iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

I am devastated by today's shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego — a house of worship, a school, a sacred community. Three innocent people are dead. This was not random. This was anti-Muslim hate.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

At Union, we strongly support Pope Leo as he speaks the truth about the Gospel. His words condemning war and calling for peace are Gospel-true. His affirmation of the sacredness of human and planetary life is Gospel-true.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

In 2015, I stood on Iranian soil. I have prayed with the Iranian people, broken bread, looked into their eyes, and stayed in their homes. I built friendships and was part of creating the foundation for diplomacy. This is slaughter.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Today, the Supreme Court struck down protections against conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth — on Transgender Day of Visibility. To our trans siblings: we see you. We grieve with you. We are not looking away. You are not broken. You do not need to be fixed. You are beloved, exactly as you are...

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

My heart breaks for our siblings at Temple Israel in Michigan. Today's attack on the nation's largest Reform synagogue is an attack on all of us. To Michigan's Jewish community and beyond: you are not alone. We stand with you. Antisemitism is a sin, and silence is not an option.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Today we mourn the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson — pastor, prophet, and tireless champion for justice...

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

The removal of the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument is not just symbolic — it is an attempt to obscure sacred history...

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

I am outraged by the racist social media posts targeting Michelle and Barack Obama, shared by Donald Trump. Racism is not only a political sin—it is a moral and spiritual one. It desecrates the divine image in our neighbors and corrodes the soul of our common life...

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Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York @unionseminary.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Closing Rikers isn’t enough. Without addressing poverty, trauma, housing, and mental health, we’ll just repeat the same harms in smaller buildings...

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

I am shocked and horrified by the attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during her town hall with her community in Minneapolis. This violence—and the climate of hatred fueling it—grieves me deeply. It is terrifying to witness how our nation is devolving...

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Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York @unionseminary.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Far-right forces are attacking higher education, and it’s no surprise. Union President @serenejones.bsky.social and Faculty Member Dr. Jorge Juan Rodríguez V joined @wajali.bsky.social’s “The Left Hook” to discuss the long history of corrupt leaders undermining higher ed, and how higher ed...

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

My heart is breaking for Minneapolis. Amid escalating ICE operations, Alex Pretti — a U.S. nurse who devoted his life to caring for veterans — has been killed. This is a moral outrage...

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

This week, I heard from a Union alum in Minnesota who is on the ground—describing every day a growing atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and heartbreak as federal immigration enforcement sweeps through neighborhoods and schools...

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

My heart is with the Jewish community in Jackson, Mississippi, and with Beth Israel Congregation synagogue after this antisemitic arson attack. An act of violence against a house of worship wounds the soul of a community...

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

My heart is broken and my conscience outraged by the killing of Renee Nicole Good and others by ICE. Every human life is sacred. State violence that tears families apart and extinguishes life demands our moral reckoning. I hold her loved ones—and all living in fear—in prayer, grief, and solidarity.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

My heart breaks for the Jewish community in Australia—and for Jewish communities across the world—that something so horrific would happen during Hanukkah, a sacred time of celebration. Everyone should be able to observe their faith traditions in peace and safety.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

YES!!! (Photo Credit: Reuters on Election Night at Mayor-Elect Mamdani's Victory Celebration)

A large crowd gathers at an outdoor political rally, standing behind metal barricades. Many attendees hold up smartphones and signs. One central sign reads "THE WORLD ❤️ NYC MAYOR MAMDANI." Another sign to the right promotes a candidate with the text "DEMOCRATS FOR ZOHRAN – ZOHRAN YOU CAN AFFORD – ZOHRAN KWAME MAMDANI – DEMOCRATSFORZOHRAN.COM." The atmosphere is energetic and supportive, reflecting civic engagement and enthusiasm for the candidates.

(Photo Credit: Reuters on Election Night at Mayor-Elect Mamdani's Victory Celebration)

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

New Yorkers – it’s Election Day! As President of Union Theological Seminary, I believe deeply in our shared call to justice, community, and the dignity of all people. Voting is one of the most profound ways we live out that call.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

The images from Gaza — starving children, devastated families — reveal not just a humanitarian emergency, but a moral crisis. At Union Theological Seminary, we reaffirm: every life is sacred. Every death is a rupture in the body of God.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

The IRS’s ruling allowing churches to endorse political candidates marks a significant and unfortunate shift. At Union, we believe the public has been well served by tax-exempt religious institutions refraining from participation in partisan political activity.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Today is Election Day in NYC! As people of faith and conscience, voting is one powerful way we shape a more just and compassionate society. I urge all New Yorkers to make your voice heard today. Polls are open from 6 AM to 9 PM.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

As war escalates, we pray for peace, justice, and the protection of all civilians and those in military service. At Union, we reject the logic of war and call on leaders to choose de-escalation, dialogue, and compassion over violence.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

At Union, we know children's medical decisions must be made with compassion—by their guardians, doctors and the child—not the state. Protecting trans youth is a moral and spiritual duty. To our trans students, alumni, and neighbors: you are beloved. Your humanity and dignity are not up for debate.

nytimes.com

Sotomayor Writes the Court ‘Abandons’ Transgender Children to ‘Political Whims’

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

We are heartbroken by the senseless killing of Israeli Embassy staff in DC. This trauma weighs heavily on all of us. Our communities need justice, dignity, and safety for all people. We mourn this loss of life and stand against all forms of violence. It must end.

npr.org

2 Israeli Embassy aides are killed in a shooting in Washington, D.C., officials say

As attendees departed an event held by a Jewish advocacy organization in D.C. on Wednesday night, a shooter opened fire, killing two. Later, he chanted "free Palestine," D.C. police officials said.

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Reposted by Rev. Dr. Serene Jones

Corey Nathan @coreysnathan.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

Political strain? 🌍 @serenejones.bsky.social of @unionseminary.bsky.social suggests our duty is to build bridges to Trump voters questioning that vote – to catch them falling! Catch them in love and simply converse. Walls mean no one to catch anyone. #BridgeBuilding #CatchThem

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost, the first Peruvian and American to be elected pope. We look forward hopefully to the continuation of Pope Francis' legacy of building bridges and centering the most vulnerable among us in the church's global movement of peace.

nytimes.com

Live Updates: Robert Francis Prevost Is 1st American Pope

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Reposted by Rev. Dr. Serene Jones

Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York @unionseminary.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

@unionseminary.bsky.social President @serenejones.bsky.social joined @ministter.bsky.social on the Make it Plain podcast where they discussed faith, justice & action in times of conflict—drawing on Bonhoeffer, MLK, and her visits with congregations across the U.S.

Graphic for "Make It Plain" podcast with Rev. Mark Thompson

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Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York @unionseminary.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

“You see extended into his papacy the work that he did for so many years in Argentina, where he was known as a Jesuit leader, a priest who attended so carefully to the poor, the vulnerable, was amongst the masses of people, didn’t separate himself,

Picture of UTS President Rev. Dr. Serene Jones sitting with PIX11 News Crew in front of a picture of Pope Francis.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

We join communities around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His ministry was marked by compassion, humility, and a call to justice that resonated far beyond the Church.

religionnews.com

Pope Francis, charismatic reformer and disruptor, is dead at 88

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Francis leaves behind him a church still divided, but radically transformed. pope-francis-obit-dead-vatican-conclave

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Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York @unionseminary.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

In her latest op-ed, @UnionSeminary President Rev. Dr. Serene Jones shares on the dismantling of USAID, "As I watch the Trump administration and his cronies continue to make references to God through their policy decisions, I can't help but be disgusted.

Person with white hair, wearing a black outfit, stands with arms crossed in front of a building. Text reads: "UNION News" and "salon.

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Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York @unionseminary.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

“We believe that God created trans and intersex people and that gender fluidity is as natural to some of God’s creations as is identification with only a single gender expression. And the struggle for the freedom to be is as old as humanity itself. Indeed, this is the Biblical Story...”

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

Read the full meditation entitled “Eternally Present Love” published today as the Center for Action and Contemplation’s Daily Meditation here: cac.org/daily-medita...

cac.org

Eternally Present Love

Theologian Serene Jones offers a compelling description of God’s ever-present and transformative grace: Divine love is the source of the universe

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Reposted by Rev. Dr. Serene Jones

Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York @unionseminary.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

On the 60th anniversary of the Selma Bridge Crossing: “Without the profound work of faith leaders during this time, it’s very possible the Voting Rights Act would have stayed only a dream,” stated UTS Asst. Prof.of Homiletics Rev. Dr. Timothy Adkins-Jones and UTS President Rev. Dr. Serene Jones.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Our criminal justice system is sinful—fueling mass incarceration that punishes the poor and people of color. Overcrowded, underfunded prisons strip dignity, disregarding the image of the divine within all of us.

nysfocus.com

Unshowered and Hungry, Incarcerated People Wait Out Prison Guard…

With nearly all of New York’s state prisons on lockdown, those on the inside struggle to get by.

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Rev. Dr. Serene Jones @serenejones.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

“Bishop Budde’s gentle but firm call for mercy, compassion, justice, and moral clarity in this pivotal moment reflects the core values that @unionseminary.bsky.social, as a historically Christian seminary with a growing interreligious emphasis, holds dear-

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