BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Moravian University officially has acquired Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster County after recently getting approval from the U.S. Education Department, the university announced.
The newly obtained seminary will combine with Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem to form Moravian University’s School of Theology, according to a news release.
“We’re very excited about what the future holds for our students, faculty and alumni from both seminaries.”Christian Rice, vice president and dean of the School of Theology at Moravian University
While serving all Protestant denominations of Christianity, Lancaster Theological Seminary will maintain its United Church of Christ tradition, and Moravian Theological Seminary will do the same with its Moravian heritage, according to the release.
Both seminaries will offer master’s degrees in divinity, ministry and theological studies, as well as doctorates of ministry.
The master of divinity degree is the basic credential for becoming ordained in the Moravian Church and other denominations.
Moravian University faculty members come from denominations including Moravian, Presbyterian, United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Lutheran and the Episcopal Church, according to the university’s website.
Process started four years ago
Moravian first initiated the process to acquire Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2021.
Two years later, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education extended Moravian’s accreditation to Lancaster seminary, too.
The combined seminaries started offering joint curricula during the 2024-25 school year.
“This final approval allows us to enrich our theological education traditions, expanding access, and positioning both seminaries to flourish together within Moravian University’s inclusive and dynamic environment.”Christian Rice, vice president and dean of Moravian's School of Theology
The merger will consolidate administrative operations, resource-sharing and strategic planning, the news release said.
“This final approval allows us to enrich our theological education traditions, expanding access, and positioning both seminaries to flourish together within Moravian University’s inclusive and dynamic environment,” Christian Rice, vice president and dean of Moravian's School of Theology, said in a news release.
“We’re very excited about what the future holds for our students, faculty and alumni from both seminaries.”
