Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium

The Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium (BTI), originally the Boston Theological Institute, is the largest theological consortium in the world, bringing together the resources of theological schools and seminaries throughout the greater Boston area. Its activities include facilitating cross-registration and library access among the member schools and supporting certificate programs and student-led conferences.[1] The BTI is led by Stephanie Edwards, who has served as executive director since the summer of 2020, and by a board of trustees that represent its member schools.[2]

Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium
Former names
Boston Theological Institute
Established1968
Location, ,
Websitebostontheological.org

History

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The Boston Theological Institute was formed in 1968 to facilitate collaboration and enable joint programming among seven graduate-level Christian theological schools in Greater Boston: Andover Newton Theological School (American Baptist Church), the Boston College Department of Theology (Roman Catholic), the Boston University School of Theology (United Methodist), Episcopal Theological School (later Episcopal Divinity School), Harvard Divinity School (interfaith), St. John's Seminary (Roman Catholic), and Weston College (now Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, Roman Catholic).[3] Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Evangelical) became a member of the consortium in 1972, and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1975.[4]

On January 1, 2011, the BTI became a multifaith organization when Hebrew College joined the coalition.[5] On January 1, 2018, the BTI expanded beyond Greater Boston when Hartford Seminary, a nondenominational seminary in Hartford, Connecticut, became a member.[4] The Boston University Graduate Program in Religion became a member institution in 2020.[6] Meanwhile, the Episcopal Divinity School ended its membership in the BTI after the closure of its Cambridge, Massachusetts campus, as did Andover Newton Theological School after its Newton, Massachusetts campus closed.

The BTI began using the name Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium in August 2018.[7]

Past directors of the BTI include the Rev. Walter Wagoner, Sr. (1968 through the mid-1970s);[3][8] Rodney L. Petersen (1990-2014);[9] and Ann McClenahan (2014–20)[10][11]

References

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  1. ^ "Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium". Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  2. ^ "About Us". Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  3. ^ a b Coburn, John B. (June 5, 1968). "Seminary Cooperation in Greater Boston". The Christian Century.
  4. ^ a b "Hartford Seminary to Join Consortium of Boston-Area Theological Schools". Hartford Seminary. November 16, 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  5. ^ Lehmann, Rabbi Daniel (May 23, 2016). "The Sacred Work of Interreligious Learning and Leadership". Hebrew College. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  6. ^ "Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium Member Schools". Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium. Archived from the original on September 15, 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  7. ^ "Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium". Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018.
  8. ^ Saxon, Wolfgang (May 18, 1998). "Rev. Walter Wagoner Sr., 79, Theology Educator". New York Times.
  9. ^ "Rodney L. Petersen". Boston Theological Institute. Archived from the original on August 4, 2012.
  10. ^ "Ann B. McClenahan, Th.D., Executive Director of the Boston Theological Institute" (PDF). Boston Theological Institute. April 11, 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 3, 2014. Dr. McClenahan will take office on June 15 of this year, following the distinguished twenty-four year tenure of Dr. Rodney L. Petersen.
  11. ^ "BTI Consortium News". Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium. April 30, 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
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42°19′30″N 71°11′24″W / 42.325°N 71.1899°W / 42.325; -71.1899