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
1866 – Enfranchising Chinese Immigrants Ahead of the Exclusion Act
1895 – Enrolling 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 – Marching for Farmworkers’ Rights
1969 – Protesting the War in Vietnam
1972 – Ordained the First LBGTQ Minister in a Mainline Denomination
1997 – Protested Nuclear Proliferation at the United Nations
2000 – Founded First Seminary-Based LGBTQ Center
2015 – Supporting Black Lives Matter
2016 – Standing with Standing Rock
2017 – Protesting the Militarization of the Police
2020 – Reaffirming Our Committment to End Racism
2021 – Commitment to Educating an Emerging Generation of Students of Color
2021 – Alumnx Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer Makes History as the First Openly Transgender Bishop in Any Mainstream American Denomination
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.
