A bold initiative to reimagine theological education
Pacific School of Religion (PSR), a leading progressive Christian seminary known for its commitment to social justice and inclusive ministry, is excited to announce the upcoming launch of Kwaray, a bold and collaborative initiative designed to reimagine theological education. Drawing on the best of the Bay Area’s technological innovation and expanding the reach of PSR’s academic programs, Kwaray will be a distributed learning network that connects diverse voices and experiences, creating an inclusive, dynamic educational ecosystem. This groundbreaking initiative has been made possible by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. A primary aim of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s grantmaking in religion is to deepen the religious lives of Christians, principally by supporting efforts that enhance congregational vitality and strengthen the leadership of Christian communities.
“Kwaray is an opportunity to make theological education accessible to a broader community, strengthen the capacity of congregational leaders, and to honor the spiritual nature of work” said David Vásquez-Levy, President of Pacific School of Religion. “Our goal is to expand our reach as a teaching institution and facilitating the development of an extensive learning network. Kwaray challenges conventional educational models by centering the voices of historically marginalized communities and breaking down traditional hierarchies and binaries, such as the distinction between ordained and lay leadership.”
In addition to PSR’s rigorous and growing theological graduate program, Kwaray will reimagine traditional educational pathways by providing accessible, incremental learning experiences tailored to the needs of each participant. The platform will allow learners of all backgrounds to step into educational opportunities without barriers, thereby expanding PSR’s inclusive environment that values diverse experiences.
Key Features of Kwaray:
- Courses, Cohorts, and Community Events: Kwaray will offer a range of educational opportunities led by experienced instructors from PSR and other partner organizations. Courses and cohorts will blend spiritual formation with professional skill-building, and community events will connect participants with a vibrant network of faith leaders dedicated to transforming their communities.
- Stackable Credentialing System: Kwaray’s stackable credentialing system will allow students to earn meaningful credentials at various stages of their education, recognizing the diverse needs of learners, particularly those from communities of color and the growing number of individuals who serve in bi-vocational roles. “Our curriculum is designed so that every stage has value,” said Dr. Susan Abraham, PSR’s VP of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. “Whether a student completes a single course or a full certification, each step provides skills and knowledge that are immediately applicable in their leadership roles.”
- Reimagining Theological Education: Kwaray will break down binaries and challenge traditional power structures, redefining who is considered a teacher and expanding the sources of knowledge that inform theological education. “We are committed to reimagining our educational delivery systems,” said Vásquez-Levy. “Kwaray allows us to learn from diverse communities, integrating wisdom from spaces that have been historically marginalized or excluded.”
- Distributed Learning Network: Kwaray will leverage the power of distributed networks, moving from a centralized model to a learning network. This approach will tap into the collective wisdom of diverse communities, creating an unparalleled learning experience that transcends traditional educational models.
Kwaray’s development has been supported by extensive research and successful pilot programs, including PSR’s Ignite Collective and Project K, which brought together current students and external participants to test the platform’s capabilities. These pilots demonstrated Kwaray’s potential to engage learners from various backgrounds, including those outside traditional theological education networks.
With the launch of Kwaray, PSR is leading the way in creating a new, more accessible model for learning and leadership formation. By leveraging the power of technology and embracing radical inclusivity, Kwaray will redefine the boundaries of theological education and open new pathways for rising faith leaders to create a world where all can thrive.
For more information about Kwaray and to be the first to receive updates on the official launch, visit kwaray.org and sign up today.
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Contact:
Jacob Perez
Pacific School of Religion
510-849-8239
[email protected]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Service or Religion News Foundation.
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