Can Claremont Survive?

Behind the Scenes at CST: The First in an Occasional Series

The landscape of theological education is shifting dramatically. Once the bedrock of pastoral training and intellectual rigor for religious leaders, seminaries and divinity schools now face declining enrollment, financial strain, and questions about their relevance in a rapidly changing world. These challenges raise an urgent question: Can theological education survive?

One of the most pressing issues is the steady decline in student enrollment. According to the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), many seminaries have seen decreasing student numbers over the past two decades. Several factors contribute to this trend, including:

  • Rising Costs: Like most other goods and services, the cost of theological education continues to climb. This reality makes it difficult for prospective students to justify the financial investment, especially when ministry salaries often remain modest.
  • Changing Vocational Goals: Fewer students are entering traditional ministry roles, with many opting for bi-vocational ministry or alternative careers in nonprofit work, counseling, or academia.
  • A Shift in Religious Affiliation: The broader trend of religious disaffiliation in the U.S. and other Western nations means that fewer young people see theological education as a viable or necessary path.For the past several years, my colleagues and I have navigated a whirlwind of change. We’ve worked diligently to correct misconceptions—CST did not relocate to Willamette, and selling our 16-acre Claremont campus was not a financial windfall but a necessary step to adapt to the shifting landscape of theological education and to pay off debt. Yes, we still face significant challenges, and yes, we are proud to continue bearing the name “Claremont.”

As the CST community reflects on Dr. John B. Cobb’s legacy and our school’s future, let us also recognize the institution’s unique and evolving identity.

CST is unique among theological institutions in the United States. While it has historic ties to The United Methodist Church, it is known for its progressive theology and fully embraces interreligious and interfaith programs. CST is a place where students from Christian, Jewish, Jain, Muslim, Buddhist, and other traditions come together to engage in transformative theological education.

Early History and Theological Shifts

Founded in 1885 by Charles Maclay, a Methodist minister and California state senator, Maclay College of Theology was located in San Fernando, California.  Helen Bennet graduated from Maclay in 1890,  the first woman in California history to earn a theological degree.

In 1900, the college relocated to the University of Southern California (USC) campus in Los Angeles, aligning with USC’s Methodist affiliation at the time.

The college remained part of USC until 1956, when it separated to become an independent institution. In 1957, it relocated to Claremont, California, incorporated as the Southern California School of Theology, later becoming the School of Theology at Claremont, and eventually adopting its current name, Claremont School of Theology.

CST was originally a Methodist seminary with a more traditional theological stance. However, as theological education in the U.S. shifted in the mid-20th century, CST increasingly embraced progressive theology, particularly following its move to Claremont, California, in 1957.

In the 1960s—under Ernest Cadman Colwell’s presidency (1957-1968)—the school became known for its emphasis on critical biblical scholarship, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. It was influenced by movements such as:

  • Liberation Theology
  • Feminist and Womanist Theology
  • Process Theology
  • Interfaith Studies (including partnerships with Buddhist and Muslim scholars)

Present-Day Reputation

Today, CST is widely regarded as one of the most progressive seminaries in the U.S., emphasizing inclusive, justice-oriented, and interreligious approaches to theology. It has maintained ties to The United Methodist Church, but it also welcomes students from diverse religious backgrounds.

Embracing the Future

One of our brightest young scholars, Rev. Dr. Aizaiah G. Yong, Associate Professor of Spirituality and Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives and Intercultural Renewal, articulates what CST stands for now—certainly reflecting the past but so eloquently stating what the school is today:

“At Claremont School of Theology, the heart of the institution is not just its mission—it is the people who embody it daily. CST’s very diverse (and, to some extent, international) faculty and staff often share how deeply they align with the values of compassion, justice, and belonging. In our meetings, we strive to co-create environments which foster a sense of kindness, care, mutual regard, and flexibility despite our many chaotic circumstances.  Students choose CST from around the world (especially South Korea, Taiwan, and Africa) because of the school’s historic commitments to ecumenism, interfaith cooperation, social justice, and inclusive leadership development. Our world-class faculty introduce students to inter- and transdisciplinary models of education that are emancipatory, decolonial, and embodied. Students often say, ‘This is the first academic experience where I could fully show up as my full self.’ 

CST has long been a school in transition, frequently facing the ongoing challenge of limited financial resources—a struggle that has persisted for decades.

Now, we face additional challenges as we remain committed to diversity amid the current administration’s attacks on equal rights for all.

Change is never easy. Leaving the Claremont campus was hard.  Our finances continue to be the struggle.  Losing John Cobb was painful.

But if Dr. Cobb taught us anything, it’s that transformation is part of the journey.

Steve Horswill-Johnston
Executive Vice President of Operations, Communications & Advancement (COO)