Phone: (860) 509-9500
Fax: (860) 509-9509
info@hartsem.edu
77 Sherman Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06105
You are here
Hartford Seminary News
Theology Scholar Named Coordinator of International Ph.D. Program at Hartford Seminary
Dr. Edward Waggoner, a scholar in the areas of systematic theology and religion and politics, has been named Coordinator of the International Ph.D. Program at Hartford Seminary.
Hartford Seminary Launches Program in Chaplaincy in Multifaith Contexts
Open to chaplains and those who plan to become chaplains, the Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy in Multifaith Contexts is designed to deepen understanding of religious diversity and to sharpen professional skills needed for service in multifaith contexts.
Scholar in Islamic Studies Named Visiting Professor at Hartford Seminary
Omer Awass, an instructor in Islamic studies with experience in the United States and abroad, has been named Visiting Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, starting in Fall 2012.
Three International Peacemaking Program Students at Hartford Seminary
Hartford Seminary welcomes international students from Indonesia, Pakistan and Iraq to study in its International Peacemaking Program.
New CD Featuring the Music of Professor Miriam Therese Winter Released
On January 15, the Seminary held a reception to celebrate the release of Miriam Therese Winter’s new CD, "Loving You, A celebration of All Creation." Please enjoy MT's remarks at the reception.
A Nigerian Peacemaker's Journey Plus the Annual Report
New study examines ten years of changes in American Congregations and new Alumni/ae Council officers are among the stories in this edition. Also included is the Annual Report of donors, with a President's Message.
if congregations can change, they can grow
HARTFORD, CT (December 19, 2011) – Congregations that are spiritually vital and alive, have strong, permanent leadership, and enjoy joyful, innovative and inspirational worship are more likely to experience growth, a new study has found. Other factors that support growth are being located in the South; having more weekly worship services; and having a clear sense of mission and purpose.
Scott Thumma Named Director of Doctor of Ministry Program
James Nieman, Academic Dean, has announced that Dr. Scott Thumma, Professor of Sociology of Religion, is the Seminary’s new Director of the Doctor of Ministry program. Dr. Thumma adds this to serving also as Director of the Seminary’s Distance Education efforts, the Parish Inventory program and a member of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research.
Lilly Endowment Awards Hartford Seminary $700,000 for Congregational Studies Project
HARTFORD, CT (November 30, 2011) Hartford Seminary is pleased to announce that it has received a $700,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to enlarge the conversation of engaged scholars studying congregations and to develop a website that disseminates resources for and insights from congregational studies.
Seminary community mourns the death of mary coleman
The Hartford Seminary community is saddened at the passing of Mary E. Coleman, a Ph.D. student and administrator of the International Ph.D. Program at the Seminary. Mary, who taught courses in American religious history, also was Assistant Editor for the journal Reviews in Religion and Theology. Mary died peacefully on November 24, surrounded by her family, at the Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain, CT. On November 28, a special chapel service was held in her memory at the Seminary.
Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins
Hartford Seminary invites applications for a faculty position in New Testament and Christian Origins that begins in fall 2012. The candidate should have expertise in any area of New Testament study, showing the ability to interpret early Christian literature in its historical and cultural contexts, with attention to and appreciation of its contemporary significance.
Psychopathy and the New Manichean Challenge to Moral Agency with Andrew Flescher, Ph.D.
This talk presents and evaluates the new "Manichean" challenge to standard (e.g. Kantian) accounts of evil that tend to rely, among other things, on a robust sense of personal responsibility. Watch the Video
Tina Demo To Head Recruitment and Admissions
Hartford Seminary President has appointed Mary C. (Tina) Demo as Director of Recruitment and Admissions at Hartford Seminary, effective October 31. Ms. Demo has 30 years of senior level higher education leadership experience in the areas of enrollment management and student affairs.
Common Cause President Speaks at Hartford Seminary
Hartford Seminary Presents Video of the lecture
A Pioneering Program to Educate Muslim Community Leaders
Recognizing the importance of educating Muslim leaders for leadership in the American context, Hartford Seminary is pleased to announce a Graduate Certificate in Imam and Muslim Community Leadership.
Ingrid mattson, director of Macdonald center, named to islamic studies chair in canada
Ingrid Mattson, Director of the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations and Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, has been named the first London and Windsor Community Chair in Islamic Studies in the Theology Department of Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, effective July 1, 2012.
Indonesian Officials Visit Hartford Seminary
Dr. H. Marsudi Syuhud, general secretary of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest independent Muslim organization, and Professor Dr. Said Aqil Siroj, general chairman of NU, visited Hartford Seminary to discuss a partnership in education. NU and Hartford Seminary agreed to an exchange of students for the Master of Arts and International Peacemaking Program that will begin in Fall 2012, or even as early as January 2012.
The State of the Study of Shi'ite Islam in North America and Europe
Hartford Seminary, in partnership with the Alavi Foundation, the Jafaria Association of Connecticut and the Islamic Institute of Ahl’albait, held a conference on “The State of the Study of Shi’ite Islam” on Saturday, October 8, at the Hartford Plaza Hotel, East Hartford, CT. Leading scholars of Shi’i Islam participated, and there was a concluding banquet, featuring Dr. Sayyed Hossein Nasr as the keynote speaker. More than 200 people attended the conference.
Memorial Service for Dr. Ibrahim Abu-Rabi’
Hartford Seminary held a memorial service for Dr. Ibrahim Abu-Rabi’, an expert on contemporary Muslim thought, who died suddenly of a heart attack on July 2 while attending a conference in Amman, Jordan. He had been an esteemed Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford Seminary from 1991 to 2008. The service included remembrance of a colleague and friend, testimonials, story-telling, readings, music and prayer. Video Part I
Judaism and Islam in America: Religion and Legalism
Professor Ebrahim Moosa, professor of Islamic Studies at Duke University, and Professor Arnold Eisen, Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, offered a free public lecture on "Judaism & Islam in America: Religion & Legalism" at the Mandell Jewish Community Center in West Hartford.
James K. Robertson Jr. To receive distinguished Graduate award
James K. Robertson Jr., a Trustee at Hartford Seminary and graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law, has been awarded the Distinguished Graduate Award by the law school's Alumni Association. Robertson, a partner with the law firm Carmody & Torrance, will receive the award at the annual meeting and awards dinner of the Alumni Association October 18 at 6 p.m. at the Rocky Hill Marriott Hotel.
Major Study Examines Ten Years of Changes in American Congregations
Despite bursts of innovation, pockets of vitality and forays into greater civic participation, American congregations are less healthy today than 10 years ago, according to a new Faith Communities Today report, , titled “A Decade of Change in American Congregations, 2000 to 2010." "This is a significant report that offers a quick, if not somewhat sobering, check-up for congregations and religious leaders who support congregations," says Professor David Roozen, its author.
American Congregations Increase Interfaith Involvement
One legacy of the September 11 terrorists’ attacks is a dramatic increase in American congregations’ interfaith involvement in the past ten years, according to a new FACT report, titled “American Congregations Reach Out To Other Faith Traditions: A Decade of Change, 2000 to 2010.”
Convocation
Hartford Seminary held its 2011 Convocation on Thursday, September 8, 2011 to celebrate the start of the new academic year. Students, faculty and staff participated in a program designed by Professor Miriam Therese Winter. We hope you enjoy these photos of the event.
Seminary hosts Iranian Scholar
Hujjat al-Islam Seyed Mohammad Reza Mohaddes, a prominent scholar who is Deputy of Research at the International Institute for Islamic Studies, Qom, Iran, and Deputy of Foreign Languages at Shahidayn Seminary School, Qom, visited Hartford Seminary for conversation with Seminary President Heidi Hadsell. Joining the conversation were Syed A, Raza of the Jafaria Association of Connecticut; Mahmoud Ayoub, Faculty Associate in Islam; and Steven Blackburn, Librarian and Faculty Associate in Semitic Scriptures.
Seminary Receives Grant to Educate Clergy in Multifaith Studies
The Association of Theological Schools has awarded Hartford Seminary a $5,000 grant to develop courses and a curriculum to educate parish clergy for a multi-faith world, through its Christian Hospitality and Pastoral Practices in a Multifaith Society (CHAPP) program. The project will develop a five-day continuing education program for congregational leaders, a course for Master of Divinity students and a Doctor of Ministry track that addresses multifaith issues.
Seminary Receives Donation for Peacemaking Programs
Hartford Seminary’s commitment to religious peacemaking has received a major boost through a $60,000 donation by a local alumna, Lynn Fulkerson and her spouse, Dr. John Fulkerson. The funds will be used in the Seminary’s innovative International Peacemaking Program and to support an endowed faculty chair in Abrahamic Partnerships.
Seminary Hosts Kazakh Scholars
Professors Mahmoud Ayoub and Ingrid Mattson met with three women from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan, in early July. Professor Ayoub hosted the group for tea and conversation, followed by a tour of the campus led by Professor Mattson. Visiting were Dr. Aktolkyn T. Kulsariyeva, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Sciences; Dr. Ainura D. Kurmanaliyeva, Professor of Philosophy and Political Sciences; and Dr. Aliya R. Massalimova, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Sciences. Dean Kulsariyeva expressed interest in sending students for study at the Seminary, focusing on interfaith relations or religious leadership.
Seminary Community Mourns the Death of Ibrahim Abu-Rabi'
Dr. Ibrahim Abu-Rabi’, an expert on contemporary Muslim thought, died suddenly of a heart attack on July 2 while attending a conference in Amman, Jordan. He had been an esteemed Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford Seminary from 1991 to 2008. Hartford Seminary will hold a memorial service to celebrate the life of Professor Abu-Rabi' on Sunday, October 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Seminary. Further details will be published as they become available. Please let Mary Zeman, in the President's Office, know if you plan to attend by writing to rsvp@hartsem.edu. Her phone number is (860) 509-9502.
Seminary Names Smith Faculty Emeritus
The Board of Trustees and Faculty of Hartford Seminary have named Dr. Jane I. Smith, a nationally known scholar in Islamic studies who taught at Hartford Seminary for 13 years, Faculty Emeritus. Smith was Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations and co-director of the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations. She also was co-editor of The Muslim World journal.
Hartford Seminary Receives Hoffman Foundation Grant to Provide New Computers for Students
The Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation of West Hartford, CT, has made a $5,450 grant to Hartford Seminary to equip a new student reading room with state-of-the-art computers. For the past two years, Hartford Seminary has been adding and modifying space to meet the need for additional study and community space for students. In the spring, the Seminary converted the room that formerly housed its bookstore into a quiet reading room. The room is adjacent to the library, has study tables and also houses reference books and materials.
Director of Recruitment & Admissions
Hartford Seminary invites applicants for the full-time position of Director of Recruitment & Admissions. This position will be responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of recruitment strategies to attract and enroll students at Hartford Seminary.
Special Donation to Hartford Seminary Library
Recently Trustee Umar Moghul traveled to several countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council. While in Qatar, he met with officials of the critically acclaimed Doha Debates. Now this meeting has led to a donation of a set of the debates to the Seminary library. They are available to library members. Write to library@hartsem.edu for further information. Doha Debates website
Faculty Search: Professor of Christian Theology
Hartford Seminary invites applications for a faculty position in Christian Theology that begins in fall 2012. The candidate should have expertise in Christian theology, with attention to its historical development, contextual engagement, and contemporary significance.
The Question of Jewish Identity
Professor Yehezkel Landau appeared on a Connecticut Public Radio program on Monday, June 13 that examined Jewish religious and cultural identity. Program Link:
Photos from Graduation 2011
Faculty Dean Efrain Agosto delivers the graduation address. Black Ministries Program graduates
Photos from Black Ministries Program Banquet
Keynote speaker: The Rev. Dr. Shelly D. Best. She is speaking at a new sacred desk that she commissioned, with donations, in recognition of her graduation from the Doctor of Ministry program at Hartford Seminary. Minister Daniel Bryant, Class President
Seminary Seminar Attracts Nationwide Religious Leaders
More than 30 experts in interfaith dialogue will participate in a new, innovative seminar in June, titled "Religious Leadership in an Interfaith World."
Seminary Community Mourns the Death of Bill Inderstrodt
The Rev. William Lynn Inderstrodt, Hartford Seminary alumnus and former pastor and denomination leader for the United Church of Christ, died on Tuesday, May 17, in Topsham, Maine. He was 83. "Bill was a person of wonderful humor, a great mentor to me personally," said the Rev. David Peters, who served with Rev. Inderstrodt in Danbury. "He loved the Church in all its manifestations: local church, national, and state conference."
The Other Eighty Percent: Turning Your Church's Spectators into Active Participants
Professor Scott Thumma and fellow researcher Warren Bird led a packed house in an interactive workshop on May 24 about their new book, "The Other 80%: Turning Your Church's Spectators into Active Participants.
Seminary elects new trustees
At the annual meeting of Hartford Seminary on May 23, the Corporators elected four new trustees and affirmed the appointment of Dr. Timur Yuskaev as a faculty trustee. Click here for biographies of each of the new trustees.
Hartford Seminary Hosts two Iranian Scholars
Hartford Seminary was honored to host two distinguished scholars, Mahdi Alizadeh and Mohammad Taqi Eslami, from the Academy of Islamic Sciences and Culture in Qom, Iran. Mr. Alizadeh, who manages the center of ethics and education at the Academy, spoke on May 19 on "Human As The Future Person and Happiness Equation; A Debate on Religion's Functions."
Seminary Honors Two Professors
Hartford Seminary held a reception honoring Dean Efrain Agosto and Prof Kelton Cobb on Thursday, May 12 to recognize their service to the Seminary.
Lilly Endowment Grant for Engaged Scholars Initiative
Hartford Seminary is pleased to announce that it has received a $50,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to plan new resources and audiences for the Engaged Scholars program. James Nieman, Professor of Practical Theology, will be the project director.
Drs. Mosher and Waggoner Join Hartford Seminary
President Heidi Hadsell and Dean Efrain Agosto are pleased to announce two one-year teaching appointments: Dr. Lucinda Mosher will serve as Faculty Associate in Interfaith Studies for the academic year 2011-12. Dr. Ed Waggoner, who received his Ph.D. from Yale University, will serve for one year as a Visiting Professor in Theology and Ethics
American Congregations hurt by Recession
The 2008 recession extended a decade-long erosion of the financial health of American congregations, with just 14 percent saying in 2010 that their financial health is excellent.
Uriah Kim receives Lilly Research grant
Uriah Y. Kim, Professor of Hebrew Bible at Hartford Seminary, has received a prestigious 2011-2012 Lilly Theological Research Grant for his new book, “The Politics of Othering in the Book of Judges.”
Community and Library spaces for Students
Students at Hartford Seminary now have a quiet reading room on the 1st floor and on the 2nd floor, Room 207 is now a multi-purpose student lounge, group study and break-out room to give students a place to sit and chat, work on projects together, or simply rest before and after classes.
The Pursuit of Happiness: A Spiritual Perspective
Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Founder and Director of Dar Al Mustafa, a seminary in Tarim, Yemen, and leader of the Ba’Alawi spiritual and social movement, spoke on Thursday, March 31, at Hartford Seminary. His talk drew about 150 people from New England, New York and New Jersey. Enjoy these photos of the evening.
Where We Live
Hartford Seminary President Heidi Hadsell and Trustee Reza Mansoor appeared on Thursday, March 10, on the public radio program, Where We Live moderated by John Dankosky. The topic was the Peter King hearings on Muslim radicalization.
Amjad Tarsin, Master of Arts Student
My Heroes: A Libyan Story -- "Now I understand. As I see waves of protesters breaking the muzzle of fear Gaddafi has put on the people for 42 years, now I understand."
Muslim World Journals Given to Philippines Library
Recently Hartford Seminary sent a set of Muslim World journals to the Institute of Islamic Studies of the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Receiving the donation were Acmad Macarimbang, an International Peacemaking Student in 2009-2010, Professor Macrina Morados, College Secretary, and Professor Julkipli Wadi, College Dean. Acmad is research assistant for the comparative religion project of the Institute.
Community Prayer at Hartford Seminary
On Monday, March 7, Heidi Hadsell, President of Hartford Seminary, and Daraneee Waraseth, a student, led a community prayer service in the Chapel. Participating in the service was Ezekiel Babagario, also a student.
Hartford Seminary Trustee in the News
Fatma Antar, a Hartford Seminary Trustee, and her husband Ali Antar, a former Trustee and president of the Islamic Association of Greater Hartford, are pleased with the move toward democracy in Egypt. They speak about the momentous change in an article in The Hartford Courant.
Marston Speight, 86, Passes Away
The Rev. Dr. R. Marston Speight, M.A. '63 and Ph.D. '70, one of the nation's best-known experts in Christian-Muslim relations, died Wednesday morning at his home in Cromwell, CT. He was 86.
Community Prayer at Hartford Seminary
Professor Miriam Therese Winter led a community prayer service in the chapel.
Faculty In The News
Professor Ingrid Mattson speaking on Purity, Simplicity and Balance at the Islamic Circle of North America 2011 convention.
Hartford Seminary offers Professional Speakers Bureau
If you are seeking a speaker for a program or event, consult this newly developed list of Hartford Seminary graduates and doctoral students who are experts in a variety of fields.
Professor Yahya Michot teaches "Introduction to Islamic Theology" in New Graduate Certificate in Imam Education
Hartford Seminary, in partnership with the International Institute of Islamic Thought, is offering a new Graduate Certificate in Imam Education. Recently, Professor Yahya Michot taught an introduction to Islamic theology to the program's students at I.I.I.T. in Herndon, VA.
State of Formation Website offers blogs by Hartford seminary students
Hartford Seminary students Jennifer Sanborn and Garfield Swaby are writing blogs for the State of Formation website, a forum for emerging religious and ethical leaders that was founded by the Journal of Inter-Religious Dialogue. Website
PBS To Air the calling: a new look at an old job
Independent Lens will air The Calling, featuring two Hartford Seminary chaplaincy students, on December 20 and 21, 9 - 11 p.m., on PBS stations. Featured are Bilal Ansari and Tahera Ahmad. The Calling follows seven Muslims, Catholics, Evangelical Christians, and Jews who are training to become professional religious leaders. The documentary takes viewers into the world of seminaries to tell entertaining and compelling personal stories of how faith is lived today. Details
Distinguished Scholars Visit Hartford Seminary
On December 16, Dr. N. J. Demerath III spoke at Professor David Roozen's "World Religions and Worldly Politics" course. Dr. Demerath is a retired professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, author of "Crossing the Gods, World Religions and Worldly Politics," a text in the course, and past president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. In this photo, he is pictured at right with Prof. Roozen and two students, Markus Ibrahim and Ezekiel Babagario.View Photo» On Dec. 3, Hartford Seminary hosted His Excellency Professor Sayyid Jafar al-Hakim, a renowned scholar from the Islamic Seminary in Najaf, Iraq. Prof. al-Hakim met with faculty at the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations and toured the Seminary. A partnership to provide texts on Shi'a Islam to the Seminary library and educational cooperation was discussed. View Photo» On Nov. 8, Hartford Seminary hosted The Rev. Dr. Naim Ateek, an Anglican priest who is founder and head of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem. Dr. Ateek engaged in a dialogue in the Dialogue in a World of Difference class and met with students in informal settings. View Photo» On Nov. 10, Hartford Seminary hosted Dr Mohammad Ali Shomali, head of the Department of Religions at the Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute in Qum, Iran. Dr. Shomali met with faculty and students during his visit. View Photo»
Women Religious Leaders
Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Director of Hartford Seminary's Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, is featured in a new book, "Breaking Through the Stained Glass Ceiling: Women Religious Leaders in Their Own Words."
Faculty In The News
Professor Ingrid Mattson is cited as "perhaps the most noticed figure among American Muslim women" in a New York Times article on Muslim women gaining a higher profile in the United States. Read article»
Celebrating Our 2010 Graduates and Our Alumni
Hartford Seminary held its Graduation Ceremony on June 4, 2010 and also hosted an Alumni/ae Reunion. It was a festive two days of activities. Celebrate these events with us: A Picnic for Class of 2010 Graduates The Black Ministries Program Graduation Banquet The Alumni/ae Reunion Graduation 2010
One Great Teacher
The Rev. Dr. Ralph Ahlberg, a Hartford Seminary alumnus and member of the Board of Trustees, recently delivered a reflection, titled "A New Game Plan: A Tribute to Graham Taylor," during Chapel at Hartford Seminary. Taylor was a pastor in Hartford and Seminary professor who influenced the social gospel movement.