Pacific School of Religion

The Pacific School of Religion (PSR), established in 1866 with the motto "Unafraid Since 1866," holds the distinction of being the oldest Protestant seminary west of the Mississippi River. From its inception as the Pacific Theological Seminary in San Francisco, PSR quickly moved to Berkeley, establishing its permanent home in 1926. This institution is renowned for its progressive theological stance and its commitment to fostering inclusive religious communities.

Academically, PSR stands out for its unique focus on pan-denominational issues and the profound importance of world religions, preparing students to engage with diverse faith traditions. It has historically collaborated closely with neighboring institutions like the University of California at Berkeley and the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, enriching its academic and community offerings. A significant part of its academic strength comes from its involvement with the Graduate Theological Union (GTU), a consortium of nine seminaries in the Bay Area, which PSR helped found in the early 1960s and officially joined in 1964.

PSR is a vanguard in advocating for LGBTQ+ people within the religious community. It proudly graduated its first openly gay student in 1971 and, in 2000, launched the groundbreaking Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry (CLGS) – the first center of its kind dedicated to scholarship on sexuality, sexual orientation, and identity in faith. Additionally, the school houses the Center for Swedenborgian Studies, offering specialized training for ordination within the General Convention of Swedenborgian Churches, further exemplifying its diverse academic and ministerial pathways. For prospective students and families, PSR offers a vibrant, inclusive, and historically significant environment dedicated to justice-oriented theological education.