General Theological Seminary

General Theological Seminary is an Episcopal Church in the United States of America seminary located in New York City, New York, United States. The seminary was founded in 1817 by Bishop John Henry Hobart of the Diocese of New York and has a long history of educating Anglican clergy, including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Barbara Harris. The seminary is known for its academic programs, including the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees, which are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The seminary has a strong connection to the Episcopal Church and has educated many notable clergy, including Bishop Mark Sisk of the Diocese of New York and Bishop Frank Griswold of the Diocese of Pennsylvania.

● History

The seminary was founded in 1817 by Bishop John Henry Hobart of the Diocese of New York with the goal of providing education and training for Episcopal Church clergy. The seminary's early years were marked by growth and development, with the establishment of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in 1846, which was designed by Richard Upjohn and features a stained glass window by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The seminary has a long history of innovation, including the establishment of the Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 1857, which was a precursor to the modern Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. The seminary has also been associated with notable figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, who was a trustee of the seminary, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was a supporter of the seminary. The seminary has also been involved in various ecumenical efforts, including the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

● Academics

The seminary offers a range of academic programs, including the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees, which are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The seminary's faculty includes notable scholars, such as Katharine Jefferts Schori and Rowan Williams, who have taught courses on theology and scripture. The seminary also offers a range of certificate programs, including the Certificate in Anglican Studies and the Certificate in Spiritual Direction. The seminary has a strong connection to the Episcopal Church and offers courses on Episcopal Church history and polity, as well as liturgy and worship. The seminary also has a strong focus on social justice and offers courses on poverty, racism, and environmental justice, which are informed by the work of Martin Luther King Jr. and Dorothy Day.

● Campus

The seminary's campus is located in the Chelsea, Manhattan neighborhood of New York City, New York, United States. The campus features a range of buildings, including the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, which was designed by Richard Upjohn and features a stained glass window by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The campus also includes the Seabury Auditorium, which is named after Samuel Seabury, the first Episcopal Church bishop in the United States. The seminary's campus is also home to the General Theological Seminary Library, which has a collection of over 150,000 volumes, including rare books and manuscripts by Thomas Cranmer and John Donne. The campus is located near other notable institutions, including the Union Theological Seminary and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

● Student Life

The seminary has a diverse student body, with students from a range of backgrounds and denominations, including the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Church of England. The seminary offers a range of student organizations, including the Student Council and the Anglican Student Association. The seminary also has a strong focus on community service and offers a range of opportunities for students to engage in volunteer work and mission trips, which are informed by the work of Mother Teresa and Desmond Tutu. The seminary's campus is also home to a range of worship services, including the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, which offers daily Eucharist and prayer services.

● Notable Alumni

The seminary has a long list of notable alumni, including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Barbara Harris. Other notable alumni include Bishop Mark Sisk of the Diocese of New York and Bishop Frank Griswold of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. The seminary has also educated many notable clergy, including Bishop Gene Robinson and Bishop Mary Glasspool. The seminary's alumni have gone on to serve in a range of roles, including bishop, priest, and deacon, and have been involved in various ecumenical efforts, including the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. The seminary's alumni have also been associated with notable institutions, including the Yale Divinity School and the Harvard Divinity School.

● Administration

The seminary is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes notable figures, such as Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Barbara Harris. The seminary's president is The Very Reverend Kurt H. Dunkle, who has served in the role since 2013. The seminary's administration also includes a range of other officers, including the Dean of the Faculty and the Dean of Students. The seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and is a member of the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes and the National Association of Episcopal Schools. The seminary has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and has been awarded the National Association of Episcopal Schools' Award for Excellence in Diversity.