The acquisition began in 2021 and has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education

BETHLEHEM, PA, August 12, 2025: Today, Moravian University announced that the acquisition of Lancaster Theological Seminary has been formally completed after final approval was received from the U.S. Department of Education. With this acquisition now approved, Lancaster Theological Seminary officially combines with the Moravian Theological Seminary and will form Moravian University’s School of Theology.

This strategic move, initiated in 2021 with unanimous Board approvals and affirmed by a Special Synod of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church on July 10, 2021, paves the way for a unified approach to theological education.

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the history of the university, as well as the Moravian Theological Seminary and Lancaster Theological Seminary,” said Bryon Grigsby, president of Moravian University. “Uniting the faculty, staff and resources of these historic seminaries to create a School of Theology will create more opportunities for students interested in graduate degrees, certificates and lifelong learning.”

In July 2023, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education extended Moravian University’s accreditation to include Lancaster Theological Seminary—one of the final regulatory steps toward consolidation.

Key Highlights of the Combined Seminaries:

  • Expanded Academic Offerings: Beginning in the 2024–25 academic year, both seminaries began delivering joint curricula, with faculty delivering streamlined and enriched theological degree programs across both campuses.
  • Operational Integration: The merger officially consolidates administrative operations, resource sharing, and strategic planning to enhance mission effectiveness and financial sustainability.
  • Institutional Identities Preserved: While serving all denominations, Lancaster Theological Seminary will retain its name and continue serving the United Church of Christ tradition, while Moravian Theological Seminary upholds its Moravian heritage—both now benefiting from shared resources and governance under Moravian University.

“This final approval allows us to enrich our theological education traditions, expanding access, and positioning both seminaries to flourish together within Moravian University’s inclusive and dynamic environment,” said Christian Rice, vice president and dean of the School of Theology at Moravian University. “We’re very excited about what the future holds for our students, faculty and alumni from both seminaries.”

Media contact:
Moravian University
Michael Corr
corrm@moravian.edu
610.861.1365

About Moravian University
Moravian University is the nation’s sixth-oldest university, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that blend liberal arts with professional programs. For more than 275 years, the Moravian University degree has been preparing students for reflective lives, fulfilling careers, and transformative leadership in a world of change. Moravian University is a member of The New American Colleges and Universities (NAC&U), a national consortium of selective, small to midsize independent colleges and universities dedicated to the purposeful integration of liberal education, professional studies, and civic engagement. Visit moravian.edu to learn more about how the Moravian University focus on education for all prepares its students for life-long success.

About Moravian Theological Seminary
Today, Moravian Theological Seminary continues to serve the Moravian Church, but has become an active and progressive ecumenical seminary that continues to innovate in order to prepare faith leaders for the 21st century. Moravian Theological Seminary offers graduate and continuing education programs that equip persons with the knowledge, skills, and being to engage in vocations in ministry, chaplaincy, counseling, spiritual direction and other settings. Rooted in the Moravian heritage of ecumenism and service, we welcome students preparing to serve in diverse socioeconomic, intercultural, and interfaith contexts. Six full time professors and 11+ adjunct faculty members come from a variety of denominations, including The Moravian Church, The American Baptist Church, The United Methodist Church, The United Church of Christ, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The student body represents 20 denominations. Visit moravianseminary.edu to learn more.

About Lancaster Theological Seminary
Founded in 1825, Lancaster Theological Seminary is an inclusive, ecumenical community of faith and learning. It is one of six seminaries associated with the United Church of Christ, a progressive denomination committed to a just world for all. The mission of Lancaster Theological Seminary is to educate and nurture leaders to join in God’s redemptive and liberating work so that all creation may flourish. The Seminary is known for academic excellence, celebration of differences across Christian faith traditions, and creative engagement on issues important to our world. At any one time, Lancaster Seminary’s student body may represent 20 or more different denominations as well as individuals without denominational affiliation. Visit lancasterseminary.edu to learn more.

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