Church Divinity School of the Pacific

Nestled in the vibrant academic hub of Berkeley, California, Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) stands as a foundational institution within the Episcopal Church. Since its establishment in 1893, CDSP has been dedicated to forming leaders for ministry, offering an intimate and supportive learning environment with a current student body of 83. It's recognized as the official seminary for Province VIII of the Episcopal Church, serving a vast region across the western United States and Taiwan.

CDSP's journey is marked by resilience and a commitment to its mission. Founded in San Mateo by Bishop William Ford Nichols, the seminary faced an early challenge when its buildings were destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. This led to its relocation first to San Francisco and eventually to Berkeley in 1930, a strategic move that fostered deep academic cooperation with other seminaries and the esteemed University of California, Berkeley. This rich history underscores a spirit of adaptability and forward-thinking.

Academically, CDSP offers a uniquely collaborative experience. As a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU), established in 1962, students benefit from a wide array of resources and diverse perspectives within this ecumenical consortium of nine member schools and eight affiliated centers. This integration allows for a broad and deep theological education, enriched by the intellectual dynamism of the wider Berkeley academic community. For prospective students seeking a focused, yet expansive, theological education within a close-knit community, CDSP provides an exceptional path to ministry.