Since 1866, 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
1866 – Enfranchised Chinese Immigrants Ahead of the Exclusion Act
1895 –Enrolled Women During the Heart of Suffrage
1942 – Opposing Japanese Internment During WWII
1950 – Appointed Georgia Harkness, the First Female Full Professor of Theology at a U.S. Protestant Seminary
1959 – Combined Civil Rights Activism and Scholarship
1966 – Marched for Farmworkers’ Rights
1969 – Protested the War in Vietnam
1972 –Alumnx Bill Johnson is the First Openly Gay Man Ordained in a Mainline Denomination (UCC)
1997 – Protested Nuclear Proliferation at the United Nations
2000 –Founded the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion, The First Seminary-Based LGBTQ Center
2001 – Founded the Institute for Leadership Development and Study of Pacific and Asian North American Religion
2015 –Protested in support of Black Lives Matter
2016 – Standing with Standing Rock
2017 – Protested the Militarization of the Police
2020 – Reaffirmed Our Commitment to End Racism
2021 – Renewed our Commitment to Educating an Emerging Generation of Students of Color
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
At PSR, 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.
