About

A first-century follower of Jesus wrote that love “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” This means that love is active. It must do something. Love must change something.

If you are a disciple of Jesus, you are called to be an agent of change in a hurting, hungry world. At Claremont, we take seriously the lure of love in the Gospel message. And that’s why we educate agents of social change, those leaders who follow Jesus and put God’s love to work in the world.

From the ancient church to the future of the faith, Claremont explores it all.

Claremont School of Theology isn’t like most theological schools. Yes, we educate ministers and other leaders in service of Church and society. Yes, we’re rooted in a particular tradition — The United Methodist Church — but we are broad in denominational composition and outlook. And yes, we offer opportunities for spiritual formation, intellectual exploration, and practical preparation.

But that’s where the similarities end.

Claremont School of Theology is a transdenominational theological school and a founding member of a new multireligious consortium that’s embarking on a bold 21st century experiment. Located in Southern California — the most diverse region in the United States — Claremont School of Theology is looking forward to the needs of the future church, one that’s ready to preach and practice the Gospel message of love and compassion in a radically diverse world.

To do that, we’re building on a relatively simple educational philosophy: we are desegregating religious education so our students can better learn about others as they learn about ourselves. Research is showing that students gain a deeper understanding of their own faith when educated in the presence of religious diversity. It’s a ground-breaking — and controversial — approach to ministerial education and Christian formation.