School of Theology named to class of seminaries that change the world

Posted Feb 24, 2015

[School of Theology — Sewanee, Tennessee] The School of Theology was once again honored to be named to the 2015 list of Seminaries that Change the World. Twenty-six institutions were named in this year’s class, two of which are Episcopal seminaries. The School of Theology was also included in the class of 2014.

The Center for Faith and Service, based out of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Ill., describes this group of institutions as theologically, politically, and geographically diverse, yet sharing a common commitment to work together to strengthen and advance theological education.

“The very title, Seminaries that Change the World, is a provocative reminder of what theological education has meant in the past and what its purpose and promise is for the future,” said Rev. Wayne Meisel, an ordained Presbyterian minister and director of the Center for Faith and Service. “The 2015 class of schools has demonstrated a commitment to invite, welcome, support, train, and launch individuals into the world as community leaders.”

Meisel has a long and distinguished career in the world of community service, service learning, and civic engagement. He was appointed to serve on the President’s Commission on National and Community Service, where he is credited for being one of the architects of the AmeriCorps Program. He also served as a founding board member for Teach for America and is the Founding President of the Bonner Foundation. The Center for Faith and Service develops innovative programming for churches and denominations and seeks renewal of theological education through the reintegration of faith and service.

Seminaries that Change the World is part of a movement to reclaim the important historic role that theological education has played in promoting community and justice while training and launching local and world leaders in all areas of society.

The School of Theology was selected for having demonstrated “great innovation in theological education, in integration with classical approaches for learning, even as they navigate negative stereotypes about organized religion and work to expand narrow definitions of traditional ministry.”

“The School of Theology is honored to be named among the Seminaries that Change the World,” stated the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, dean of The School of Theology. “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.”


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