Faith in the Public Sphere: Lifelong Learning spring 2026 events
Moravian University School of Theology is set to host a series of programs designed to inspire reflection, stimulate meaningful dialogue, and nurture the spiritual growth that defines our community.
In the new year and spring 2026, we’re bringing together our community to celebrate Black music and social activism, diving into the best ways to navigate current times and media with courage and discernment, and much more.
Come as you are – we’d love to have you join our community!
Cultivating Courageous Resisters: The Influence of Black Music and Media on Social Activism
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Nathan D. Baxter Forum for African American Studies with Dr. AnneMarie Mingo
February 19, 2026 at 4 pm at Lancaster Seminary’s Santee Chapel and on Zoom
Join us as we learn from Dr. AnneMarie Mingo, Associate Professor of Ethics, Culture, and Moral Leadership and Director of the Metro-Urban Institute at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Mingo is a leading scholar on Black Freedom Struggles, including the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and the Movement for Black Lives. Her research explores the socio-religious activism of Black women and how Black music and media influence social movements. She founded the Cultivating Courageous Resisters project, which equips intergenerational religious activists for contemporary social justice work.
Response by Lancaster Theological Seminary's Rev. Dr. Catherine Williams.
This Forum honors the Rt. Rev. Dr. Nathan D. Baxter, former Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, Lancaster Seminary dean and professor, and alum (MDiv 1976, DMin 1984). Bishop Baxter also served as Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
For Such a Time as This: Resources for a Faithful Response to the Present Moment
Couillard Memorial Lectureship with Dr. Hanna Reichel
March 6, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. at Moravian Seminary Bahnson Center Saal, Bethlehem, and on Zoom
This lecture is for people of faith navigating current times with courage and discernment. Reichel's work offers comfort and challenge through historical examples like the Confessing Church's resistance to Nazi Germany and portraits of inspiring figures who maintained integrity under oppression. Explore practical wisdom for uncertain times, Christianity's resources for resistance, and renewed energy for discipleship today. "None of this is unprecedented; what is unprecedented is that today it is we who have to do the hard work of seeing idols smashed, grieving and picking up the pieces, holding them into the sun, and seeing new refractions of light in their edges."
Hanna Reichel is Charles Hodge Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. An ecumenical Lutheran, Reichel serves as a ruling elder in the PC(USA) and on the Theology Working Group of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Their work has won honors including the Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise and has been featured in The Atlantic, Leading Theologically, and Homebrewed Christianity.
Responses from Dr. Lee Barrett and Michael Toy
Lenten Study (before Feb 18) - Cohort-based Book Club with introductory author videos and a book discount on Reichel's book, For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional
Doctor of Ministry Symposium: Research Projects in Context
March 26, 2026
This online gathering features the final research presentations from the graduating class of the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program as they share their research findings and how they are applying their work in the program will be put into practice within their ministry context. Join us as we celebrate the fruitful labor of these ministry leaders as they effectively apply the tools of the academy to meet the needs of the world.
Beyond the Headlines: A Ministry Leader's Guide to Media Discernment
Christian Otto and Dorothy Pfohl Weber Lectures
April 7, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Course April 13-May 4 (Location and format TBD)
This panel is for interested Christians and faith leaders who long to navigate the news and media today with discernment and wisdom. Expert panelists Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood of Word & Way join with School of Theology faculty members to offer skills and first-hand guidance about how leaders and everyday Christians can engage the news at home, with our neighbors, or in the pulpit.
For more information about our degree programs and upcoming events, visit moravian.edu/school-theology. We look forward to welcoming you into our community of caring hearts and thoughtful minds.