Building Moral Economies: A Fall Learning Opportunity from PLTS
What would it mean to build an economy that helps all people — and all creation — flourish?
This fall, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is opening its Building Moral Economies course to people who are not enrolled as seminary students. The course will be taught by Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda and offered online in a synchronous format on Thursdays, 2:10–4:10 p.m. PT, from September 10 through December 17, 2026.
This is a special opportunity for lay leaders, Synodically Authorized Ministers, advocates, ministry partners, and anyone interested in the intersection of faith and justice. Participants will join the seminary course as auditors, which means they can take part in the readings, speakers, conversations, and activities without completing formal written assignments or receiving a grade. While the regular cost to audit a course is $1,088, this opportunity is being offered for $300.
The course explores the calling to build economies that allow “earth’s web of life” — including human beings — to flourish, while resisting predatory capitalism. It brings together theological reflection, practical frameworks for transformative action, and a learning community committed to hope and moral-spiritual agency in the face of overwhelming challenges.
For LAMA advocates, this learning opportunity connects directly with our public witness. Hunger, housing instability, health care access, environmental harm, racial injustice, low wages, and poverty are not isolated issues. They are connected to the moral choices embedded in economic systems. Lutheran advocacy asks not only how we can respond to immediate need, but how we can help shape communities where every neighbor has what they need to thrive.
Dr. Moe-Lobeda frames the course around two great vocations given to humanity: caring for creation and loving our neighbors as ourselves. That grounding will sound familiar to many Lutherans engaged in hunger ministry, public policy advocacy, environmental stewardship, and community organizing. The work of building moral economies is part of our calling to seek justice, practice mercy, and participate in God’s work of healing the world.
This course is also described as an experiment in rethinking traditional theological education — inviting people beyond formal degree programs into deep study, shared reflection, and faithful action. For congregational leaders, hunger advocates, creation care teams, and public policy volunteers, it offers a chance to step back, learn with others, and ask what faithful economic life can look like in our time.
Those interested may request more information through the link or QR code on the flyer, or contact Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda at cmoelobeda@plts.edu.
Course: Building Moral Economies with Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda
When: Thursdays, 2:10–4:10 p.m. PT, September 10–December 17, 2026
Format: Online synchronous
Participation: Audit-style, no grade or formal written assignments required
Cost: $300
Information: admissions.callutheran.edu/register/moraleconomies