Racial Justice

Then
CTS faculty and students participated in the abolitionist movement and in the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War. The seminary is proud of its association with the Civil Rights movement and with the struggle of South African Christians against apartheid. CTS was the first institution of higher learning to give an honorary degree to Martin Luther King, Jr. An honorary degree was also conferred on Bishop Desmond Tutu in 1986.

Now
The legacy of racism is addressed across CTS’ core curriculum, influencing the study of Bible, Ethics, History, Theology and Practice of Ministry. Required texts include many works by prominent theologians of color. Alumni such as the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. and Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. have served as adjunct faculty in CTS’ Center for Community Transformation. Global connections with progressive seminaries in South Africa and the Pacific Rim help us to engage related issues facing communities around the world.