New Seminary Name Highlights International Focus
“HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership” (HJI) debuted July 1 as the new name of the former Unification Theological Seminary (UTS). The cosmopolitan institution, founded by True Parents in 1975, continues to facilitate international dialogue and cooperation as its focus shifts more pointedly toward global peace and leadership.
In a community letter, HJI President Dr. Thomas Walsh said the name change “better reflects the developments at our institution,” noting a Peace and Justice track first added to the Doctor of Ministry program in 2006, as well as an Interfaith Peacebuilding concentration in the Master of Religious Studies program initiated in 2010, and the Master of Peace Studies program initiated in 2022.
“The focus on the role of religion in furthering peace ... has been a guiding theme for our sponsoring Church since the end of the Cold War,” wrote Dr. Walsh. “The emphasis on religion, peace, and peacebuilding have been hallmarks of UTS over the years. At this time, we are making that core aspect of our mission more visible.”
The “HJ” in the new name stands for hyojeong, which in Korean culture denotes filial affection, especially in relationship to God as the parent of humanity. “Unificationists believe that beyond religious faith, this pursuit of and sensitivity to God’s heart can help us to enhance our relationship with God, whether within the Unification community or any other faiths,” noted Dr. Walsh. He said the new name further underscores curricula also designed to “foster understanding, contextualization, and application of the Unification worldview in a world of diverse faiths” while building effectiveness in ministry and public leadership.
Additionally, the name change, viewed as a “new chapter” in the school’s 48-year history, may help tap a wider market of potential students who are attracted to its graduate and doctorate programs. New York’s Education Department and the State University of New York Board of Regents approved the change in an amended charter sent to the school in February after months of consultation with True Mother, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and other stakeholders.
The school “remain[s] fully committed to [True Parents’] vision” and “the tradition of UTS,” Dr. Walsh said, as the name change will soon be implemented on its website and other official documentation.
“I felt a great sense of pride as we held the 47th commencement ceremony recently for the Class of 2023,” wrote Dr. Walsh. “We have such wonderful students and alumni, and the inspiring testimonies that graduates shared at the ceremony about their time at UTS is a tribute,” he said, to the unwavering care and dedication of community members who “maintained high standards of excellence that are consistent with our founders’ vision.”
You can read Dr. Walsh’s full letter here, and review the name change FAQs here.