate and honor the ingenuity and resilience of our LGBTQIA+ community. We amplify the achievements and contributions of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have tirelessly advocated for freedom, authenticity, and equality. We stand with pride, we are q***r, and we are united in solidarity for a world where all people are loved and accepted in their entirety. 🏳️‍🌈💖

🎓✨ It's a season of celebration! 🎉 First up, Honors Convocation is on Thursday, May 30 at 4:00 pm in the Chapel at Iliff School of Theology, followed by a reception at 5:00 in Shattuck Hall. Then, on May 31, 2024 at 10:00am, the 2024 Commencement will be at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, CO. Our Commencement speaker, Rev. Joanne Rodríguez will deliver inspiring remarks to our graduating class of 2024, and receive an Honorary Doctorate degree. Both events will be live-streamed at www.iliff.edu. Don't miss these special moments as we celebrate our students, faculty, and staff! Congratulations, you did it!! 🎊

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🎉 ¡Felicidades al Dr. Miguel De La Torre! 🎓 One of our esteemed faculty members has been awarded a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, from Virginia Theological Seminary! Dean Cathie Kelsey shares her pride in Dr. De La Torre's exceptional scholarship and advocacy. Read more at https://loom.ly/Tvk7X2c and join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition!

🌟 Join us for the finale of our History and Memory Renewal season this Wednesday, May 15 at 12 PM MST via Zoom! Discover untold stories with Fran Campbell, President and CEO of the Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC). Explore the rich history of Asian American communities in Denver and learn how the ACC brings these stories to light. Don't miss this enlightening session. Register at https://loom.ly/Kj4p6gg

✨ Introducing TIER: Theological Education for Everyday People, a new program by Iliff School of Theology! For over 125 years, we've provided graduate-level education. Now, with TIER, we're offering our unique approach to theological education to the public with summer courses outside of traditional degree programs. Learn more at www.iliff.edu/TIER. Sign up soon—classes start June 10! See you this summer! ☀️

Don't miss this article by Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, a current Doctor of Ministry student! Featured in the opinion section of MSNBC.com, the article discusses the United Methodist Church’s historic vote signifying a monumental shift in LGBTQ acceptance within religious communities. Read more at https://loom.ly/FE6RTzY. 🏳️‍🌈📝

‘We can bring our true selves into ministry’: Colorado Bishop reflects on historic vote by United Methodist Church.

Colorado Bishop reflects on historic vote by United Methodist Church After over 40 years of banning gay and le***an clergy members, the United Methodist Church voted to end the practice.

Incredible News! 🎉 The General Conference of the United Methodist Church has voted to remove exclusionary language regarding ordination. There are now no barriers to ordination based on gender identities! 🏳️‍🌈 This momentous decision marks an extraordinary day—one that was unimaginable for much of the last 40 years. At Iliff, we continue to advocate freedom for all 🌈. We never take for granted the steps it takes to achieve progress.

🌼 Spring has sprung which means Gathering Days is here again! We welcome all Iliff students, faculty, staff, and friends for a week of activities starting Tuesday, April 23 through Saturday, April 27. Wishing everyone a successful week, see you on campus!

Join us in-person for "Dying Well," a conversation hosted by the Iliff Women’s Alliance on May 8 from 6-8pm MST. This event features Dr. Kelly Arora, Dr. Carrie Doehring, Rev. Dr. Val Jackson, Beth Eliot, and Tonya Hunt. They'll explore facing mortality, supporting others near the end of life, and spiritual caregivers' roles in a diverse world. They will also discuss meaning-making, legacy, and preparation for active dying. For more information and to register, visit https://loom.ly/KkGJq7o
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🎉 Join us in celebrating Professor Carrie Doehring’s retirement on Friday, May 31st at 4 pm in the Iliff Chapel! 🎓 We'll honor Professor Doehring's contributions to scholarship, leadership, teaching, and dissertation advising.

Enjoy a special chamber choir performance led by Choirmaster Tim Krueger. Stick around afterward for a reception with light refreshments. The celebration will also be livestreamed.

Consider making a gift to the Larry Kent Graham Scholarship, supporting students focusing on moral injury scholarship and leadership. Learn more and RSVP at https://loom.ly/ghz9NJA

We're thrilled to announce Rev. Joanne Rodríguez, Executive Director of the Hispanic Theological Initiative, as the 2024 Commencement Speaker for Iliff School of Theology! Join us on May 31 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, CO, as Rev. Rodríguez delivers remarks to the graduating class of 2024. Learn more about our esteemed speaker here: https://loom.ly/NkQJO0U 🎓🌟

📖✨ Recently promoted faculty member, Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, is releasing her latest book, "Unraveling Religious Leadership: Power, Authority, and Decoloniality" this month! The official publication date is April 23, so pre-order now! You can pre-order here, https://loom.ly/4AVu_Jo, on Amazon, and at other reputable booksellers.

🎶 Save the Date! 🌟 Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening with the legendary Michelle Coltrane, daughter of Alice and John Coltrane, on Sun, May 19, 2024 at 4:30 PM at Iliff. Prepare to be enchanted by soulful music and captivating melodies. This FREE event is not to be missed! Reserve your spot now for an evening to remember! Learn more: https://loom.ly/AtSevMU

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Don't miss this month's Renewal Session on April 17 📅 at 12 PM MST via Zoom! Dr. Loring Abeyta, Iliff’s John Wesley Iliff Senior Adjunct Lecturer in Religion and Society, will bring to light the hidden history of the Iliff Book. Joined by Iliff’s User Experience Librarian Ruben Figueroa and current M.Div. student Bry Brannan, they'll uncover this long-concealed truth. Join us for this important discussion! Register here: https://loom.ly/Tke1vtY

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🌟 Big News! 🎉 Iliff School of Theology Trustees promote and grant tenure to two outstanding faculty members: Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi and Rev. Dr. Eric Smith!

Dr. Lizardy-Hajbi, Iliff's first tenured Latina, is now Associate Professor of Leadership and Formation. Dr. Smith becomes Associate Professor of Early Christian Texts and Traditions.

Their contributions enrich our community, shaping minds and expanding perspectives. Join us as we congratulate these scholars! 📚

🎉 Iliff is thrilled to host the Society of Race, Ethnicity, and Religion's Biennial Meeting, themed "Seeking Justice Within an Apartheid America," in-person on April 5-7, 2024. Don't miss out! Register now to join us for this vital conference where we'll explore the question, "How Does One Seek Justice When Oppressive Initiatives Are Presented As Virtuous?" Check out the line-up of Glen Stassen SRER Scholar-in-Residence Plenary Lecturers below:

• Miguel A. De La Torre: La Locura of De La Torre’s Scholarship
• Juan M. Floyd-Thomas: Twilight for the Children of Light and Darkness: Religion, the Disinherited, and the Crisis of Apartheid Democracy
• Boyung Lee: Doing Antiracist Theological Education in America: A Transnational and Global Task
• Tink Tinker: Trafficking Grandmother: Challenging the Extractive Worldview of Postmodern Colonialism and Normative Discourse in the Academy

Let's gather for meaningful dialogue and action. Register at https://loom.ly/nqz-Vcw See you there!

🎙️ Our next installment of Pulpit+ Exchange will be on Monday, March 18 at 5:00 pm. Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, Iliff Professor of Practical Theology, will deliver an empowering message on "Adult Faith Formation Beyond the Church 'Walls'." Drawing from her diverse expertise as a religious education scholar, practical theologian, ordained clergy, and clergy spouse, Dr. Lee invites us to explore existential challenges faced by mainline churches. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from her research, be enriched by ministry experiences, and discover ways to expand adult faith formation beyond traditional boundaries. Register at https://loom.ly/GplbFIM