Pacific School of Religion

Pacific School of Religion (PSR) stands as a beacon of progressive theological education, proudly holding the distinction of being the oldest Protestant seminary west of the Mississippi River, founded in San Francisco in 1866. PSR has a rich history of innovation, consistently focusing on pan-denominational issues and a deep understanding of the world's diverse religions.

Nestled in Berkeley since 1901, and at its current location since 1926, PSR is an integral part of a vibrant academic and spiritual community. The school played a pivotal role in establishing and later joining the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in 1964, a dynamic consortium of nine seminaries in the San Francisco Bay Area. This affiliation, combined with its close cooperation with the University of California at Berkeley and the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, United Church of Christ, provides students with unparalleled opportunities for interdisciplinary study and community engagement.

PSR is particularly renowned for its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and social justice. In a groundbreaking move, it graduated its first openly gay student in 1971 and has since remained a steadfast leader in advocating for LGBTQ+ people within the religious community. This commitment is epitomized by the 2000 establishment of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry (CLGS), the first center of its kind dedicated to scholarship and education on sexuality and identity in faith. Additionally, PSR hosts the Center for Swedenborgian Studies, offering specialized training for ordination within the General Convention of Swedenborgian Churches, further showcasing its diverse academic strengths and dedication to preparing ministers for a complex world.