Pastors and NYPD team-up to take on gang violence in Brooklyn

The New York City Police Department is working with dozens of pastors in a new alliance, formed to engage black youths in an effort to deter gang violence.

The group's formation was announced Wednesday. About 35 pastors have joined the alliance, among them Bishop Gerald Seabrooks, of Rehoboth Cathedral International, in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, who said too many mothers and grandmothers have lost their children and grandchildren to gang violence.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly explained that, as part of this initiative, women in the Police Department's executive corps will be developing relationships with black grandmothers who are raising grandchildren.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Tough economic times are ahead for 1-in-5 Oregonians in crisis

In Oregon, the Great Recession has had a dramatic impact upon residents. About one in five people depend upon the state for assistance in order to make ends meet. Approximately 635,000 people relied on state-supplied health care last year.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of seniors, children and people with disabilities were also supplied with necessary support. As the year draws to a close, though, the next state budget looks like it's going to fall short of what it takes to provide the same level of service again.

Even if the Oregon spent every dollar of new revenue it is projected to have on providing for residents, as it has in the past, it would still come up about $200 million short of the mark. Adding to the troubles of the state is that about $1 billion of federal stimulus money that supports the state's Dept. of Human Services will dry up on July 1st, 2011.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and racial tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Nat'l Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month marked in Lincoln

In Lincoln, Nebraska, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month was celebrated on Sunday, Sept. 26th on the Capitol steps, as about 150 recovering drug addicts, their families and friends, gathered to mark the special month.

The event included food, music, informative booths and a walk around the Capitol. The rally was sponsored by the Nebraska Recovery Network, which acts as a support group for recovering addicts. Reportedly, more than 75,000 Nebraskans suffer from alcohol and drug abuse problems.

The director of the Division of Behavioral Health, Dr. Scot Adams, noted that the bright side to addiction is recovery.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, religious tolerance and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

New storm in Haiti kills 5 and creates havoc at survivor camps

A new storm in Haiti has damaged thousands of tents and downed trees, as well as killed five people (three of which were children), in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The storm struck yesterday afternoon at about 3 p.m.

According to Imogen Wall, a spokesperson for the Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs, there was no warning for the gale. As part of the storm, heavy flooding has taken place in La Plaine and transitional housing for about 110 families, who had just moved in, was wrecked.

Haiti's Department of Civil Protection has also requested a partial evacuation of a camp set up in Caradeux. This recent storm only serves to aggravate conditions on the island, which experienced an earthquake on Jan. 12th that produced unprecedented death and destruction.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, religious tolerance and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Group brings 'Rock the Fort' Christian event to NC Army base

A Christian rally was held today at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, over the objections of national groups citing a violation of the separation of church and state.

The Ft. Bragg and XVIII Airborne Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, reaffirmed the post's "Rock the Fort" event last week, though, and noted he does not believe the celebration infringes on anyone's freedoms. Lt. Gen. Helmick said he took steps to ensure that no soldier in his command was pressured to attend the event.

In addition, Lt. Gen. Helmick explained that he would provide the same opportunity to non-Christian religious groups seeking to hold similar events.


The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, multiculturalism, diversity and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Community of St. Peter faces possible sanctions from diocese

In Cleveland, there is a newly-formed Catholic community, led by the Rev. Robert Marrone, which is at odds with Bishop Richard Lennon and its diocese.

The community is angered over Lennon closing its church, St. Peter in downtown Cleveland. Subsequently, the group conducted its first Mass at a storefront on Aug. 15, wherein about 350 congregants gathered. Since that time, each Sunday has been standing-room-only.

Meanwhile, Bishop Lennon said this is a matter of "grave concern." Bishop Lennon noted that leaders of the breakaway Catholic community face possible excommunication for not adhering to directions from the diocese. Bishop Lennon insists closure of the group's 151-year-old church was necessary and wants to meet with Rev. Marrone and the community's leaders. St. Peter leaders have, likewise, expressed interest in such a meeting. However, the sides have yet to agree on terms of a meeting.


The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

LA Times' columnist Steele explores the 'Interracial Baby Boom'

According to the Pew Research Center, interracial marriages rose, nationwide, from 6.7 percent, in 1980, to 14.6 percent, in 2008.

Los Angeles Times columnist Eli Steele notes, "The day will arrive when this interracial generation reaches political consciousness and finds itself at odds with America's divisive identity politics." Steele points out minorities in today's world often fall neatly into categories, such as African-American, Chinese American or Mexican American.

These labels have taken on powerful consequences in American society, and race politics is an element of American government. Will race politics survive America's new "Interracial Baby Boom" that is taking place today?

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and racial tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Muslim cabbie's alleged attacker claims self defense; reportedly said deed was 'patriotic' to cops

Film student Michael Enright, 21, appeared in the Manhattan Supreme Court this past Wednesday, and pleased "not guilty" to charges of attempted murder and assault, as hate crimes, upon taxi driver Ahmed Sharif. According to court records, at the time of the Aug. 25th attack, Enright was a passenger in Sharif's cab.

Police said that, at the time of his arrest, Enright claimed self-defense as a motive for the attack upon Sharif. Furthermore, Enright reportedly characterized himself as a "patriot" for the attack upon the Muslim cab driver. Meanwhile, following his arrest, Enright is alleged to have said he was being prosecuted because he is Irish-Catholic, as well as Jewish.

As well as reportedly claiming Sharif held him against his well, it is being reported that Enright also blamed a police officer for allowing Muslims to "…blow up buildings in the country."


The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Environmental responsibility is growing in a NYC borough

There is an old poem about a "…tree growing in Brooklyn." Well, these days, what's growing in Brooklyn is environmental responsibility.

This is being done through "community-run plots" that are producing fresh, affordable food for local bodegas and fast-food establishments that need it most.

Throughout the borough's parking lots, schoolyards, on rooftops and in every form of available space, gardens are sprouting up everywhere.

According to Stacey Murphy, founder of the Youth Farm at the High School for Public Service, in East Flatbush, farming has become popular in Brooklyn because there is enough room and motivation among residents to do it. Recently, in May, a new program opened in Bushwick, titled the "Secret Garden Farm," between two apartment buildings on Linden Street, where about half of all sales come from Food Stamps.


The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, muilticulturalism, environmental responsibility and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Small Bronx church deals with tragedy, loss in wake of crash

The Joy Christian Fellowship, in the Bronx, is in mourning today after a minivan carrying 14 members of the congregation crashed on the New York State Thruway yesterday afternoon, with deadly results.

Six people, thus far, have been officially declared dead in the accident, among them Bishop Simon White and his wife, Zelda. Three of the eight passengers were reportedly airlifted to Westchester County Medical Center. Meanwhile, four others were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital Hospital, in Suffern. The driver was airlifted to St. Francis Hospital, in Poughkeepsie.

This is a terrible time of loss for the families and congregation at Joy Christian Fellowship. And, the survivors have endured a terrible experience. The prayers of the community at New York Theological Seminary go out to these survivors and families at this very difficult time.

Pope Benedict XVI apologizes to molestation survivors in the UK

In London, Pope Benedict XVI met today with five survivors who were molested by priests as children. The pope apologized to the group on behalf of the church. This took place amid protests by thousands of people opposed to his visit in Central London.

The pope met with the group of survivors for about 35 minutes at the Vatican's apostolic nunicature in Wimbeldon. The event was reportedly organized by the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission.

In a Vatican statement, the pope expressed his great sorrow and shame over what molestation survivors and their families have gone through.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

PWC holds 22nd annual conference at historic Stockholm church

The Pentecostal World Conference recently took place in Stockholm, Sweden, where about 1,600 Pentecostal leaders from 74 nations came together for their 22nd gathering.

The conference took place at the Filadelfia Church in Stockholm, which previously hosted the fourth annual event, in 1955. Through the mid-20th century, Filadelfia reportedly could have held the largest congregation in the world.

In his keynote address, Bishop James D. Leggett said the story of Pentecost is that "God can take ordinary people, anoint them by the Spirit and cause them to do extraordinary things."

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, religious tolerance and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Poverty increases to highest point in the U.S. since the 1960s

According to the Census Bureau, 14.3 percent of Americans live in poverty, and the ranks of the working poor have climbed to the highest level since 1965.

Reportedly, 43.6 million people, or one in seven, lived in poverty last year. This number is up from 39.8 million, or 13.2 percent, during 2008. In addition to the rise in the working poor, the number of people without health insurance has risen from 46.3 million to 50.7 million people, due to employer-provided health insurance ending for so many people who have lost their jobs.


The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, religious tolerance and social justice. As part of its mission, the seminary prepares men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Moravian province enters into communion with Episcopal Church

On September 10th, the Southern Province of the Moravian Church adopted a measure to enter into full communion with the Episcopal Church. Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts welcomed the news of the Moravian vote. She said this move will make the Episcopal Church better able to serve those who are in need.

According to the Rt. Rev. Wayne Burkette, a Moravian bishop and outgoing Provincial Elders' Conference president, "full communion" between the two denominations acknowledges the essential unity of the two groups as disciples of Jesus Christ.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism and social justice. The seminary's mission is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

NYTS president teaching Global Pentecostalism this semester

Dr. Dale Irvin

Dr. Dale Irvin began teaching The Global Pentecostalism/Charismatic Movement: Its History, Theology and Life in the Spirit (THU 2271) at Room 330, in Riverside Church, last night.

Sharing Dr. Irvin's tour through Pentecostalism this semester are Diana, Francis, Douglas, Jim, Solomon, Ralph, Susan and Patricia.

Dr. Irvin began the class by talking about his own Pentecostal roots as a youth, baptized in the Spirit during the early 1970s.

After class introductions, Dr. Irvin discussed Pentecostalism as a narrative tradition that did not develop doctrines early on. In fact, in Pentecostalism, doctrines are not as important as what we practice.

Dr. Irvin immediately launched into the Azusa Street Movement (1906-1909) in Los Angeles, California. While this movement was not the beginning of the Pentecostal Movement, it was the early amplification of that movement. In particular, Dr. Irvin discussed the role of William J. Seymour (b. 1870), a bible school graduate who spearheaded the movement, among others, during the early 20th century.

Among the references being used during this semester are Cecil M. Robeck's The Azusa Street Mission and Revival.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism, diversity and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Pope Benedict XVI renews ties with Roman Jewish community

Pope Benedict XVI expressed his hope that Jews and Catholics would work together, in a renewed effort, to bring peace and justice to a troubled world.

Benedict sent a communication to Rome's chief rabbi, Riccardo Di Signi, to mark the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. In his telegram, the pontiff sent his greetings to Rome's Jewish community, on behalf of all Catholics everywhere.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to social justice, multiculturalism, diversity and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Nine years ago, heartbreak struck so many

Family members of Sept. 11th victims recited loved ones' names amid tears during this ninth anniversary of the attacks against the World Trade Center. The event occurred two blocks from where Ground Zero was in Lower Manhattan.

In the wake of the World Trade Center  attack, many faculty members and students from the New York Theological Seminary assisted at the scene, and in support of rescue efforts.

Today, the victims, the rescuers, and everyone touched by those terrible times are in our prayers.

Judge orders injunction against Federal "Don't ask, don't tell" policy

In Riverside, California, on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips ordered an injunction halting the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for gay service members in the armed forces. This policy has been in effect since the 1990s after it was instituted by former President Bill Clinton.

According to the judge, the military's discriminatory policies against homosexual service members do not help national readiness and, rather, has a "direct and deleterious effect" upon the armed forces. Government lawyers are arguing that Judge Phillips does not have the authority to issue such an order, which was sought by the 19,000 Log Cabin Republican organization.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Former Baptist chaplain fights to save Lewis from Sept execution

Death Row inmate Teresa Lewis, 41, is scheduled be put to death on Sept. 23rd at the Greensville Correctional Center, in Jarratt, Virginia. Should the execution go forward, Ms. Lewis would be the first woman executed by that state in almost a century.

However, former Fluvanna (Va.) Correctional Center for Women chaplain Lynn Litchfield, a Baptist, is leading the last-ditch effort to have Ms. Lewis' life spared. At this point, though, Ms. Lewis can only be saved by the U.S. Supreme Court or Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

Ms. Lewis was convicted of masterminding the murders of her husband, Julian, and his son, Charles. Her accomplice in the crime, Matthew Shallenberger, committed suicide in prison. Chaplain Litchfield believes Ms. Lewis does not deserve to die for her crimes, for a number of reasons, among them her acceptance of God in prison.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to social justice, multiculturalism, diversity and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Florida pastor determined to burn Quran to mark 9/11 anniversary

The spiritual leader of a small Florida congregation, which adheres to an anti-Islamic belief structure, said Wednesday that he is determined to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11th. This is despite the fact there has been an international outcry, as well as pressure from the White House, not to.

Pastor Terry Jones and the roughly 50 members of his Gainesville congregation are seeking to initiate "International Burn-a-Quran Day" to mark the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks against the United States.

According to U.S. Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. and NATO top commander in Kabul, Afghanistan, images of the Quran being burning would, without doubt, be used around the globe to incite violence.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

UPDATE AS OF SEPT. 10TH: Rev. Jones backed off and then reconsidered burning the Quran. Check the Associated Press for the most recent development.

Chinese pastor and wife murdered at historic Chinese church

In Penglai, China, a Chinese pastor and his wife, who served at the Penglai Christian Church, were killed on Aug. 31, allegedly by a 40-year-old former church member.

Pastor Qin Jia Ye and his wife, Hong En He, both in their 80s, were reportedly murdered where Lottie Moon, an icon of Southern Baptist mission work, served during the early 20th century. The Penglai Christian Church had been closed for almost a half-century after the Communist government came to power at the close of World War II. However, the church reopened in 1988 with 20 members.

During his assignment in China, Pastor Qin reported 300 baptisms several years in a row, and today the church is 3,600-members strong. Sadly, newspaper accounts report Pastor Qin and his wife were murdered in the church office, with an axe. Southern Baptist Convention President Bryant Wright lamented the passing of Pastor Qin and his wife. He said, "We are incredibly saddened by this tragic event, but we know [the Lord's faithful servants are] with him forever in Heaven."

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to provide men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

NYTS president preaches at historic American Baptist congregation

Stelton Baptist Church

(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: MONDAY, SEPT. 6, 2010) – New York Theological Seminary President Dr. Dale Irvin preached at the Stelton Baptist Church, Edison Township, on Sunday, Sept. 5th. "This is a wonderful, historic congregation, which has continually operated since 1689, making it the second-oldest church in New Jersey and the tenth-oldest in the United States," Dr. Irvin said.

As well as holding historic significance to Dr. Irvin, Stelton also holds personal meaning to the NYTS president, who earned his Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and Doctorate from Union Theological Seminary, in Manhattan. Dr. Irvin was invited to preach at the church immediately following the retirement, on Aug. 31st, of the church's long-time pastor, the Rev. Kathleen Cardy-Tice, who attended NYTS during the 1980s. She was pastor at the church for 11 years, and is relocating to Minnesota in the wake of her retirement, to pursue a career in spiritual direction. "Kathleen Tice was and is a trailblazer in so many ways," Dr. Irvin said. "And this church has so much meaning to her."

Dr. Dale Irvin and Rev. Tamara Davis

Pastor Tice credited Dr. Irvin with being a motivating force behind her career in ministry. "Dr. Dale Irvin has meant so much to so many people in their journey into ministry," Pastor Tice said. "I have been blessed not only to have Dale as a professor in seminary, but as a friend in the years after." During the Sept. 5th service, it marked the first time after Pastor Tice's retirement that the church's new interim pastor, the Rev. Tamara Davis, presided over the congregation.

"It was a real honor to meet Dr. Irvin and to hear him preach," said Davis, who recently received her Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. "It's rare to get a chance to hear someone with Dr. Irvin's passion, experience and background in ministry."

Rev. Kathleen Cardy-Tice

Stelton was one of the first churches to form the Philadelphia Association, constituted in 1707. Subsequent to its founding, that association evolved into the American Baptist Churches-U.S.A. denomination. As a result, Stelton Baptist, while being an ABCNJ church, existed before its own denomination. Yet, in the more than three centuries of the church's history, Pastor Tice was the very first woman to preside over the congregation as its spiritual leader.

"It was a great honor for the congregation to get the opportunity to hear Dr. Irvin's sermon," said Charles Holt, a deacon at Stelton who sits on the Church Council. "At this time of change, someone of Dr. Irvin's stature coming to the church and preaching meant so much to everyone."

The Rev. Dr. Miles Austin is Stelton's moderator. He concluded, "Stelton holds a unique place in history, but it remains as it always has been – a house of God and home to a congregation seeking to grow closer to the Lord. It was very moving that Dr. Irvin would come here, at this moment in the congregation's sojourn, to share his words and faith with us."

Is God becoming a 'divine therapist' for teen Christians?

Kenda Creasy Dean is a minister and professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, as well as the author of "Almost Christian." She also helped to conduct research for a study titled the National Study of Youth and Religion, which included in-depth interviews with at least 3,300 American teens between 13 and 17 years old.

As part of her work with the study, Prof. Dean personally interviewed Christian young people about their faith. However, during her work with the study, Prof. Dean learned that fewer than half of those she interviewed practiced their faith or deemed practicing faith important, and most could not speak coherently about their beliefs. What was discovered was that, for many teenagers, a belief in God amounted to "moralistic therapeutic deism."

Within "Almost Christian," Prof. Dean speaks to teens who can articulate their beliefs about faith, many of whom come from Mormon or evangelical church backgrounds. In general, though, Prof. Dean's book discusses how many teens adhere to a watered-down kind of Christian faith, which relegates God to being a "divine therapist."

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to social justice, multiculturalism, diversity and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Indonesian Muslims protest planned Quran burnings

In Jakarta, Indonesia, thousands of Indonesian Muslims protested outside the U.S. Embassy to decry a plan by The Dove World Outreach Center, in Gainesville, Florida, to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11th. The Dove Center is reportedly timing the Koran burnings to commemorate the anniversary of the Sept. 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks.

As well as protesting in Jakarta, Muslims demonstrated in five other Indonesian cities. Some Muslim leaders are hoping the U.S. Government will use its influence to get the center to cease the Quran burnings at the Dove Center. Notably, Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim nation.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, multiculturalism, diversity and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every walk of life, for careers in ministry.

Forgiveness is about reconciliation and homecoming

Are you waiting for an apology that hasn't come? According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's "Faith and You" columnist Terry Pluto, sometimes people refuses to accept apologies because they feel that being a victim gives them a sense of power.

In certain cases, this situation can give rise to deep family divides, which require healing. In his column, Mr. Pluto draws upon advice from the Rev. Gary Chmura, of the Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, in Cleveland. And, he focuses upon reconciliation, which comes after forgiveness. There are times when "feelings are hurt, confidences may be broken. Most of all, grudges are held onto as if they are gold bars."

Mayfield United Methodist Church's Pastor Scott Wilson believes that, while no one can be forced to accept an apology, they "can be treated kindly and with respect." Mr. Pluto urges us to do what is humanly possible to heal our relationships, and then leave the rest to God.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious tolerance, social justice, multiculturalism and diversity. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Pentecostalism is the fastest-growing religion in the world

According to USC's Leonard K. Firestone Professor of Religion Donald Miller, Pentecostalism is winning disciples in developing countries throughout the world.

Professor Miller documented the expansion of Pentecostalism in his book Global Pentecostalism: The New Face of Christian Social Engagement, which he co-authored with Tetsunao Yamamori.

For Miller, Pentecostalism is a complex social movement within Protestantism, which reveals many different strains. Central to Pentecostalism, though, is the presence of the Holy Spirit. Accordingly, Professor Miller characterized Pentecostalism as the fastest-growing faith in the world, with numbers of followers that are second only to the Catholic Church.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to the study of global religions and faith. The seminary espouses beliefs in multiculturalism, diversity, religious tolerance and social justice in its mission to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

New Orleans churches 'bury' Hurricane Katrina five years later

According to New Orleans Catholic Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond, a Mass and interfaith service held at the St. Louis Cathedral not only marked the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, but an end to the storm.

Archbishop Aymond said, "Five years later, we remember the unwelcome visit of Katrina, but we have to put her to rest." The Mass was celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor and took place in the wake of a Katrina "funeral" a day before.

A Katrina casket was filled with personal prayers and notes from residents of New Orleans and closed, to the cheers and applause of celebrants. Aymond said that, this weekend, New Orleans buried Katrina. He concluded that "she has cause many deaths. We will not forget her, but she is buried."

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every walk of life, for careers in ministry.