2025 promises to be a transformative year at Iliff School of Theology, full of bold initiatives and meaningful opportunities for growth!
The year kicks off with President Butler’s participation in the January Renewal session, where he will share his vision for Iliff’s future and its continued commitment to justice, compassion, and innovation. But that’s just the beginning!
From a redesigned curriculum to conferences on climate action and leadership, and groundbreaking programs benefitting the wider community, Iliff is charting new paths to empower students, nurture communities, and address today’s most pressing challenges.
Here are 5 new things to look for at Iliff in 2025!
1. The New Iliff Curriculum (Launching Fall 2025)
Iliff’s new curriculum represents the next chapter in theological education, preparing students to lead with courage and creativity in a rapidly changing world.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.): The gold standard for chaplaincy and pastoral leadership, with renewed emphasis on justice and resilience.
Master of Arts (M.A.): Featuring concentrations like Social Justice and Ethics and Religious Trauma and Healing, the M.A. equips students to address pressing societal challenges.
The new curriculum blends rigorous academics with real-world applications, empowering students to imagine and create more just and compassionate futures.
2. Iliff Death Care Collective: Reimagining End-of-Life Care
The Iliff Death Care Collective is transforming how we care for the dying, the deceased, and their loved ones through education, advocacy, and compassionate support.
End-of-Life Doula Certification: Training individuals to offer emotional, spiritual, and practical support during life’s final transitions.
Specialized Micro-Courses: Explore topics like Death Doula Care for Animals, Legacy Projects, and Hosting Death Cafes.
Religious Community Partnerships: Workshops and training tailored for religious communities, helping clergy and congregations provide meaningful end-of-life care.
Iliff’s holistic approach combines practical education with emotional resilience, equipping death care professionals and community leaders to navigate one of life’s most profound journeys.
3. Sacred Earth, Sacred Action: Climate Science & Spirituality Conference
Happening February 8 and 10, 2025, the Sacred Earth, Sacred Action Conference brings together environmental scientists, theologians, poets, and faith leaders to explore the intersection of climate science, spirituality, and justice.
Highlights Include:
Keynote Speakers:
Camille Dungy, celebrated poet and author of Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden.
Dr. Randy Woodley, Indigenous scholar and earth justice advocate.
Conversations and Workshops: Topics like The Land: Where Science Meets Mysticism and Composting Christianity will inspire attendees to take justice-rooted, spiritually grounded climate action.
Elemental Wisdom Workshops: Explore earth, air, water, and fire as sources of resilience and wisdom.
Funded by the AAAS Climate Science in Theological Education Grant, this two-day event equips leaders with tools to address climate change in their communities.
4. The Installation of Rev. Dr. Cathie Kelsey as Dean of the Faculty
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, Iliff will formally install Rev. Dr. Cathie Kelsey as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty.
Dean Kelsey, an Elder in the United Methodist Church and a visionary leader, has long championed innovative approaches to leadership rooted in shared values of passion, compassion, and justice. Her leadership inspires experimentation and collaboration, preparing Iliff’s community for the challenges of today’s world.
As Dean Kelsey explains:
“The contexts we live in are changing rapidly. The ways we become community require experimentation. In my leadership of experiments, I root us in our purpose: ‘nurture passion, cultivate compassion, and encourage works of justice throughout creation.”
This celebration honors her unwavering commitment to Iliff’s mission and community.
5. Leadership as Justice: Academy of Religious Leadership Conference
From April 24-26, 2025, Iliff will host the Academy of Religious Leadership Conference, exploring the theme Leadership as Justice. Organized by the Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, Iliff faculty member and current president of the Academy, this timely event examines how religious leadership can center justice as a core framework in response to growing global injustices.
Key Questions Explored Include:
What structures and practices define just leadership?
How are just leaders formed, and how do they shape their communities?
What joys and challenges do justice-seeking leaders encounter?
Dr. Lizardy-Hajbi’s leadership reflects Iliff’s commitment to fostering conversations and practices that place justice at the heart of religious leadership. This conference promises to inspire participants to reimagine leadership as a practice rooted in equity, justice, and meaningful action.
Be Part of Iliff’s Future
From reimagining theological education to exploring justice in leadership and addressing climate resilience, Iliff is leading the way with bold, transformative initiatives. Whether you’re a current student, alum, or community partner, 2025 offers opportunities to learn, engage, and create meaningful change!