McCormick Recognized by Seminaries that Change the World for 2016-17 School Year
09-16-2016
CHICAGO – McCormick Theological Seminary is pleased to announce its selection as a Seminary that Changes the World, Class of 2016-17 by The Center for Faith and Service. Each year, Seminaries that Change the World identifies a select group of seminaries and divinity schools offering innovative courses, programs, and opportunities for students seeking to engage in social justice and service work while in seminary. McCormick’s inclusion honors its ongoing work to equip a new, diverse and cross-culturally competent generation of leaders for world-changing service, justice and advocacy work.
McCormick’s partnership with The Center for Faith and Service is a natural extension of President Frank Yamada’s vision for the seminary. President Yamada says, “McCormick is grateful to be included in The Center’s list of Seminaries that Change the World for the third year in a row. At McCormick we strive to prepare diverse leaders for the church and world, who are engaged in social justice, advocacy, and service. As a result, we are committed to local communities particularly in Chicago. So, for example, we have developed and launched the Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. Scholars Doctor of Ministry program, a new Korean language Doctor of Ministry cohort, a Certificate in Black Church Studies, and a Certificate in Latino/a Ministries. In this way, McCormick has recommitted itself to forming leaders who will do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).”
Last year, with the help of a matching gift from Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow and Robin Pugh, McCormick established the Do Justice Fund in order to equip emerging faith leaders to meet today’s social, economic, and political challenges. The fund supports opportunities for students to participate in trainings, workshops, conferences and campaigns to develop their skills and focus their passions to be more effective change agents. In addition, McCormick’s Community Engagement Fellows Program allows students to integrate real world learning and engage critical issues like immigration, criminal justice reform, racial reconciliation, food insecurity and healthcare with theological education though partnerships with churches and other faith-based non-profit organizations.
The list of Seminaries that Change the World is published by The Center for Faith and Service, an organization that works to help seminaries, service programs, denominations and local congregations connect faith with service and social justice work. Reflecting on this year’s list of Seminaries that Change the World, Wayne Meisel, Executive Director of The Center for Faith and Service, remarked: “Anyone seeking to change the world ought to at least consider seminary or divinity school as an option to grow personally in one’s faith and to inspire, sustain and deepen his or her commitment to neighbor, community, country and the world. Through their commitment to collaborate, this diverse group of schools named on this year’s list of Seminaries that Change the World embody the best of faithful and justice seeking communities.”
For more information about Seminaries that Change the World, or McCormick Theological Seminary’s unique programs, courses, and scholarships, visit www.faith3.org.
About McCormick Theological Seminary
McCormick Theological Seminary is one of twelve schools related to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is an accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The seminary, located among the Hyde Park cluster of theological schools, including the University of Chicago, is affiliated with the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS). A progressive leader in the Reformed tradition, McCormick equips, encourages, challenges, and energizes diverse women and men of all denominations hungry for a more just world and on fire to participate and lead in its Holy transformation. We are committed to rigorous academic study, practical experience, spiritual formation and community life, advancing a model that is cross-cultural, urban, and ecumenical.
About The Center for Faith and Service
Based out of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, The Center for Faith and Service works to develop new programs and identify existing resources that support the church to be present and relevant in the lives of young adults. Through a variety of initiatives, including Seminaries that Change the World, The Center partners with seminaries, summer camps, colleges, youth corps, denominations and local congregations to create programs and resources that help young people connect their passions for service and justice with their faith.