FST | Franciscan School of Theology

The handwriting is on the wall. As Americans distance themselves from the label of Christian, preferring “spiritual” or no affiliation, attendance continues to slip across mainline denominations. Schools for ministerial formation are struggling with lower enrollments and less denominational financial support. The composition of the Christian Church is changing and the seminaries must change with it.

Why does this shift matter to the Graduate Theological Union? Sometimes we focus so much on the academic programs, M.A....

The decision by the Franciscan School of Theology to affiliate with the University of San Diego and to move its campus to Southern California is an occasion to thank the Franciscans for the wonderful work they have done since they joined the GTU consortium in 1968. The presence of extremely talented faculty, staff, and students has contributed greatly to the intellectual and religious climate that has made the GTU one of the most distinctive centers of theological learning in the country. We will miss FST and the FST community greatly.

The decision may raise concerns about the...