The Next

“The Next” documents our work in the public square. Read about news, events, thought leadership, profiles, and critical analysis.

A Progressive Pacesetter

Chicago Theological Seminary is a noted "pacesetter." That’s all part of our commitment to preparing #LeadersForTheNext

CTS enters into an academic partnership with Bayan Islamic Graduate School

An in-depth look into the first of its kind academic partnership in Chicago

2019 C. Shelby Rooks Lecture & Awards

Author, writer and activist Darnell L. Moore is our featured lecturer.

CTS to be featured on “Sanctuary”

CTS will be featured in this long-running show, produced by the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Meet us in Milwaukee – SYNOD 2019

Synod 2019 is this June in the wonderful city of Milwaukee and CTS is playing a big part in the annual meeting. From alumni gatherings to the pub crawl, we have great things in store.

2019 Commencement Ceremony at CTS

Graduates and their families are invited to join the CTS community at the following events leading up to Friday's Commencement Ceremony.

Dr. Zachary Moon publishes new book; hopes to spark conversation on veterans reentering society

Dr. Zachary Moon's latest publication expands on moral injury discourse and defines a new approach to conceptualizing and addressing moral injuries experienced by service members.

2019 Castañeda Lecture

The 2019 Gilberto Castañeda Lecture was held on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at CTS. The 2019 lecturer was Dr. Kent L. Brintnall, and his topic was Can We Queer Sex Abuse?  Rewatch it here.

Polity Course at UCC Synod

President Ray will be teaching a course at the 2019 UCC General Synod Conference in Milwaukee. Seating is limited. Register today!

CTS faculty, staff and students take part in Seminary Sunday

Seminary Sunday is coming. Members of the CTS community will be at a church near you.

IRI Public Symposium

Join Dr. Cassie J. E. H. Trentaz (PhD ’10), Dr. Uzma Jamil, and Michelle Lang on April 10th at CTS for the IRI's Public Symposium, Love In a Time of Fear.

Campus Closing Due to Weather

Due to inclement weather conditions in the coming days and for the safety of our community, we have issued a closing advisory for the seminary & Lapp Learning Commons. Click for details...

2018 Commencement Ceremony at CTS

Graduates and their families are invited to join the CTS community at the following events leading up to Friday's Commencement Ceremony.

2018 Castañeda Lecture

The 2018 Gilberto Castañeda Lecture was held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 5:15pm here at CTS.

Call for Papers for CTS Graduate Conference

Chicago Theological Seminary invites graduate students working in the humanities and social sciences, artists, organizers and intellectuals (broadly conceived) to submit papers on various topics and issues of the day.

CTS at Rainbow PUSH

Students, staff and faculty gathered at a recent Saturday Morning Forum to celebrate the organization’s anniversary.

CTS Represents at the AAR-SBL Annual Meeting

CTS is proud to recognize our 23 Leaders for the Next participating in the 2018 AAR-SBL meetings in Denver this month!

Marilynne Robinson Shares Lecture Text

Novelist and essayist, Marilynne Robinson will join us for an evening lecture on November 7. The event is FREE, but an RSVP is required. Seating is limited; register here.

Installation Recap

On Friday, October 12, 2018, we installed Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr as the 13th President in our rich 163-year legacy. Clergy, academia, elected officials, and friends gathered at Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago's South Side to celebrate this historic occasion.

Women’s Voices, Exceptional Conversations Series

We revisit our Women's Voices, Exceptional Conversations podcast series, featuring women from diverse faith backgrounds who are engaged in profound dialogue that is designed to address the intersections of gender, religion, and social justice issues.

IRI at Parliament of the World’s Religions

Learn how the InterReligious Institute and CTS will be partnering with the Parliament of the World's Religions in Toronto, Ontario in November.

The Bible: the Perfect Primer on Immigration Law for Senator Sessions

CTS Life Trustee Craig Mousin shares his thoughts on the current immigration challenges in the United States.

CTS Statement on Trump vs. Hawaii Supreme Court Decision

We hold fast to our commitments that compel us to embrace not only the rhetoric but the reality of diversity. We hold fast to engaging in work that unifies us as a diverse people and to speaking out against discrimination and prejudice wherever we see it.

CTS Welcomes Egyptian Delegation on June 25

On Monday, June 25, the InterReligious Institute, in partnership with Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is welcoming a delegation from Egypt and hosting an interactive dialogue, “The Role of Religion in Post-Revolutionary Egypt.”

Lapp Learning Commons hosts the Morgan Model Collection

The collection features seven model replicas of sacred spaces in the Chicagoland area including KAM Isaiah Israel Synagogue in Hyde Park and the Unity Temple in Oak Park.

Decision In The Masterpiece Cakeshop Case

Read President Ray's response to the SCOTUS' ruling in favor of the baker over the same-sex couple in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case.

CTS Pastors’ Experience

An event rooted and grounded in the African American cultural experience with the purpose to inquire and engage pastors, provide essential skills and professional development and address issues of importance to the African American church and community.

The Events Celebrating The Installation Of Our 13th President

Since 1855, Chicago Theological Seminary has pushed the boundaries of theological formation and education. Join us as we welcome the 13^th President, Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr. in our rich 163-year legacy.

Meet Brian Smith and President Stephen Ray

CTS alumni, students, and religious leaders, especially members of the black and African-American communities, are invited to join Brian E. Smith, Director of Advancement & Strategic Partnerships, and CTS President, Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray, Jr.

Rev. Barbara Lohrbach named 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

Chicago Theological Seminary is pleased to announce Rev. Barbara Lohrbach (MDiv '02) as the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Meet President Stephen G. Ray, Jr.

Get a behind the scenes look at President Ray's first week at CTS.

IRI Hosts Book Talk with Religious Scholar Reza Aslan

The InterReligious Institute welcomes CTS Board of Trustee, author, TV personality, and religious scholar, Reza Aslan to talk about his new book, God: A Human History.

The largest Master of Divinity class ever

This year’s Fall 2017 class marks the largest incoming MDiv class ever enrolled in the 162 year history of the seminary.

Now More Than Ever

Our CTS commitments have more urgency today than ever before.

Beloved President, Rev. Dr. Alice W. Hunt to Retire

Acting President & General Counsel, Donald C. Clark Jr.'s reflection on President Alice Hunt's announcement of her retirement.

2017 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Award winners have demonstrated that they are pillars within their communities and best reflect our message of love and tolerance.

Additions & Partnerships to Academic Programs

CTS will debut its Certificate Concentration in Chaplaincy Studies and two Academic Partnerships with Hartford Seminary and Aurora University this Fall.