Bexley Seabury Seminary Board of Directors Affirms Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bexley Seabury Seminary Board of Directors Affirms Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Chicago, IL — July 16, 2025 — Bexley Seabury Seminary’s Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a resolution affirming the institution’s enduring commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and to standing in solidarity with minority and marginalized populations.
The resolution, passed at the Board’s most recent meeting, states:
“Bexley Seabury Seminary affirms its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and solidarity with minority and marginalized populations… a necessary and inalienable consequence of our Religious Identity, Baptismal Vows, and Vocation.”
In doing so, the Board made clear that this commitment is rooted in the Seminary’s Christian identity and theological convictions. It further declares that:
This commitment is integral to the seminary’s mission and values as a community of theological education and formation;
Any federal orders or policies that require abandonment of these values are viewed as violations of the free exercise of religion, protected by the First Amendment;
Bexley Seabury Seminary will not comply with such orders or policies if they arise.
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about the Gospel,” said the Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks, Episcopal Bishop of Northern Indiana and Chair of Bexley Seabury’s Board of Directors. “Our faith calls us to recognize and affirm the dignity of every human being. This resolution simply reflects that call.”
“This resolution reflects the heart of the Episcopal approach to education,” said the Rev. Jason Fout, Ph.D., Interim President. “We are called to teach history truthfully, foster belonging for all people, and create communities of learning where everyone is valued and supported. Embracing DEI principles isn’t peripheral to our mission—it’s essential to how we live out the Gospel in the Episcopal Church and in theological education.”
Bexley Seabury remains steadfast in forming leaders for the Church and the world who embody justice, compassion, and radical hospitality. This resolution strengthens that commitment at a time when it is more urgently needed than ever.
About Bexley Seabury Seminary
Bexley Seabury aims to empower both lay and ordained leaders by fostering a culture of rigorous exploration and active engagement with the Gospel. Dedicated to providing innovative and accessible theological education, the seminary offers nonresidential programs grounded in the rich Anglican spiritual and intellectual tradition. Bexley Seabury is a nonresidential seminary with offices based in Chicago, Illinois, serving a nationwide community of students, faculty, and staff, and is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
For more information about Bexley Seabury’s programs, please visit www.bexleyseabury.edu
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Vicki Bohlsen
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