Centers at Chicago Theological Seminary

CTS is the home of several centers of focused study on specific topics. The centers offer course tracks for participating students, research opportunities for students, and host community-wide programming throughout the year to raise awareness and educate the seminary community. Follow the links below to learn more about each center and how they can enrich your seminary education.

The Center for the Study of Black Faith and Life:

The Center for the Study of Black Faith and Life (CSBFL), founded in 2007, is the first Center within a denominational seminary to see connection with the larger Black Faith community inclusive of a variety of Black religions. The CSBFL is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging religious leaders committed to addressing the forces of oppression and dehumanization that plague the African American community and the world.

The Center for the Study of Korean Christianity:

The Center for the Study of Korean Christianity (CSKC) is a research and outreach institute founded to promote the study of Korean Christianity and its theology in America. The center is particularly interested in the progressive tradition that has struggled with the Korean-ness of Christianity in Korea. Through various activities, including translation, research, publication, and lectures, the center provides a space for the continued study of Korean Christianity, makes available English resources for studying Korean theology, and provides support for the churches that are interested in the history and theology of Korean Christianity.

The LGBTQ Religious Studies Center at Chicago Theological Seminary:

Established in January 2006 with the generous support of the Gill Foundation and several anonymous donors, the LGBTQ Religious Studies Center is a theological think tank and a resource for activists. By bringing together academics who are activists and activists who are thinking deeply about the role of religion in both fostering and resisting the movement towards justice, the Center encourages new conversations and offers new hope. The Center continues its work with the generous support of the ARCUS Foundation.

Institute for Spirituality & Wellness:

The Institute for Advanced Studies in Spirituality and Wellness (ISW) seeks to renew and rebuild on the legacy of Anton Boisen who was a pioneering figure in spirituality and wellness in the area of hospital chaplaincy, Clinical Pastoral Education, and ministry to the mentally ill. An initial goal is the development of a faith-based community outreach initiative that will work with clergy and congregations at the grassroots level to bring them spirituality and health information, techniques and practices based on cutting edge science.

The Center for Jewish, Christian, & Islamic Studies:

The Center for Jewish, Christian and Islamic Studies supports the academic and community-oriented programs that promote interfaith dialogue and collaboration among the “religions of the book.” The Center embodies CTS’ long-time pledge to work in partnership with Jewish and Islamic communities, as expressed in our Statement of Commitment: We are committed, in conscious response to the Holocaust and in recognition of the toll taken by religious divisions in our world, to fostering better understanding and collaboration among religious traditions, paying particular attention to cooperation among Christianity, Judaism and Islam toward the end of realizing the aims of the prophetic traditions. Jewish and Islamic Studies courses are offered at all degree levels.