Methodists certify seminary after concerns over identity

(RNS) The United Methodist Church has decided to restore ties and funding to a California seminary after assurances that it will remain a Christian school. Claremont School of Theology has met the criteria for keeping its affiliation with the United Methodist Church, according to an announcement on Friday (June 25). The school receives about $800,000 […]

(RNS) The United Methodist Church has decided to restore ties and funding to a California seminary after assurances that it will remain a Christian school.

Claremont School of Theology has met the criteria for keeping its affiliation with the United Methodist Church, according to an announcement on Friday (June 25). The school receives about $800,000 a year in funds from the UMC, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Earlier this year, Claremont announced plans to join a multifaith coalition called the University Project that will also train Jewish rabbis and Muslim imams. The graduate schools for each faith will be separate, alleviating some concerns that Claremont would lose its Christian identity.


The United Methodist Church placed Claremont on public warning last January and halted donations to the school, citing, among other concerns, “a substantial reorientation of the institution’s mission.”

Claremont’s president, the Rev. Jerry Campbell, called the UMC decision “a big relief,” according to the United Methodist News Service.

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