The Vancouver School of Theology has received a grant of $9,923,200 USD from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish Reimagining Theological Education Across The United Church Of Canada Affiliated Schools: Confronting The Narrative Of Decline.

The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, which is designed to help theological schools across the United States and Canada as they prioritize and respond to the most pressing challenges they face as they prepare pastoral leaders for Christian congregations both now and into the future.

Vancouver School of Theology joins The United Church of Canada in affirming that there is no single factor more critical to the future of the church than excellent pastoral leadership. In addition, The United Church of Canada has committed itself to “Re-Imagining Theological Education.” Vancouver School of Theology believes our proposal flows directly from and furthers these stated, urgent priorities.

This project is rooted in the collaboration of the eight institutions of theological education directly affiliated with The United Church of Canada. It will extend over the next five years to foster a new responsive, collaborative framework involving the UCC and all affiliated schools. In addition, it will lead to the formation of a permanent endowment, supported by the Lilly Endowment, matched by additional fundraising by the collaborative partners, and with support through The United Church of Canada Foundation.

Lilly Endowment launched the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative in 2021. Since then, it has provided grants totaling more than $700 million to support 163 theological schools in efforts to strengthen their own educational and financial capacities and to assist 61 schools in developing large-scale collaborative endeavors.

From Dr. Bernon Lee, Acting Principal of St. Andrew’s College:

“St. Andrew’s College is grateful for the leadership of the Vancouver School of Theology and the United Church of Canada for articulating a vision for renewal and change in reimagining theological education in this time of cultural flux.

St. Andrew’s College is proud to be a part of the venture supported by the grant. Located in one of the fastest-growing regions of the country, the College is uniquely positioned to witness the nation’s demographic shifts and their impact on theological reflection and practice.

We look forward to bringing a Prairie interpretation to this creative and vital initiative.”