The School of Theology, University of the South at Sewanee; Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA have been selected as four of “26 Seminaries that Change the World” by The Center for Faith and Service based out of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.
According to the news release, “Seminaries that Change the World (STCTW) is a program of Faith3 (Faith Active in the Head, Heart, Hand). Faith3 is a holistic initiative of McCormick’s Center for Faith and Service created to develop new programs and identify existing resources that support the church to be present in the lives of young adults and for the gospel to be an affirming, instructive and sustaining force for them. The Center for Faith and Service is an initiative to challenge and change the church to be present, relevant, and engaged with a generation that defines itself by its involvement in community service and commitment to social justice.”
Wayne Meisel, executive director of the Center for Faith and Science, said, “This list is aspirational as well as being merit based. These institutions have stepped forward and made a commitment to change, improve, improvise and transform that is worth recognizing.”
The Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, dean of The School of Theology, Sewanee, said, “The School of Theology is honored to be named among the Seminaries that Change the World. It is a short list of distinguished seminaries and we are pleased to be numbered among them. The Center for Faith and Service does effective work inspiring seminaries to be true to their historic identities while at the same time being innovative in their programs to serve a changing church in a changing world.”
Dr. Joretta Marshall, executive vice president and dean of Brite Divinity School, said, “We are thrilled to be selected as one of the Seminaries that Change the World. It highlights the commitments of Brite to integrative and transformative scholarship, justice, and practice.”
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., dean and president of VTS, said. “It is such an honor to be recognized in such a manner and be included along with these other outstanding institutions. The initiatives of Faith3 are what we strive for at VTS –to educate and train lay and ordained men and women, so they are better prepared to ‘go ye into the world and preach the Gospel.’”
View the complete list and learn more about the selection process.