Following a process that started in 2021, Moravian University announced today that it has obtained final approval from the U.S. Department of Education to finalize its acquisition of Lancaster Theological Seminary.
In order to develop a united approach to theological education while maintaining each institution’s own religious traditions, Lancaster Theological Seminary and Moravian Theological Seminary merge to form Moravian University’s new School of Theology.
Students interested in graduate degrees, certifications, and lifelong learning will have more options if the faculty, staff, and resources of these venerable seminaries are brought together to form a School of Theology. Moravian University president Bryon Grigsby stated in a press statement.
As part of the merger, Moravian Theological Seminary will carry on its Moravian heritage, while Lancaster Theological Seminary, which was established in 1825, will keep its name and affiliation with the United Church of Christ tradition. The governing structure of Moravian University will govern the operations of both schools.
In the school year 2024–2025, the merged seminaries started providing united curriculum, which included streamlined theology degree programs on both campuses. In order to improve efficiency and financial sustainability, the merger also unifies administrative tasks and resource sharing.
This tale was structured and organized using generative AI using data from Moravian University. Staff at lehighvalleylive.com evaluated and edited it.
