For 155 years, PSR has attracted people who look beyond religious, cultural, and political boundaries to recognize humanity and holiness in others. While the dominant culture defines itself by who belongs and who doesn’t, we’re committed to welcoming people for who they are—as they are. The grace afforded to us in these efforts has been immeasurable, and we want those we serve to experience its full measure.
We believe in a radically inclusive Gospel, one that compels us to take courage and press ahead. Today we stand at the beginning of a new era—ready to meet its challenges, as we always have, with everything we are. We are PSR.
Our new identity celebrates the openness and intersectionality that make PSR distinct.
Unafraid Since 1866 is Built on PSR’s Legacy
Enfranchising Chinese Immigrants Ahead of the Exclusion Act 1866
Enrolling Women During the Heart of Suffrage 1895
Opposing Japanese Internment During WWII 1942
Appointed the First Fully Tenured Woman Professor in a US Seminary 1950
Combined Civil Rights Activism and Scholarship 1959
Marching for Farmworkers’ Rights 1966
Protesting the War in Vietnam 1969
Ordained the First LBGTQ Minister in a Mainline Denomination 1972
Initiated First Seminary-Based LGBTQ Center 1996
Protested Nuclear Proliferation at the United Nations 1997
Supporting Black Lives Matter 2015
Standing with Standing Rock 2016
Protesting the Militarization of the Police 2017
Reaffirming Our Committment to End Racism 2020
The Project behind Unafraid Since 1866
In the summer and fall of 2020, PSR embarked on an ambitious project—to reimagine our story for a new era. We conducted 100+ hours of conversation with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees. Even as the twin viruses of Covid-19 and racism raged, we heard voices of hope and resilience in the PSR community. That December, we presented as the result of the project—
“Unafraid Since 1866.”
You can view that presentation, here ››
2021 and Beyond
As we emerge from 2020, 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.
