About Pacific School of Religion
Founded in 1866, Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is a progressive Christian seminary and graduate school committed to a radically inclusive Gospel. While the dominant culture defines itself by who belongs and who doesn’t, PSR is committed to welcoming people for who they are – as they are.
PSR offers multiple, flexible options for anyone looking to build spiritually grounded leadership skills; or learn from wisdom-based traditions. In addition to PSR’s Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programs we also offer Graduate Certificates including Sexuality and Religion and Spirituality and Social Change. Courses can also be completed through the Ignite Institute and our Theological Education for Leadership programs. PSR is also home to the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS), the first seminary-based LGBTQ+ Center.
PSR is accredited by both Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
Unafraid Since 1866
PSR in the News
PSR Newsroom | 8/1/22
PSR Welcomes Four New Faculty Members
Following a rigorous faculty and community search process, these colleagues have been selected to shape PSR’s distinctive reimagination of theological education.
Religious News Service | 7/18/22
The Rev. Adriene Thorne voted eighth Senior Minister of The Riverside Church in the City of New York
PSR alumnx Rev. Adriene Thorne, becomes the 8th Senior Minister and third PSR alunmx to serve historic Riverside Church.
PSR Newsroom | 6/24/22
LGBTQ+ Pioneers Share Hopeful Vision for Radically Inclusive Faith
During a Pride month event PSR alumnx Loey Powell and current student Ryan Cassata shared their experiences as LGBTQ+ pioneers, why they were drawn to seminary and how PSR helped them build community that fueled their activism.
Religious News Service | 2/10/22
Are today’s seminarians tomorrow’s corporate leaders?
Profile of PSR’s Ignite Institute and their Wisdom Based Leadership cohort program as part of a larger trend of seminaries creating ethical leadership programs.
The Guardian | 9/11/21
US Evangelical Lutheran Church installs first openly transgender bishop
PSR alumnx, Megan Rorher is installed as the first openly transgender bishop by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
Berkeleyside | 7/8/21
Berkwood Hedge School opens a middle school this fall
Berkwood Hedge middle school moves onto PSR’s campus as part of our transition to an inter-generational learning community.
Desert News | 3/27/21
What put Passover in the Jewish home? Not the pandemic
Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman, leader of the Jewish Roundtable at PSR’s Center of LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion discusses how Jewish women have shaped rituals like Passover throughout history.
NPR | 9/12/20
California Catholics Adjust To Outdoor Worship During Pandemic
PSR Dean, Susan Abraham, shares reasons Catholics have historically eschewed outdoor service, a practice that gained traction during the pandemic.
New York Times| 9/1/20
From the Seabed, Figures of an Ancient Cult
Aaron Brody, director of the Badè Museum at PSR weighs in on an archeological discovery containing figurines of Tanit, a 5th century Phoenician goddess about whom Brody previously published work.
Religious News Service | 7/20/20
As seminaries welcome openly transgender students, church lags behind
PSR, described by a student as “the most welcoming and accepting place I had ever experienced,” featured as one of the seminaries working to increase inclusion of trans seminarians post-graduation.
The Salt Lake Tribune | 6/15/20
Utah Methodist pastor takes on a demanding role in a faith on the brink of an LGBTQ schism
Profile of PSR alumnx and superintendent of the UMC’s Utah/Western Colorado District, Rev. Elizabeth McVicker, as she helps her denomination navigate the worldwide schism over LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Vice | 9/17/2019
The Female Pastors Making Space for Queer Christians to Express Their Faith
Profile of PSR alumnx and founding pastor of Ministerio Latino, Rev. Rhina Ramos, and her work creating inclusive spaces for queer Christians.
Detroit Free Press | 6/29/19
Ministers argue for state to adopt legal protections for LGBTQ Michiganders
Op-ed from PSR alumnx and senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church Detroit, Roland Stringfellow.
The Daily Californian | 4/30/19
UC Berkeley students navigate intersection of LGBTQ+, Christian communities
PSR professor and executive director of PSR’s Center for LGBT and Gender Studies in Religion, Bernard Schlager on how to repair and build relationships between Christain and LGBTQ+ communities.
The Body | 3/30/19
10 Black Transgender Women to Watch
Profile of PSR alumnx Rev. Monica Joy Cross as part of a roundup of leaders in the nationwide fight for civil and human rights for trans and gender nonconforming people of color.
The Denver Post | 3/25/19
Activist, “washed-up beauty queen” brings unique perspective as Boulder church’s new minister
Profile of PSR alumnx Rev. Nicole Lamarche as she begins her service at south Boulder’s Community United Church of Christ.
The Salt Lake Tribune | 1/12/19
Karen Oliveto, PSR alumnx and the first openly lesbian bishop in the United Methodist church, discusses the schism in her denomination over LGBTQ+ inclusion.
New York Times | 9/28/18
Robert Wood, 95, Dies; Urged Christian Acceptance of Gay People
PSR professor and executive director of the Center for LGBT and Gender Studies in Religion, Bernard Schlager discusses the impact of Wood’s seminal 1960 book, Christ and the Homosexual.
