Andover Newton

09/04/2026

"Over the course of the semester to come, students from different backgrounds, drawing from distinct theoretical frameworks, will come together around one common concern: The world isn’t as it’s meant to be, and we want to use the opportunities granted us to change that."

In her latest blog, "Open to Interpretation, but Not Argument," Founding Dean Sarah B. Drummond reflects on a unique and highly innovative course that brings together 40+ students from all corners across campus including Divinity, Management, Global Affairs, Law, and Public Health.

Read more at https://sbdrummond.medium.com/open-to-interpretation-but-not-argument-8bc7a662afa5

09/03/2026

We are delighted to celebrate the Rev. Dr. Willard Ashley (ANTS M.Div. ’84, D.Min. ’92) as the recipient of Andover Newton Seminary’s 2026 Spirit of the Hill Award!

Across a remarkable career as a pastor, theologian, educator, counselor, author, and advocate for justice, Will has embodied the spirit of Andover Newton—faithful leadership that crosses boundaries, responds compassionately to the needs of church and society, and works toward healing, justice, and love.

A longtime friend and leader of Andover Newton, Will will receive the award this October during Alumni/ae Convocation at Yale Divinity School.

Join us in congratulating Will and celebrating a lifetime of ministry, leadership, teaching, and service.

Read the full story:
https://andovernewton.yale.edu/ashley

09/01/2026

What can Puerto Rico’s history teach us about faith, power, resistance, and the work of building community today?

Join us Friday, September 25, at Yale Divinity School for "Building Community; Bolstering Resistance," a day of worship, conversation, learning, and reflection exploring the intersections of Puerto Rican history and faith communities in the pursuit of social justice.

Together, we’ll examine the complicated legacy of Protestant mission in Puerto Rico—and the ways Puerto Rican communities have transformed faith traditions into sources of resilience, identity, resistance, and hope.

📅 Friday, September 25, 2026
📍 Yale Divinity School | New Haven, CT
⏰ 11:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Presented in partnership by Yale Divinity School, Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, Union Theological Seminary, and Hispanic Scholars Program.

Learn more and register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-community-bolstering-resistance-symposium-tickets-1997903261437

Yale Divinity School The Association of Theological Schools

09/01/2026

This morning, we had the joy of welcoming 22 new students to Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School for orientation!

As they begin their journey with us, these students become part of a community more than two centuries in the making—rooted in a rich tradition and continually growing toward new possibilities for faith, leadership, and service.

We’re grateful they’re here, excited for all that lies ahead, and delighted to welcome them to the Andover Newton community.

Here’s to new friendships, new questions, deep roots, and a wonderful year ahead!

Yale Divinity School The Association of Theological Schools

08/28/2026

“When conflict erupts, one of the first questions leaders should ask is, “Are we confused about our roles?” Faithful people are notorious over-functioners. My biggest mistakes as a leader over decades of ordained ministry and educational administration all have some dimension of overstepping into work that wasn’t mine to do. And most times I’ve had to confront another person for overreach into my areas of responsibility, I’ve learned that their intentions were mission-driven and good.”

Read the latest blog post, "Role Confusion," from Founding Dean Sarah B. Drummond at https://sbdrummond.medium.com/role-confusion-c4a1b50e6979.

08/21/2026

Jamal was such a beloved member of the Andover Newton and broader Yale Divinity School community, with a remarkable gift for bringing people together that extended well beyond any single classroom, program, or corner of campus. As both a student and alumnus of Andover Newton, we cherish the warmth, depth, and meaningful relationships that Jamal cultivated across the wider YDS community and beyond. For those interested in watching the livestream of Jamal’s celebration of life, please see Union Baptist Church’s page, and for information on the memorial and how to share a memory, please see andovernewton.yale.edu/jamal.

THE LIVE VIDEO will be up by 10:45 am.
UPDATE: For those visiting Mystic for the first time, there is a drawbridge on the Mystic River that is raised at 40 minutes past the hour causing traffic delays to both sides of town. Please plan your travel time accordingly.

As we prepare to gather to celebrate the beautiful life of Jamal Davis Neal Jr., we would be so grateful for your help in making the service memorable for everyone.

We are expecting many friends and loved ones, so our parking lot and sanctuary will likely fill up quickly. To make sure folx feel welcome, please consider carpooling with others if you can. Once our main sanctuary reaches capacity, we will gladly guide additional guests to our Fellowship Hall to watch the service together via live stream. Inside the sanctuary, we kindly ask that you slide over in the pews to make room for as many neighbors as possible.

We look forward to a beautiful day of connecting in community.

08/21/2026

“Theological education for ministry, and really any form of learning that’s about becoming more fully human, requires a little friction. If we don’t have to work to articulate what we believe, will we even believe it? If we don’t have to confront opinions that diverge from our own, will we even know what our own opinions are?”

Read the latest blog post, "The Cross-Grained Experience," from Founding Dean, Sarah B. Drummond, at https://sbdrummond.medium.com/the-cross-grained-experience-486135686fd8.

08/15/2026

"That Yale’s leaders chose to articulate what it needs to do to regain trust from the public served to make me feel more at-home here than ever as dean of the embedded seminary, Andover Newton at Yale Divinity School. Why? Because I’ve given my professional life to a cause that lost public trust a long time ago.”

Read the latest blog,"A Matter of (Mis-)Trust," from Founding Dean Sarah B. Drummond at https://sbdrummond.medium.com/a-matter-of-mis-trust-5035535f157c

08/14/2026

Join us for an evening of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of faithful leadership and enduring legacy!

Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School has named a faculty chair in honor of Newton’s first African-American graduate, George Washington Williams (1849-1891). Now and going forward, the person selected for this chair will be one who attends to areas of scholarship and teaching that are important to Christian congregations but historically underexplored in the theological academy.

World-renowned scholar of Black sacred music, Professor Braxton D. Shelley, is the first appointee to this chair, which is only the second at Yale University to be named after an African-American person. The creation of this chair, and Professor Shelley’s appointment to it, are cause for celebration.

All are welcome to a service of worship on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Marquand Chapel at Yale Divinity School. The service will include preaching, music, and installation vows that honor the rituals traditional for ordained clergy in congregational polities.

RSVP to [email protected] for a seat reservation and instructions.