Pacific School of Religion

PSR Receives $1.25M Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Meet Congregations' Needs for a Changing Church

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, December 6, 2023

The Congregational Renewal Cohorts program is being funded through Lilly Endowment's Thriving Congregations Initiative .

Key Points: 
  • The Congregational Renewal Cohorts program is being funded through Lilly Endowment's Thriving Congregations Initiative .
  • As part of the program, congregations will launch their initiatives and share results and insights with PSR, one another, and their denomination, expanding their impact.
  • "We are so thankful to Lilly Endowment for its trust and investment in PSR's ability to convene partners and drive leadership formation to transform congregations.
  • Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company.

Why Christians Must Speak Out Against Christian Nationalism

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023

BERKELEY, Calif., Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- I am deeply concerned about the rise of Christian nationalism in this country. I say this not just as a Christian but as the president of Pacific School of Religion (PSR), a progressive Christian seminary founded in 1866.

Key Points: 
  • Dr. David Vásquez-Levy
    BERKELEY, Calif., Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- I am deeply concerned about the rise of Christian nationalism in this country.
  • I say this not just as a Christian but as the president of Pacific School of Religion (PSR), a progressive Christian seminary founded in 1866.
  • Christian Nationalism, and the ideologies that have fueled it from the very founding of our nation, have left a centuries-long trail of devastation that continues to this day.
  • I urge my fellow Christians to engage their communities and churches to foster understanding and inclusivity across the political divide.

PSR Professor Honors Mentor in "Howard Thurman: Seeking, Queering and Transcending"

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 2, 2023

BERKELEY, Calif., Nov. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Nov 7th Pacific School of Religion (PSR) professor Rev.

Key Points: 
  • BERKELEY, Calif., Nov. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Nov 7th Pacific School of Religion (PSR) professor Rev.
  • Blake's lecture, " Howard Thurman: Seeking, Queering and Transcending ," will explore how Thurman's lifelong identity as a "seeker" showed up in his life and work.
  • PSR partners with students of all backgrounds to deepen their spirituality and enhance their capacity to lead in transformative ways.
  • PSR is accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

Wesleyan Impact Partners Expands Its Learning and Innovation Group with the Addition of Two Nationally Recognized Methodist Leaders

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Kathleen McShane and Derrick Scott III, two prominent leadership and innovation voices from across the Methodist ecosystem.

Key Points: 
  • Kathleen McShane and Derrick Scott III, two prominent leadership and innovation voices from across the Methodist ecosystem.
  • Kathleen McShane has joined Wesleyan Impact Partners as the Director of Learning and Innovation.
  • "I am inspired by Wesleyan Impact Partners' desire to ignite imagination in church leaders,” Scott said.
  • Dr. Blair Thompson, Chief Learning and Innovation Officer at Wesleyan Impact Partners.

PSR Welcomes Most Diverse Class in its 157-Year History

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 14, 2023

Combined with continuing students the new class brings PSR's enrollment to its highest in recent history.

Key Points: 
  • Combined with continuing students the new class brings PSR's enrollment to its highest in recent history.
  • PSR has continued its upward enrollment and retention trajectory despite a 15+ year downward trend in seminary enrollment in the United States.
  • PSR partners with students of all backgrounds to deepen their spirituality and enhance their capacity to lead in transformative ways.
  • PSR is accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

A faith-based argument for affirmative action from Pacific School of Religion

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 5, 2023

For over 150 years, Pacific School of Religion (PSR) has been at the forefront of social movements that strive to turn the tide of inequity in every community where our graduates serve.

Key Points: 
  • For over 150 years, Pacific School of Religion (PSR) has been at the forefront of social movements that strive to turn the tide of inequity in every community where our graduates serve.
  • In our pursuit of justice and equality, we draw inspiration from the teachings of Jesus and the wisdom of our shared religious traditions.
  • Founded in 1866, Pacific School of Religion is a progressive Christian seminary, graduate school , and center for leadership development and social impact.
  • PSR is also home to the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS), the first seminary-based LGBTQ+ Center.

Pacific School of Religion announces $3.5M Gift for Ethics Chair

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 26, 2023

BERKELEY, Calif., Jan. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is honored to announce the funding of the Stanley Watson Endowed Chair in Ethics through a legacy gift of $3.5M. The rotating position will be open to existing or visiting faculty engaged in cutting-edge teaching and research on ethics across diverse fields of study, strengthening PSR's 150+ year mission to create spiritually rooted leaders with a strong foundation and formation in ethics.

Key Points: 
  • Alumnx whose work was shaped by the AIDS crisis, studied ethics in healthcare, funds the gift
    BERKELEY, Calif., Jan. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is honored to announce the funding of the Stanley Watson Endowed Chair in Ethics through a legacy gift of $3.5M.
  • The chair is funded by alumnx and former board member Stan Watson (MA '90).
  • Founded in 1866, Pacific School of Religion is an interdenominational seminary, graduate school, and center for social justice committed to a radically inclusive Gospel.
  • PSR is accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

Pacific School of Religion Receives $5M Grant From Lilly Endowment Inc. To Build Innovative Educational Ecosystem

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 27, 2022

The platform will connect emerging leaders from inner cities and rural areas, from congregations and social movements to each other and to educational resources often not accessible to them.

Key Points: 
  • The platform will connect emerging leaders from inner cities and rural areas, from congregations and social movements to each other and to educational resources often not accessible to them.
  • Participants will have access to courses, coaching, and events to strengthen their preparation and build their networks.
  • The networked model combined with tiered membership options will create educational opportunities that are affordable for learners and financially sustainable for partner organizations.
  • Founded in 1866, Pacific School of Religion is a multi-denominational seminary graduate school, and center for social justice committed to a radically inclusive Gospel.