View the full Press Release: The University of Chicago and Chicago Theological Seminary Complete a Chapter of Historic Collaboration
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm CT
CTS is excited to welcome keynote speaker Rev. Lis Valle-Ruiz, PhD for the 2026 Castañeda-Jennings Lecture: ““Cuerpos Cuir que Cuentan: Preaching Pleasure Amid Peril”
In a moment when queer bodies are named a threat and are in peril, Rev. Dr. Lis Valle-Ruiz asks what it would mean to preach pleasure as sacred rather than shameful. Drawing on queer theology, embodied performance, and the lectionary itself, this keynote honors Gilberto Castañeda’s memory by insisting that the bodies the church has overlooked have always counted — and always had a story to tell.
Virtual Event
5:00 pm CT
Join us for Fall Convocation! This year’s Convocation Address features Dr. Kameelah Mu’Min Oseguera presenting “Rasikh: Rootedness, Memory, and Faith at America’s Crossroads.” Drawing on the SelebeYoon paradigm, the Black Muslim tradition, and the life and writings of Omar ibn Said, Dr. Oseguera explores what it means to remain spiritually, ethically, and historically grounded in times of rupture and uncertainty. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the address considers how memory and deeply rooted traditions can offer orientation, moral clarity, and hope amid questions of history, belonging, faith, and national identity.
Join the Zoom Meeting
View the Full Press Release: Yale Divinity School and Chicago Theological Seminary Advance toward a Historic Affiliation
4:30 pm CT Reception, 6:00 pm CT Lecture
Hybrid; Catholic Theological Union, 5416 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60615. The lecture will also be livestreamed.
This year’s C. Shelby Rooks Lecture welcomes back the Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr., President and CEO of Iliff School of Theology and former CTS faculty member. During his time at CTS, Dr. Butler founded the Center for the Study of Black Faith and Life and inaugurated the C. Shelby Rooks Lectureship. His return offers a meaningful opportunity to honor a part of CTS’s legacy while reflecting on the commitments that continue to shape our work today. The event will take place at Catholic Theological Union, 5416 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60615, as well as be livestreamed. More details to come.
Link to register:
Join the Zoom
5:00 pm CT
Online
Wednesday Gatherings return to CTS with Fireside Chat with the President, featuring CTS President Dr. Brad R. Braxton.
Drawing on the United Church of Christ theme, “God is still speaking…”, Dr. Braxton will offer reflections on what this message means for CTS in our current moment. Following his remarks, the conversation will open to the community for questions, comments, and shared reflection.
This virtual event invites the CTS community to gather, listen, and consider together where we are and what we are being called toward.
Join the Conversation
5:00 pm CT
Online
Join us on October 15 at 5 p.m. CT for the virtual Victor Obenhaus Lecture featuring Jason R. Smith, “Guarding the Sheep in Cyberspace: Online Boundary Maintenance and the Evangelical Countercult.” The lecture invites reflection on religious identity, belonging, and boundaries in an increasingly digital world.
Join the Zoom
6:00 pm CT
Online
How can communities of faith prepare to respond thoughtfully and faithfully if challenges arise around our upcoming election? CTS invites the community to a virtual Election Crisis Scenario Planning session facilitated by The People’s Lobby and CTS faculty. Developed by Interfaith Alliance in partnership with Protect Democracy, this 90-minute facilitated exercise will guide participants through several scenarios related to the 2026 election. Together, participants will consider how faith communities can move beyond awareness toward thoughtful preparation—exploring how we might respond, communicate, and support our communities in moments of uncertainty or disruption. This interactive session offers an opportunity to learn together, reflect on our responsibilities in public life, and strengthen our capacity for faithful and constructive response. All CTS community and their friends/community are invited to attend.
Explore the Election Crisis Scenario Planning Toolkit to learn more about the scenarios, resources, and approach that will guide this community training: Election Crisis Scenario Planning
Registration is required.
Register Now
5:00 pm CT
Online
Join us for our November Wednesday Gathering, a monthly space for reflection, dialogue, and community engagement. Rooted in CTS’s commitment to faith, justice, and public life, these gatherings invite us to explore timely questions, engage diverse perspectives, and consider how our shared commitments shape the world around us.
Speaker and conversation details will be announced soon.
Join the Zoom
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sheraton Denver Downtown, 550 Court Place, Denver, CO
Each year, the AAR & SBL Annual Meetings bring together thousands of scholars, students, and religious leaders from around the world. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of collegial conversation and reflection with the CTS community. Faculty will share brief insights on their current scholarship and projects in a relaxed reception setting. Guests do not need to be registered for AAR/SBL to attend.
President Braxton will deliver remarks at 9 p.m.
Sheraton Downtown
550 Court Place, Denver, CO 80202
Room: Director’s Row I
5:00 pm CT
Online
Join us for our December Wednesday Gathering, a monthly space for reflection, dialogue, and community engagement. Rooted in CTS’s commitment to faith, justice, and public life, these gatherings invite us to explore timely questions, engage diverse perspectives, and consider how our shared commitments shape the world around us.
Speaker and conversation details will be announced soon.
Join the Zoom
5:00 pm CT
Online
Join us for our January Wednesday Gathering, a monthly space for reflection, dialogue, and community engagement. Rooted in CTS’s commitment to faith, justice, and public life, these gatherings invite us to explore timely questions, engage diverse perspectives, and consider how our shared commitments shape the world around us.
Speaker and conversation details will be announced soon.
Join the Zoom
12:00 pm CT
Join us for Spring Convocation with Professor Stone. More in formation to come.
6:00 pm CT
More information to come.
