News
The latest news from LTS!
LTS hosts a Storaasli Lecture on March 26th
- Details
On March 26th, at 6pm SK time, LTS will be hosting a Storaasli lecture on Zoom by The Rev. Cody J. Sanders, PhD. Titled “Understanding Christian Nationalism, Practicing Christian Community,” this lecture will focus on the degree to which Christian nationalism has upset the U.S. political and ecclesial landscapes for the past several years. Now Canadians are witnessing its emergence north of the border in unsettling ways.
This lecture will help participants understand the contours of Christian nationalism and its diffuse aims and orientations. Building upon an ability to recognize Christian nationalist thought and activity when it arises, the lecture will also lead participants into analyzing its relationship to the ways that community is cultivated and how we might embody relational practices that curtail the lure and influence of Christian nationalism in our communities as we practice the ways of Jesus.
Rev. Sanders is Associate Professor of Congregational and Community Care Leadership at Luther Seminary, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. Prior to Luther, he served as a parish pastor in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and as a higher education chaplain at both Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has published several books including, Christianity, LGBTQ Suicide, and the Souls of Queer Folk (Lexington, 2020), Corpse Care: Ethics for Tending the Dead (Fortress, 2023), and Spiritual Care First Aid: An All-Hands Approach for Church and Community (Fortress, 2025).
Olaf K. Storaasli was the President of Luther Theological Seminary from 1953-59. In 2000, he and his family set up an endowed Storaasli Lectureship. This fund is used to bring speakers from the United States to Canada, with the intention of enhancing ELCA-ELCIC seminary relations.
Here is the link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/my/kdh.lts
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STU employment opportunity: Recruitment & Advancement Ambassador
- Details
The three partner colleges of the Saskatoon Theological Union (STU) are seeking a highly motivated recruitment and social media expert to become our first Recruitment & Advancement Ambassador (R&AA). The R&AA will focus on attracting prospective students, fostering engagement with our alumni communities, and promoting our mission and programs through strategic use of social media and recruitment initiatives. Preference will be given to a successful candidate who can be on site; and consideration is possible for hybrid, but not remote.
The ideal candidate will possess Bachelor’s degree qualifications in a relevant field.
For further details on specific responsibilities, desired qualifications, hours of work, and compensation, please see the attached document:
All inquiries and applications should be sent to Hugh Williams, STU Advancement Director:
Please note: the deadline for applications is March 7, 2025.
Dr. Kayko Driedger Hesslein granted tenure
- Details
President Harrison is delighted to announce that Dr. Kayko Driedger Hesslein, the William Hordern Professor of Theology, has been granted tenure effective January 1, 2025 in recognition of her significant contributions to the teaching and institutional life of LTS. Dr. Driedger Hesslein joined the faculty in 2020 as a full-time professor, having previously served as a sessional instructor since 2015. She is the first person of Japanese descent to be granted tenure in the field of theology in Canada, and the second woman to hold a professorship in systematic theology at an ELCIC seminary. More information about Dr. Driedger Hesslein can be found here.
“I am grateful to God, the tenure committee, President Harrison, and the LTS Board for this continued affirmation of my call to teach and form leaders for the church. I look forward with joy and excitement to continuing to serve the LTS community in our shared ministry,” says Dr. Driedger Hesslein.
Professor Driedger Hesslein testing the setup of her digital classroom.
Professor Driedger Hesslein giving a presentation titled "Relinquishing Hope At/In the End" at the Canadian Theological Society Annual Meeting in June 2024.
Saskatoon Theological Union appoints first Director of Advancement
- Details
The Saskatoon Theological Union (STU) is delighted to welcome Hugh Williams into his new role as Director of Advancement for the STU. Hugh has served as the Director of Donor Relations at Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon (LTS) in 2017, and as LTS’s Director of Communications and Development from 2020 – 2024.
From Hugh
“I am honored to accept the responsibility and opportunity to be the STU’s first Director of Advancement, a senior leadership role that will direct the STU’s fundraising and public engagement efforts. This feels like a natural progression from the collaborative communications work I have already been engaging in with my STU colleagues. I am also excited to bring the same relational, donor-centered approach—which has proven so successful at LTS—to my fundraising work with the St. Andrew’s and Emmanuel & St. Chad communities. I will of course continue to serve the LTS community in the same capacity as before.
To me, the STU represents the aspiration of unity in diversity. This spirit of collaboration is not only foundational to what the STU already is, and hopes to become, but it is also essential in shaping leaders who will serve a global and interconnected church. I look forward to partnering with our generous supporters, alumni, and friends—as well as the gifted staff and faculty here in the STU—as we embark on this transformational journey together.”
Professor Schiefelbein-Guererro appointed as Chair of the STU Common Faculty
- Details
The Common Faculty of the Saskatoon Theological Union recently voted to appoint The Rev. Dr. Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero, Grace Professor of Leadership at LTS, as the new Common Faculty Chair.
The Chair is responsible for overseeing the regular meeting of the Common Faculty and encouraging open and transparent communication among the three schools as they work together and maintain their distinctiveness. The Chair works directly with the STU Academic Dean to ensure that the common degree programs are delivered with excellence.
The current STU Academic Dean, Dr. Lynn Caldwell, noted, “Dr. KSG has strong experience in faculty leadership and collegial governance, a wonderful sense of and commitment to the STU community and its programs, and I look forward to his work in this role.”
Dr. Schiefelbein-Guerrero responded to this appointment by stating, “I am honoured that my faculty colleagues have entrusted me with this responsibility, in which I can put into practice the work I am doing on leadership to benefit our students and the Church.”