| Boston University School of Theology Welcomes
New Seminarians
Enthusiastic new seminarians converged on the Boston University
School of Theology from across the globe as the
School welcomed this year’s incoming class. Students
entered each of the School’s six degree programs, including
both masters and doctoral levels. A special privilege, some
of this year’s incoming doctoral students will be the
first to study with the school’s five new faculty members,
also entering this semester.
Demonstrating the seminary’s continued commitment
to diversity, the arriving students were from a wide range
of ecclesial backgrounds and cultures. This denominational
and geographic diversity included students from seven different
countries and 23 different faith traditions. From Maine to
Montana, Southern California to Florida, students arrived
from the four corners of the US, with 23 states represented
in all. Twenty percent of the incoming seminarians are members
of an ethnic minority, and twenty-one percent are international
students. Diversity such as this is displayed throughout
the School of Theology’s classes, contributing to students’ understanding
of the diverse values and beliefs operative in global society.
In this way, diversity becomes priceless to students’ seminary
education.
As in years past, students joined the seminary community
from different points in their careers, as well. Some entered
straight from their undergraduate college graduation this
past May, while others came already having a doctoral degree.
Some who felt the call to further their ministry joined the
seminary from a previous professional life. Students in the
incoming class have been professors, CEOs, musicians, and
even veterinarians. As has been the case for a number of
years, the School of Theology continued the tradition of
welcoming military chaplains into the incoming class. Those
selected for a year of advanced theological study will return
to full-time chaplaincy in their branch of the US armed forces
next year.
Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the School
of Theology is an international and ecumenical seminary
where personal, professional, and spiritual growth are nurtured
through community
life.
This
year’s
diverse group of incoming students will strengthen this sense
of
community. In the next few years, as these students graduate
from the Boston University School of Theology, they will
be the newest generation of pastoral leaders and theologians.
Through their seminary training, these exceptional people
will be prepared for traditional and innovative ministries
informed by the historical roots and contemporary experience
of the Christian church in different cultures.
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