170th Anniversary Celebration – Daring Faith in Dangerous Times

For 170 years, Chicago Theological Seminary has equipped bold leaders to live out a daring faith—one that is willing to disrupt injustice, challenge convention, and nurture hope in dangerous times.

Save October 9, 2025, for our C. Shelby Rooks Lecture, as we mark a monumental legacy—bold, unshaken, and still rising. RSVP here.

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Full Schedule of 170th Anniversary Events

Wednesday Gathering with President Brad Braxton
October 1, 2025
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Virtual
Learn More.

2nd Annual CTS-Bayan Emerging Scholars Symposium
October 8, 2025
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Hybrid, lunch provided
Learn More & RSVP.

Building New Tables: Queering Womanist and Feminist Preaching
October 8, 2025
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Hybrid, dinner provided
Learn More & RSPV.

170th Anniversary Celebration & C. Shelby Rooks Lecture
“What Our Hands Have Handled”: The Bible as Material Witness in African American Religious Culture
October 9, 2025
5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m
In-Person Reception; Virtual Lecture beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Learn More & RSVP.

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Now, as we celebrate this milestone, we want to hear from you.

📽️ Submit a short video (under 1 minute):
Tell us how CTS has impacted your life, work, or calling. What does CTS mean to you?

✍️ Prefer to write instead?
You can submit a written reflection (200 words or fewer) in place of a video.

Your story may be featured in our 170th anniversary videos, publications, and digital tributes — as we honor CTS’s legacy and look toward our future.

Submit your video or written reflection here.

Thank you for helping us celebrate 170 years of courageous, justice-centered theological education.