Since its inception, Seattle University's School of Theology and Ministry (STM) has been a major catalyst and participant in an emergent and strengthened ecumenical community. STM is marked by active work
within denominations and faith communities within the Pacific Northwest, nationally and worldwide.
STM's denominational and faith community partners include the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, Anglican, Protestant and Unitarian denominations and religious agencies in the Northwest, and Seattle University.
Partnerships Impact the School Daily
The School prepares students for leadership positions in a variety of settings and vocations, including traditional ordained and lay ministry. Students and graduates of STM often transition into roles as pastoral associates for faith formation, directors of Christian education programs and serving with Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). They also minister to the sick and elderly; are liturgical leaders and chaplains to hospices, hospitals, and prisons; are directors of food banks; serve in shelters for the homeless, provide spiritual direction and retreats, and serve as chaplains in various ministries. STM’s student body is made up individuals seeking to develop spiritually, to know and appreciate their tradition, and to find the services and support they need to engage in disciplined, developmental, and holistic education and formation. We are honored to directly partner with denominations and faith communities as a part of our ongoing work preparing leaders with a faith that does justice, seeking to build a better world.
Interfaith awareness, dialogue and interaction
The Alfred and Tillie Shemanski Institute for Christian and Jewish Understanding is a collaborative venture by Temple De Hirsch Sinai and STM. This institute supports ongoing dialogue between Jews and Christians through public lectures and a clergy institute, and interfaith worship experiences.
With broad community involvement, the School of Theology and Ministry (STM) has become a major catalyst and participant in an emergent and strengthened ecumenical community. STM offers the opportunity to study for a variety of ministerial roles.
In Creative Partnership - STM’s Formal Relationships with Partners
I. Ecclesial Communities:
- African Methodist Episcopal Church – AME, in partnership with District 5 of the AME.
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). We work with the NW and SW synods most directly, but also with other regional synods.
- Presbyterian Church [synod of Alaska-NW Presbyterian Church USA
- Pacific Northwest United Methodist Conference
- Unitarian Universalist Association
- Northwest Regional Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
- Church of the Brethren (Oregon-Washington District)
- Evergreen Association of American Baptist churches
- Mennonite Church, Pacific Northwest Conference
- Episcopal Church in Western Washington, diocese of Olympia
- Community of Christ Mission Center
I. Conciliar Partnerships:
- Faith Action Network
- Church Council of Greater Seattle
- Associated Ministries of Pierce County
- Interfaith Association of NW Washington
II. Grants:
- Faith and Family Homelessness (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- Henry Luce Foundation: Interreligious Initiative