Trees that grow from deep roots can make the strongest leaves and bear the sweetest fruit. The same can be true of within faith traditions; where established congregations can have the most promising of futures. This is one of those moments. 

We are proud to share news of the Reverend R.E. Robinson, a graduate of Christian Theological Seminary and current doctoral student, who now serves as pastor of St. John Baptist Church on Indianapolis’s near east side. Under his leadership, the congregation is celebrating a significant milestone as its historic church building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

For more than 110 years, St. John Baptist Church has stood as a witness to faith, resilience, and community. Its recognition is not only a celebration of a cherished sacred space, but also a reminder that congregations with deep roots can continue to bear new fruit for generations to come. 

Reflecting on the historic designation and what it means to the community, Rev. Robinson shared, “The beauty of it is that the legacy St. John’s brings to the table in the fight for social justice and economic empowerment will not be allowed to fade in history. That building will always be there as a testament of the work that has gone forth from that sanctuary and from that congregation.” 

We invite you to read more about this remarkable church and the CTS leader helping guide its next chapter. 

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Sandy Garcia’s Ministry of Connection, Communion, and Community 

When Rev. Sandy Garcia (MDiv ’25) stood before the congregation at her ordination, she found herself at a moment she once never imagined — serving Communion for the first time as an ordained minister. Surrounded by pastors, mentors, friends, and family, she felt both the weight and the grace of the moment. 

“It was powerful,” she said. “To be surrounded by so many pastors praying over me, and then to serve Communion — I felt the presence of God in a very real way.” 

For Garcia, that moment marked not just a milestone, but the continuation of a journey shaped by calling, community, and a growing understanding of what it means to gather at the table. 

A Growing Call to Serve 

Garcia graduated from Christian Theological Seminary in 2025 with her Master of Divinity degree and is already continuing her academic journey as a Doctor of Ministry student. Her ministry, however, extends far beyond the classroom. 

She currently serves part-time at two Indiana congregations — Grace Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne and First Presbyterian Church in Bluffton — where she leads Spanish and English-language classes open to the broader community. Her bilingual ministry has become a vital bridge, connecting congregations with Spanish-speaking and immigrant neighbors. 

Her work in Bluffton began during her supervised ministry placement while she was an MDiv student at CTS. The congregation recognized a growing need for pastoral leadership that could engage both English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Garcia stepped into that space — and when her placement ended, the ministry continued. 

“What started as a supervised ministry placement became something much deeper,” Garcia said. “There was a clear need, and I felt called to continue serving there.” 

Her recent installation as Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church was a full-circle moment. She notes she had seen their post calling for a pastor years ago while she was a MDiv student, but she thought it sounded like a great fit. She wondered if the position would still be available after she graduated but assumed it would already be filled. As providence would have it, the position remained open despite continuing to interview candidates. They were looking for the right fit, and Sandy’s inclination was no coincidence – the pairing is a match made in heaven. 

Today, her work in both congregations reflects a ministry centered on relationship-building and accessibility — creating spaces where people feel welcomed, heard, and connected. 

At the center of Garcia’s ministry is a deep commitment to hospitality — creating spaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and welcomed. Whether teaching language classes, leading worship, or walking alongside individuals in moments of uncertainty, she understands hospitality as more than friendliness. For Garcia, it is a theological practice — one that reflects God’s welcome and invites people into community and belonging. 

That commitment to hospitality also shapes her academic work as a Doctor of Ministry student at CTS. Her dissertation research focuses on questions that resonate deeply for her: How can the church continue to open its doors to the community? What does a ministry of hospitality and reconciliation look like in our current context? Her studies help her explore how congregations can cultivate deeper welcome and belonging, particularly among Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities. 

Her studies continue to inform her ministry, helping her develop practices that foster connection, dignity, and care. “The DMin coursework has been great so far. While the MDiv follows a lot of required courses, the DMin allows me to focus on a central research topic that matters to me for my dissertation. I am able to personalize my coursework with courses that are particularly relevant to my topic,” Garcia says. 

As part of her coursework, she is currently enrolled in Trauma and Theology, taught by Helene Russell, a class that is shaping her understanding of how churches can respond to individuals navigating difficult life experiences. The course has helped Garcia further consider how hospitality includes recognizing trauma, honoring dignity, and creating spaces of care and compassion. 

Learning and Growing Together 

Garcia’s journey at CTS has also been shaped by partnership — both in ministry and at home. Her husband, Rev. Martin Garcia, has served as a pastor for more than 30 years and is also currently a Doctor of Ministry student at CTS. The two are members of the same cohort, allowing them to learn, reflect, and grow together. 

“It’s been really special,” Garcia shared. “We’re able to talk about what we’re learning, support each other, and grow together in this season of ministry.” 

Their shared academic experience reflects a broader theme in Garcia’s life — ministry grounded in community, collaboration, and mutual encouragement. When asked about the unique blessings and difficulties of a marriage where both spouses work as pastors in different congregations, she shares that the experience is overwhelmingly positive. The couple supports one another in the work they do, particularly when it comes to sermon preparation. 

“I will often ask Martin to listen to me delivering my sermon before it is final and give me feedback on how to make it stronger. I am able to support him in the same way. The hardest part of married ministry is making sure we set aside time every week to prioritize our relationship and connect with each other outside of ministry. Last week, we went to a movie together on a weeknight, and it was a great way to connect with no distractions.” 

Expanding Outreach and Community Connection 

Garcia is particularly energized by the growing outreach of both congregations she serves — especially among Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities. 

Her pastoral commitment to hospitality extends beyond the church walls. In Bluffton, she works with the local court system, helping translate for Spanish-speaking individuals navigating legal proceedings. Many of those she serves, she notes, are frightened, overwhelmed, or unsure of what is happening. 

“Often people will nod when asked if they understand,” Garcia said, “but they’re scared, shocked, or overwhelmed, and the information can be hard to process.” 

In those moments, Garcia sees her role as more than translation. Her presence as a minister offers reassurance and dignity, reminding individuals that they are seen and valued during difficult experiences. 

“It’s a way our church can serve the community,” she said. “Recognizing people’s humanity and offering hospitality in those moments can make a meaningful difference.” 

At Grace Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne, that outreach recently expanded through a new partnership with IU Health. The congregation launched a Congregational Care Network, a program designed to support individuals in the local community who are homebound. 

Through the initiative, volunteers commit to making weekly one-hour phone calls or check-ins, offering companionship and encouragement. While the church has long supported members through its elders’ ministry, this new program extends care beyond the congregation’s walls. 

“This is a way to meet people where they are,” Garcia said. “It allows us to connect with people we might never have known otherwise.” 

The program reflects Garcia’s broader vision for ministry — one rooted in compassion, accessibility, and meaningful connection. 

A Changing Understanding of Communion 

Garcia’s ordination service also marked a deeply personal milestone in her spiritual journey — her evolving understanding of Communion. 

She recalls a time when she struggled to connect with the ritual. While she recognized its significance, she often found deeper connection with God in other ways, such as running or personal prayer. 

“I used to laugh privately with God,” she said. “I knew Communion was important, but gathering at the table didn’t feel as powerful to me as other ways I connected with God.” 

Over time, however, that perspective changed. 

God began to reveal the deeper meaning of Communion — as a gathering of believers, united not only with Christ but with one another. As Garcia began to experience Communion in new ways, her understanding grew. 

Still, when she first considered leading Communion herself, she felt hesitant. 

“I wondered who I was to lead such a powerful moment,” she said. 

That hesitation gave way to affirmation during her ordination. 

“As I served Communion, I felt the presence of God in a powerful way,” she said. “It was deeply affirming — a moment that reminded me that God had prepared me for this.” 

True to her spirit of hospitality, Garcia made sure that Communion was accessible for everyone. She notes that gluten free options were provided, and a mobile Communion station moved around the sanctuary to those who could not come forward. Grace Presbyterian Church even makes digital communion guides available on their website alongside digital worship materials for those who join the service online. 

Leadership Formed at CTS 

During her time at CTS, Garcia also contributed to campus life by helping lead chapel services. That experience, she said, helped shape her pastoral voice and deepen her understanding of worship leadership. 

“Leading chapel was formative for me,” she said. “It helped me grow in confidence and in understanding how worship can bring people together.” 

Those experiences — combined with her academic formation and supervised ministry — prepared her for her recent ordination and installation as pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne. 

Looking Ahead 

As she continues her Doctor of Ministry studies and serves two congregations, Garcia remains focused on building bridges — between languages, cultures, and communities. Grounded in a theology of hospitality, her ministry reflects a deep commitment to welcoming others, honoring dignity, and creating spaces of belonging. 

“There’s so much opportunity,” she said. “People are looking for connection, for community, and for hope.” 

Garcia’s ministry reflects that calling — one conversation, one class, one act of hospitality, and one Communion table at a time. 

The post Alumna’s Ministry of Connection, Communion, and Community appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

Dr. Timothy McNinch admits despite his training, he still underestimates the genius of the ancients. However, following a 15-day pilgrimage to Egypt and Jordan, he was reminded of the “artistic, thoughtful, and cultured” life in antiquity.  

“We were able to reflect on the intersection of the religions of ancient Egypt and our own experiences of faith,” he said. “There are many similarities. We are all imagining our place in the cosmos.”  

McNinch, Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible and Director of the Master of Theological Studies Program at Christian Theological Seminary, recently served as “scholar in residence” on a 2026 trip that was organized by the Prince of Peace ELCA Church in Dublin, Ohio. Over 30 members of that congregation traveled on what McNinch called a “faith pilgrimage in the Holy Land.” 

“Although we traveled by bus, plane, and boat, we essentially followed the path of the Biblical Exodus,” he said. “We climbed Mt. Sinai, saw the Red Sea, visited Mt. Nebo where Moses died – we saw some really amazing things.” 

According to McNinch, he developed a fuller appreciation of how economically and culturally stable Ancient Egypt was to have such a strong infrastructure. He cited the construction of the Pyramids as one example by saying they are “baffling” in their scale and engineering.  

McNinch felt the same about many of the temples that they visited. “On the surface, they seem so different from our (churches) today, but they were marking sacred space in very similar ways.”  

One of the highlights of the trip for McNinch was a visit to the St. Catherine Monastery where one of the oldest surviving Greek copies of the Bible was found over 100 years ago. The “Codex Sinaiticus” was believed to have been created during the 4th century AD. This monastery claims to be on the site of the Burning Bush that Moses encountered.  

The hope for any pilgrimage, McNinch said, is for the participants to experience their own faith being transformed because of the immersion. For himself, he said he feels more connected to the stories of the Hebrew Bible – which are often focal points of the classes he teaches at CTS. 

“The writers of the stories, prophecies, and poems did not invent the stories in isolation,” he said. “They were regular people connecting the stories of their faith with their daily lives which helps me see the humanity in their writing. I am now someone who knows those places they are writing about.”  

McNinch hopes he can lead CTS students and alumni on similar travel seminars in the future.  

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Christian Theological Seminary recognizes the recent primary election victory of alumnus Frederick D. Haynes III (PhD ’25), who won the Democratic primary for Texas’s 30th congressional district, according to reporting from CBS News. 

Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III has served for decades as senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, where he has led a large, influential congregation known for its dynamic preaching and strong commitment to community engagement. Through his ministry, he has advanced initiatives addressing economic inequality, education, public health, and social justice, positioning the church as a significant voice for faith-based advocacy and community transformation in the Dallas area. 

A 2025 graduate of Christian Theological Seminary’s PhD program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric, Haynes’ scholarship reflects CTS’s commitment to forming practitioner-scholars. His doctoral work explored the homiletics and rhetoric of Black preaching and social justice proclamation, with particular attention to Afro-prophetic traditions. His dissertation Unashamedly Black, Unapologetically Christian: The Woke Preaching of Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. examines the meaning of “woke” preaching through the lens of Wright’s ministry and rhetorical witness. During his studies, Haynes also contributed to the seminary’s Mixed Methods Preaching Conference, engaging the intersection of research, teaching, and congregational practice. 

Haynes has returned to CTS on multiple occasions as a speaker, including as a guest preacher in chapel and as keynote speaker for the 2024 Faith & Action Fall Event Hope on the Horizon, where he invited faith leaders to serve as “Hustlers of Hope” in their communities. 

The primary victory positions Haynes as a leading candidate in the November general election for the Dallas-area congressional district. His ongoing work in ministry and public life reflects the broader impact of CTS graduates serving at the intersection of faith, scholarship, and community engagement. 

Read the full CBS News report:
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/results-texas-democratic-primary-district-30-frederick-haynes/ 

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Christian Theological Seminary alumna Rev. Dr. Rae Karim (MDiv ’14, DMin ’25) recently authored an article in the Indianapolis Recorder titled “A Legacy of Love.” In the piece, she reflects on the spiritual depth of legacy — not as achievement or recognition, but as the faithful transmission of love, wisdom, and witness across generations. 

Drawing on scripture and lived experience, Karim invites readers to consider how we are shaped by those who came before us and how our own lives participate in a larger story of faithfulness. Her reflection offers a timely reminder that legacy is less about what we build and more about how we love. 

She writes: 

“What do you think of when you hear the word legacy? Do tangible references, such as family heirlooms or financial inheritances, come to mind? As we enter Black History Month, a time to honor legacy, you may think about the legacy of ingenuity that led to some of the greatest inventions we enjoy to this day.
As we think about these things, I also want to bring your attention to another legacy. Though it is intangible, it is experienced in very tangible ways. This is a legacy of love that God blesses us with the opportunity to live into daily.”
— Rae Karim, “A Legacy of Love,” Indianapolis Recorder, February 6, 2026 

We celebrate Rae’s continued leadership in public theological reflection and her contribution to civic and faith conversations in Indianapolis. 

 Read the full article in the Indianapolis Recorder:
https://indianapolisrecorder.com/a-legacy-of-love/ 

Originally published in the Indianapolis Recorder, February 6, 2026.

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MA Comm ’85

This alumni story is from CTS’ Oral History Project, A Century of Crossroads, which captured the stories and memories of our alumni from our first 100 years in printed and digital formats. 

I had a long history with CTS because of the Repertory Theatre. In the late 1960s, I did voices on a show called ‘Time for Timothy,’ which was sponsored by the Church Federation. Over almost ten years after I graduated from high school, I felt I was called to ministry and didn’t consider going anywhere else but CTS because of what I experienced through the theatre. I got to know a lot of CTS students during that time: Larry, Jim, and Steve. Those were all people who served in the church, yet they also were very active in the theatre. I got my degree in communications and realized as I was writing a paper about doing ministry in the theater community that I was a self-proclaimed chaplain to the Indianapolis Arts Community. 

I started doing a lot of chaplaincies, but I wasn’t paid as a chaplain. I earned my living as an actress and a minister. It wasn’t until 12 years later, that I did a play at IRT Theatre. I got in and took a unit in Clinical Pastoral Education. That led me back to CTS because I didn’t have a master of divinity degree. To be a board-certified chaplain, I had to have a master of divinity degree. It has really been wonderful, and I am getting ready to retire. Almost every professor I had was a favorite professor. They are people who influenced me and encouraged me during my first time in the seminary. There were some people who were willing to help me look outside the box and see ministry in a creative way. Charles H. Ashanin came up to me in the hallway one day, and he would close his eyes and put out his hands. He prophesized and said, ‘You are like the Greek fire that is not to be put out.’ He taught Church History and Greek Orthodox History of the Church. He was really an encouragement in terms of connecting with my roots. It opened my heart and eyes to just how very Greek I am. I am currently serving on the CTS Alumni Board, so I still feel very connected to a lot of people or graduates of CTS. 

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On Thursday, October 9, Christian Theological Seminary welcomed graduates back to campus for a day of connection, conversation, and renewal at Alumni Day 2025. From the moment guests arrived in the Common Room, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and excitement – familiar faces reconnecting, new friendships forming, and a shared sense of purpose in the air. 

This year’s Alumni Day invited participants to “Reconnect, Reflect, and Be Renewed,” and that spirit guided every part of the afternoon. The five-hour gathering featured a lunch catered by Café Maarten, remarks and an open Q&A with President David Mellott, an inspiring alumni panel, and two rounds of small group breakout conversations on timely topics in ministry, counseling, and leadership. 

Gathering as a Community 

Alumni began checking in around 11:30 am before gathering for a welcome, prayer, and community lunch. Conversations buzzed across the tables as graduates from multiple decades shared updates about their leadership, families, and lives since leaving CTS. 

President Mellott opened the formal program with remarks that reflected on CTS’s mission and the seminary’s continued growth as it moves on from its centennial year to a new frontier. He spoke candidly about the challenges and opportunities facing theological education today, emphasizing the seminary’s commitment to forming leaders who embody God’s liberative, restorative, and life-affirming message. During an open Q&A, alumni asked thoughtful questions about current programs, enrollment trends, and the evolving landscape of ministry, leadership, and mental health work. 

Alumni Panel: Living the Vision 

Next, a panel of three distinguished alumni shared how they are living out CTS’s vision to be a community that gives witness to God’s liberative, restorative, and life-affirming message in their communities. Their stories were as diverse as their vocations but united by a common thread – each panelist models what it means to serve God’s transforming of the world by advancing scholarship and formation, embracing diversity, working toward justice for all, affirming God-given human dignity, and promoting healing and wholeness throughout creation. Panelists were: 

• Laura Beth Buchleiter (MDiv ’21) – Spiritual Director, Pastor, Community Builder
  Founder of the Coalition for Peace and Restoration, Laura Beth offers trauma-informed support for Indianapolis’s LGBTQ+ community. She also hosts the podcast Going Nowhere, where conversations about life, spirituality, and wholeness invite listeners into deeper reflection. 

• Jason Powell (MDiv ’18) – Author, Spiritual Teacher, Gospel Artist
  Jason’s work bridges theology, creativity, and empowerment. His book Reimagine God encourages readers to break free from toxic theology and reclaim abundance, identity, and freedom in the divine. Through music and ministry, Jason inspires others to discover the God who delights in their flourishing. 

• Andrea Russell-Cruz (MAMFT ’24) – Therapist, Mentor, Community Leader
  As a therapist in residence with Family & Community Partners, Andrea serves at-risk youth and families throughout Central Indiana. Her passion for mental-health access and relational healing embodies CTS’s call to promote healing and wholeness throughout creation. 

During their discussion, each panelist reflected on how CTS shaped their formation and continues to ground their work. Together, they illustrated how the seminary’s mission to form disciples for church and community leadership is bearing fruit in congregations, clinics, and communities across the country. 

From Reflection to Action 

Following the panel, alumni enjoyed a coffee break and reoriented towards afternoon breakout sessions—spaces designed for dialogue, collaboration, and creative problem-solving centered on topics relevant to our current context. 

The breakout conversations invited alumni to dive deeper into issues at the heart of counseling, ministry, leadership, and public life today: 

• As Leaders, What Do We Do?  A discussion on civil and human rights 

• From Divides to Dialogue – Finding common humanity in disagreement 

• Mental Health: Increased Need, Increased Demand… Decreased Funding 

• Retirement: The Next Era of Leadership 

• Tools for a Better Tomorrow?  Exploring AI in ministry, therapy, and leadership 

Each session was facilitated by CTS alumni and staff, creating space for honest conversation and shared learning. Participants noted how encouraging it was to meet others navigating similar challenges in ministry and counseling – proof that even in an increasingly digital world, in-person connection still matters. 

Closing in Community 

The group reconvened at the end of the afternoon for closing reflection, sharing highlights, insights, and renewed commitments. Laughter mingled with gratitude as alumni expressed appreciation for being together again in the sacred rhythm of prayer, learning, and fellowship. 

As one attendee put it, “It felt like coming home. CTS continues to remind us that the work we do in our communities is connected to something larger – God’s ongoing transformation of the world.” 

Continuing the Connection 

Alumni Day 2025 reflected what makes the CTS community special: a deep well of scholarship, compassion, and shared calling that transcends graduation years and professional roles. The event served as both reunion and recommissioning – an invitation to stay connected, share wisdom, and support one another in the work ahead. 

For those who couldn’t attend, CTS will host additional online alumni gatherings in the months ahead. Keep an eye on your email inbox for future dates and registration links. 

In the meantime, the message of Alumni Day endures: our shared faith and formation continue to ripple outward – through ministries, classrooms, therapy sessions, and creative endeavors that bear witness to God’s liberative and life-affirming message. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us in person, to our alumni panelists for sharing their stories, and to all who continue to live out the CTS mission in the world. 

The post Highlights from Alumni Day appeared first on Christian Theological Seminary.

AMBER DAWN TREJO, MAMFT ‘20 

I grew up in California, so I had never heard of Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) before. I moved to Indiana, and I enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College for my associate’s degree. My professor for Abnormal Psychology told me about CTS because she knew that I was interested in working with married people, couples, and families. I was set once I toured the campus. I wanted to be a marriage and family therapist, but I had never done any work to heal my own childhood trauma before entering the program. I shared experiences with my cohort that I never felt safe enough to share before. I felt accepted. It was a very transformative and healing experience to have others be just as vulnerable with me. I have never felt as connected with another group of people. I realized that it was safe to open up and share. I appreciated the questions that they asked, the papers we had to write, and the group projects we had to do. I had two children when I started at CTS. I ended up getting pregnant during my last year in school, and I had my baby on March 12, 2020. It was challenging and hard, but I also couldn’t imagine doing it another way. Going through the program and getting my degree when I did made me such a better mom. I was prepared to graduate, and then everything shut down when the COVID-19 pandemic happened. My husband was in the Army Reserve, so he was mobilized to work in an Army hospital in Detroit for two months right after we had our baby. I was so close to giving up, but my colleagues surrounded me and helped me finish. They brought me groceries, cooked me dinners, and helped take care of my kids. That connected me to CTS on an even deeper level. I am forever grateful for the community and parts of me I found at CTS while on my journey there. 

 This alumni story is from CTS’ Oral History Project, A Century of Crossroads, which captured the stories and memories of our alumni from our first 100 years in printed and digital formats.   

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What I Lost When I Spoke for a Detained Colleague — and Why I’d Do It Again

Editorial by Elizabeth Diop (MDiv ’15)

The Detention

I held it in during our emergency meeting at work. Bit my cheek. Pursed my lips to stop the quivering of my chin. Inhaled a little deeper to soothe the hitch in my breath.

Ayman Soliman. My beloved colleague. Faith leader. Chaplain. A man of compassion and moral courage. An asylum seeker. Imam. Chaplain.

Detained. Incarcerated.

Because he had the audacity to come to the United States, believing that here, he would be safe.

At the press conference that afternoon, it was hard to hear from behind the leaders speaking. But I caught that Ayman had been interrogated for hours. I hadn’t known that.

I let the tears fall. Wiped them with the collar of my shirt.

His work authorization was abruptly taken from him. A hearing pushed back.

His lawyers had expected that day’s immigration check-in to be routine.

They were wrong.

For the past four years, Ayman has been part of our spiritual care team, serving children and families with integrity, humility, and love. His presence has been a gift to our hospital and community.

He faithfully accompanied families through their most painful moments. He lifted prayers of celebration as parents prepared to bring their children home. He stood beside them as they held their child for the last time.

Word’s can’t fully express the comfort and hope Ayman’s presence brought in those agonizing moments.

And now he can’t. Because we have an immigration system that punishes the vulnerable and preys on the innocent.

My favorite memory with him? Two Muslim teenagers in our residential program wanted to visit the mosque during the holy month of Ramadan. He helped coordinate a supervised outing, found mosque-appropriate clothing for them, and welcomed them at the door like royalty. He led prayers, involved them in worship, and sat with them at a reserved table for Iftar supper.

I wish you could have seen the joy and pride on their faces. They’ll never forget that night.

And now? He’s in a cell.

The Open Letter

After the press conference, we clergy leaders gathered to plan next steps. I agreed to draft an open letter for clergy to sign in support of him. I didn’t know how to write an open letter. I didn’t know what to put in it.

But if they’d asked me to do the chicken dance in a bikini on Saturday Night Live and I thought it would help my friend? I’d do it.

Because the kids and families at the hospital need him. Our team needs him. And most importantly, he deserves to make it home safely.

I wrote the letter, and it was signed by hundreds of clergy across Greater Cincinnati. A reminder to Ayman that he’s not alone. A reminder to decision-makers that we are all watching the choices they make.

On Sunday morning, I was able to visit Ayman at the detention center, through video. He told me he felt God’s presence. He was touched by the compassion of others detained with him. He said he was sustained by the support pouring in from the community.

The Rally

We had a rally outside the hospital four days after Ayman was detained. By the second hour, we were all hot and tired. I pulled my kids back from the street for the third time. My eleven-year-old daughter, Anta, glared at me. I tapped my ear and pointed at the person speaking on the other side of the road. Listen, I mouthed.

We stood with a crowd along a busy street, holding signs of support for Ayman. My eight-year-old held hers up proudly, declaring, “Ayman Soliman—We love you so much!”

The next morning, a reporter reached out. She wanted to interview me about my visit with Ayman. I took a half day of PTO and met her near the hospital. The interview went well. It aired that evening and helped elevate Ayman’s story. All he’d asked was that we talk about him and how unfair this situation was, and I had honored that request.

The Consequences

But the next morning, my director stopped me, her mouth in a tight line.

“You’re facing disciplinary action,” she said.

“Could I be fired?”

“Leadership said, ‘Up to and including potential termination.’”

Because I spoke.

Because I supposedly violated a media policy I didn’t fully understand.

A policy so “tricky” even HR admitted it was confusing. One that restricts any unsanctioned media interaction that could be interpreted as speaking on behalf of the hospital—even if you’re off-campus, on PTO, and out of uniform.

I spoke about a visit in detention with my friend and former coworker. Off the clock. As a private citizen. But the story identified me as a Children’s Hospital employee. And they showed the hospital in the background. I couldn’t help but wonder if a donor had been offended. Or if leadership feared retaliation from the current administration.

Ten years of service. Hundreds of children and families I’d walked with through trauma, grief, and healing. Over.

Another colleague, Adam Allen, was also fired less than an hour before me. He was told his social media went against the values of the institution. Every post I saw was focused on Ayman—telling his story, raising awareness, and trying to save his life.

When I told my kids what happened, my eleven-year-old daughter expressed worries about back-to-school supplies. My twelve-year-old son was afraid we might lose our house. My teenager offered to get a job at a factory to help support the family. And me? I couldn’t process it all. But I could continue to speak for Ayman. To local news organizations. To Salon. To Rolling Stone. To The Guardian. To anyone who would listen.

I don’t regret speaking. I regret that the institution Ayman and I had served for years—which could have spoken with us—chose instead to stay quiet and to silence our voices. We tried to save the life of our beloved friend. And for that, we were ripped away from the work we loved and stripped of the stability our families need.

The Loss

A few days after my termination, I turned in my keys. Met my manager outside the office that had been like a home to me. Handed him my badge. Returned to my van.

The pain is overwhelming. I loved my work. I loved those kids. I even loved the impossible moments—coaching a grandmother through telling her grandson his mom had died, sitting with staff shattered by a patient’s death, kneeling on a quiet room floor to help a child breathe before they exploded.

Losing it all has shattered me. But I still believe in the words I prayed so often with our patients:

Creator God,
Thank you for the gift of these children.
For their resilience. For their courage. For their incredible potential.
Please heal their wounds and give them hope.
Amen.

The Call

That prayer? I pray it for Ayman, too. And for us. You and me.

I want to tell my Christian Theological Seminary community this:

We were trained to be truth tellers and faith leaders, to carry the light into dark places, to hold fast to our values, even when it’s costly. Ayman has done this, in every way possible. Adam and I have tried to do it as well. It’s messy. It’s terrifying. And it’s worth it.

Ayman Soliman is worth it.

And so is every other person detained with him and at overcrowded facilities across the country.

So I leave you with the same call I keep giving myself:

When the moment comes, may each of us prioritize God’s call. May we write legislators. Support immigration justice groups. Stand beside neighbors whose status makes them vulnerable.

May we refuse to stay silent. May we engage in the costly work of pursuing justice.

No matter what else we may lose, may we keep our souls.

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Christian Theological Seminary was proud to be present at the 2025 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), held July 12–15 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Assembly, centered on the theme “BEYOND” (Ephesians 3:20–21), brought together thousands of Disciples from across the U.S. and Canada for worship, learning, and connection. For CTS, it was an energizing opportunity to renew relationships, make new friends, and share the good work happening in and through our seminary community.

CTS’s presence was anchored by a team of staff who attended the full Assembly: President David Mellott, Vice President for Advancement Kristin Champa, Stephanie Seeger (Alumni Engagement & Communications Officer), Charlie DeMaio (Senior Development Officer), and DeNeen Collins (Director of Recruiting & Admissions). Each brought their own energy and expertise to engaging attendees and deepening CTS’s presence throughout the event.

Hospitality at the CTS Booth

Throughout all four days, CTS hosted a welcoming and dynamic exhibit booth in the General Assembly exhibit hall. With inviting couches and a living-room feel, the booth quickly became a hub of activity. Alumni, friends of the seminary, and curious first-time visitors stopped by for conversation, rest, and connection.

The booth offered a variety of popular branded giveaways—some showcasing CTS’s general identity and others created specifically for alumni. A highlight for many visitors was the CTS Crossroads book, filled with alumni reflections and stories that provided a meaningful window into the history, scholarship, and spirit that have defined the seminary’s first 100 years.

Signature CTS Events

In addition to its ongoing exhibit presence, CTS hosted two signature events at the Assembly: a Presidential Reception on Sunday, July 13, and the CTS Alumni Luncheon on Tuesday, July 15.

The Sunday reception offered space for alumni, colleagues, and new friends to gather for conversation, connection, and encouragement.

The Alumni Luncheon brought together graduates from six decades for a vibrant time of reconnection. President Mellott offered reflections on CTS’s centennial, shared insights into the seminary’s current context and future vision, and spoke to the vital impact of alumni in a hurting world and the essential role of theological education in today’s landscape. His words sparked thoughtful conversation among attendees about ways CTS can support our alumni in a time that can be particularly challenging and exhausting for theological and counseling leaders.

Deepening Community and Future Possibilities

The General Assembly provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen and expand CTS’s relationships—within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and beyond. Many alumni expressed deep appreciation for CTS’s presence and ongoing partnership, while others shared powerful stories of how their formation at CTS continues to shape their ministries and callings. The gathering also opened the door to new connections, as attendees explored CTS’s programs, values, and community life.

It was especially moving to witness the many ways CTS alumni and friends contributed—preaching in plenary worship, leading workshops, and representing Disciples of Christ ministries throughout the exhibit hall. Equally heartening was the presence of the next generation, as alumni’s children played, prayed, and built community together during children’s programming and field trips.

Looking Ahead

CTS’s participation in the 2025 General Assembly was a joyful expression of connection, hospitality, and hope. As we move through our 100th year and into our next chapter, the energy of General Assembly serves as a reminder of the vibrant and growing community that surrounds and supports the seminary’s mission.

We are grateful to all who stopped by the booth, attended a CTS event, or reached out to reconnect. We look forward to continuing the conversations and traveling our shared journey as together we share God’s liberating love and join God’s transforming of the world.

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