SAN ANSELMO, Calif. ― San Francisco Theological Seminary has expanded its Master of Divinity concentrations to include a new specialization in Chaplaincy/Pastoral Care, starting in the fall of 2012. The seminary also offers concentrations in biblical studies, spirituality, and history, theology and ethics.

According to  the Rev. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina, chair for clinical pastoral education (CPE) at SFTS, the new concentration will allow students to focus attention on developing competencies in providing pastoral care, which is critical in many settings from churches to hospitals to faith-based nonprofit organizations. The concentration will also prepare students to meet professional requirements for chaplaincy.

 “Just as Christ Jesus cared for the poor, healed the sick, wept with the grieving, talked with the traumatized, encouraged the low in spirit, and offered forgiveness and reconciliation, pastoral care clergy/chaplains seek to embody the love of God to the congregational body and beyond,” states Garrett-Cobbina. 

An important piece incorporated into the Chaplaincy/Pastoral Care concentration at SFTS is the requirement for CPE. SFTS has the first fully-endowed chair in the discipline of Clinical Pastoral Education within a theological seminary.

PRINCETON, N.J. ― Princeton Theological Seminary has received a grant of $26,800 to its William Albert and Eugenie Hummel Sullivan Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund by the William A. and Eugenie H. Sullivan Trust of The Philadelphia Foundation. The scholarship endowment fund supports students who are preparing for ministry. The Sullivan fund is the oldest fund managed by The Philadelphia Foundation.

The Philadelphia Foundation, a public charity, is southeastern Pennsylvania’s leading center for community philanthropic engagement and is committed to improving the quality of life in the region through funds established by its donors.

Established in 1918, The Philadelphia Foundation “continues to help donors harness their generosity and vision by providing tools, knowledge, and financial stewardship directed to maximize the strategic impact of charitable contributions.” Grants from more than 750 charitable funds strengthen the effectiveness of nonprofits and support programs that are vital to the people of this region.