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In the summer of 1987, our family moved to Claremont so that I could begin studies for the Master of Divinity degree. During the first few months, as we were getting accustomed to our new surroundings, again and again I looked around and thought, "What an extraordinary setting this is for theological study!
All around was the beauty of creation-mountains on one side, an ocean less than an hour's drive in the other direction, canyons and hills in between. And here we were in a sprawling and growing urban area where it was impossible not to notice the environmental problems created by human habitation. The effects of automobiles, buildings and the rest of our "stuff" was everywhere in evidence. I was also fascinated by the number and amazing variety of people living in the Los Angeles region, which even then was the most racially, culturally and religiously diverse city in the world. It seemed that all of humanity, the whole human condition, was right outside my window. What would it be like to study theology in such a place?
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Throughout its history, Claremont School of Theology has taken seriously its regional and larger context, valuing and seeking responsible involvement in the world beyond our campus. Even the buildings on campus reflect this commitment. The classrooms and the library were constructed with large windows throughout, reminding us that the life of the mind ought to open out to the world in dialogue and action. In his 1956 inaugural address as the School's first president, Ernest Cadman Colwell named as one of the highest priorities "enabling love through the churches." Years later, Claremont theologian Marjorie Suchocki reminded students that in the trajectory of John Wesley's thought, love means a stance of openness to God's grace that enables us to act for the well-being of others. Love in this sense means action for the benefit of others.
Over the years Claremont's professors, students and alumni/ae have lived out this commitment to engage the world for the well-being of others. They have been involved worldwide in action and theological reflection on peacemaking, justice, environmental concerns, inter-religious understanding, and other pressing issues. Theology professors have written on the economy, ecological concerns, world government and a variety of other contemporary concerns. The pastoral care and counseling faculty have worked on new understandings and practices of wholeness, and religious education professors have turned their attention to liberation and empowerment through learning. Several years ago, Claremont faculty and trustees led the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church in designing and carrying out dialogue on gay and lesbian issues, a process that contributed in crucial ways to understanding and positive change. Around the same time, a group that included Claremont faculty, students and alumni/ae traveled to South Africa to be trained in the Truth and Reconciliation process that had been developed there. Upon their return to California they trained others. Now there is an organization offering conflict reconciliation classes and consultations throughout the region and beyond.
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Claremont School of Theology is ever reaffirming this commitment to responsible engagement in the world. Today we have the opportunity to learn from the way the world is represented right on our campus. People from many countries, races, religious traditions and personal backgrounds make up our student body, faculty and staff. This gives us the privilege to share in community with people who are different from us. Classes on multicultural ministry help us in the project of nurturing a community that respects and learns from our diversity. We also seek to extend these attitudes outward. Claremont students are adding to new theological thinking contextualized for cultures such as those of the Pacific Islands, Asia and Africa. Process theologians continue to translate the gospel for the contemporary scientific mind. Students and faculty are involved in intercultural and inter-religious work as well as Christian ecumenism. Our classroom windows still open out to the world.
Each day's news brings reminders: The world needs our responsible engagement, our work for the well-being of others. There is much yet to learn and do. Claremont School of Theology is a place where the learning and the doing find support.
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