New International Opportunities for UU Clergy and Seminarians

By Eric Cherry

Tsubaki Grand Shrine Scholarship Program The Tsubaki Grand Shrine Scholarship is available to Unitarian Universalist seminarians (in candidate status) attending non-UU theological Schools who have an interest in international and interfaith engagement. Scholarship recipients will be provided with expenses for travel to the Tsubaki Grand Shrine (TGS) in Suzuka, Japan, as well as room and board at the Shrine for two to three weeks. Starr King School for the Ministry has a similar program, and Meadville/Lombard is in the process of developing one. TGS is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, dating back to the first century BCE. The long-standing relationship between Unitarian Universalism and TGS has its roots within the International Association for Religious Freedom. This scholarship was established by Guji Yukiyasu Yamamoto, the 97th guardian priest of the shrine, to:
  • promote international and interfaith understanding,
  • provide opportunities for Unitarian Universalist seminarians to develop a deeper understanding of shrine Shinto tradition, customs, and practices, and
  • further develop close relationships between the Tsubaki Grand Shrine and Unitarian Universalists.
Find out more information about the scholarship and its application process! UUCP Sabbatical Program Experienced UUA ministers are invited to consider applying to spend 3- 4 months of a sabbatical with the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines (UUCP), providing skill development in these and other areas:
  • Nurturance of the UU faith through teaching and articulation of theological concepts.
  • Youth and Young Adult Ministry
  • Project development, management and community work.
  • Church administration, leadership and financial management.
Successful applicants should expect to be engaged in this ministry for approximately 20-hours/week. Contexts will include worship services, traditional classes and less formal discussion groups. The unique skills that a successful applicant brings to this ministry will also be integrated. The organizing and implementing body for this program will be the UU Church of the Philippines' Religious Education Committee. The UUCP will provide sabbatical program participants with housing and local transportation. Other expenses will be the responsibility of the applicant, with some assistance available from the UUA. Read more about the UUCP Sabbatical Program and how to apply! Photos from the December 2008 UUCP Youth Conference

About the Author

Eric Cherry

Eric was the Director of the UUA’s International Office since August 2007. Prior to this Eric served for 12 years as a parish minister with UU congregations in Burlington, Iowa and N. Easton, Massachusetts. Eric has long been involved in the UU Partner Church movement, serving as the English...

Follow/Subscribe

For more information contact .