Portrait by Ellen Marello

New York Theological is in transition, entering a strategic partnership with Union Theological Seminary. Preserving our 120-plus-year legacy is a paramount consideration for our board, senior administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The current moment in theological education finds us grateful to partner with another institution, enabling us to continue our enduring commitment to social justice, community, and engagement.

This transition is bittersweet, embracing with optimism and hope the challenges and opportunities ahead, and anticipating a bold future reflecting our bright past. It also is a transformative moment, a Kairos moment capturing the essence of a time within a time, the result of some type of divine interruption. The board has embraced this moment. I applaud those board members who have shown steadfastness and commitment to ensuring NYTS will still exist.

As a theological school preparing women and men for ministry, there will be unexpected moments and challenges. We are a seminary that has for 123 years been led by the Spirit, and that’s the guiding principle that allows us to understand we are not in this alone.