Unafraid Since 1866
As we emerge from the pandemic, we’re called to stand up. There are churches to reimagine. There are lives to restore. The fight for justice and equality must continue. New demands for climate action must be made. PSR’s legacy was formed in defining moments, and now it’s our generation’s turn.
It’s time to reinvent the story of grace and inclusion
for a new world, for a new day—Unafraid.
Mission
Pacific School of Religion prepares a diverse cadre of spiritually rooted leaders with the vision, resilience, and skill to create a world where all can thrive.
Grounded in the rigorous study and faithful practice of progressive Christian faith, PSR partners with students of all backgrounds to deepen their spirituality and enhance their capacity to lead in transformative ways. Connected to a broad network of religious, educational, not-for-profit, and private sector organizations—with a particular commitment to the wisdom of historically marginalized communities—PSR offers an education that is marked by innovation, reflection, and excellence.
PSR is a member of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU), an interreligious consortium of seminaries and institutes in the San Francisco Bay Area. PSR is a nonprofit founded in 1866 and is located in Berkeley, California.
Vision: Living a Radically Welcoming Gospel
Whether ministering to the local homeless community or participating in our MultiFaith Transgender Summit, PSR students embody a message of radical inclusivity. Our two centers, Ignite Institute @ PSR and Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion, share an expansive, hopeful message of spiritual and social transformation.
We are committed to creating a learning and teaching community that reflects the variety of our context and the beauty of God’s people.
A Vital Consortium
From atop “Holy Hill” in Berkeley, California, PSR is steeped in the history, community, and culture of the San Francisco Bay Area. As a founding member of the GTU, PSR offers our students unparalleled access to a divinity school consortium—and an unparalleled interfaith conversation.
Additionally, off-campus immersive experiences offer students a uniquely global perspective. Whether working alongside displaced farm workers in Colombia or wrestling with issues of religious identity in the Holy Land, PSR students learn—first hand—how to best support local communities working for justice. Within this global context, our students learn to engage an increasingly interconnected world.
Distinctives
Since 1866, PSR has been a pioneer in theological education and leadership development. At our beautiful location in Berkeley California, we are part of the GTU, a consortium of the largest theological faculty in the United States.
As a progressive Christian seminary and graduate school, Pacific School of Religion is firmly committed to serving the church. PSR is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and welcomes students from all denominations and religious backgrounds. We embrace diversity and are committed to social justice.