No transformation of theology can bypass the seminaries and divinity schools. They are the institutions that exist for the purpose of theological education -- where students go who seek it and where instructors go who are able to provide it.
The Transforming Theology movement works to support American seminaries and divinity schools in their project of teaching the theory and practice of theology -- and to challenge those who would offer graduate study of Christianity without wrestling with theological questions.

   This is a broad-based project, supporting theological education across the whole range from progressive evangelical schools through the mainline seminaries to the more liberal institutions. The teachers, denominations, and schools involved in this new initiative believe that theological education really matters and that, done right, theology can have a genuinely transformative effect on church, society, and the academy. We pursue this goal without a partisan agenda and in partnership with the leaders of the schools: presidents, academic deans, and faculty.

   The different schools differ concerning their primary publics. Some have been founded to serve a particular denomination or a given segment of the church; others for training religious leaders more generally or with the goal of social transformation; and others with primary goals in the academic study of religion, philosophy, or theology. But in no other place is there more potential (and more expertise) on what theological education is, why it’s important, and how it can be done successfully. No other institutions have thought as deeply about how to make theology relevant to the church and to the contemporary world.

   The "Rekindling Theological Imagination" tab describes the Ford Foundation grant and its focus on "transformative thought for progressive action." That grant supported summit meetings of leading progressive theologians and of denominational leaders in 2009. Activities with seminaries and divinity schools are planned for the future.

   At this time of unprecedented financial challenges for seminaries, it seems all the more important to form alliances of mutual support and to make a strong, united public statement about the value of theological education. By standing together in this way, it's possible to draw more public attention to the roles that theological education plays in the academy, for the churches, and within our culture as a whole. We want to publicize the chief trends in theological education, new initiatives being developed, and new types of programs and degrees -- as well as traditional programs of study.

   In the end, there is no transforming theology without the involvement of the seminaries and divinity schools. If they fail, the theological training of pastors fails and the access of laypersons to theological guidance is imperiled. At the same time, the ability of churches to explain their own heritage and to interpret their actions in the world is undercut. Some will argue for strengthening and publicizing traditional programs, while others work to develop radically new forms of theological education. We look for common ground, not warfare between the competing options. What is desperately needed is a forum where the schools can highlight the importance of what they do, can brainstorm and problem-solve, and can advertise their new programs and initiatives.