You can watch the webinar here: https://www.r2hub.org/library/webinar-our-shared-journey-aapi

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The statement makes clear what’s at stake—for higher education and for America’s shared prosperity—in any unraveling of the longstanding, productive partnership between government and institutions of higher learning. While the presidents “are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight,” they also make clear that they will stand against attempts to restrict or undermine the freedoms fundamental to higher education. The statement calls for “constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic.”

The full statement and an up-to-date list of signatories are available online at www.aacu.org/constructive-engagement.

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Dr. Frank Rogers had the honor of joining KCAL News/CBS Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 to discuss the legacy of Pope Francis and the impact of his passing.

You can watch the full segment here: https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/video/remembering-pope-francis-with-professor-frank-rogers/

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. Wednesday, April 16, 2025/CST/ – Claremont School of Theology took part in an historic signing ceremony establishing The Bhagwan Chandraprabha Endowed Professorship in Jain Studies at CST. 

The ceremony was held at the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) and attended by over a hundred people, including several prominent leaders in the Jain community. Dr. Nitin Shah, past president of JCSC and current Chair of the Academic Liaison Committee of the the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA), kicked off this very auspicious ceremony by welcoming everyone and spoke about the history of the partnership between CST and the Jain community through the hiring of adjunct professor Sushama Parekh to start teaching Jain classes at CST in 2015. Other prominent leaders in attendance include Dr. Jasvant Modi, past president of JCSC and lead donor of the endowed professorship; Mr. Dilip Shah and Mr. Mahesh Wadher, past presidents of JAINA; Dr. Parveen Jain, CEO of the Arihanta Institute; and adjunct professor, Mrs. Sushama Parekh.

This landmark moment strengthens CST’s commitment to global interreligious dialogue and deepens its partnership with one of the world’s oldest religious traditions.

Rev. Patricia Farris, Chair of CST’s Board of Trustees, lauded the significance of this milestone. “This professorship will facilitate the exchange of ideas, create new knowledge, and train graduate students to ensure the continued study and relevance of the ancient Jain religion,” Farris said.

President Emeritus and Professor of Hebrew Bible, Rev. Dr. Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan, also spoke, describing CST’s long standing partnership with the Jain community as “one of the greatest honors and joys of [his] academic career,” and celebrated the moment as “the culmination of a long friendship.”

“When established, Claremont School of Theology was the first ecumenical seminary of The United Methodist Church,” Rev. Farris reflected. “That early work across the Christian community soon evolved into our interfaith commitments—with Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Jain partners—across interreligious, intercultural, and global contexts.”

Dr. Kuan traced the origins of this collaboration to 2011, when Dr. Philip Clayton, then CST’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, initiated conversations with members of the Jain community including Dr. Sulekh Jain, Mr. Dilip Shah, and Dr. Nitin Shah, who now serves on CST’s Board of Trustees. He also acknowledged Dr. Brianne Donaldson—then a CST doctoral student—for her early and ongoing contributions to the relationship.

Since those early conversations, the Jain community has become an invaluable partner to CST, supporting scholarships for students to study Jainism in India through the International School of Jain Studies (ISJS), funding international conferences, and sponsoring annual courses in Jain studies.

Dr. Sulekh Jain, past president of JAINA, also addressed the gathering.  “On behalf of all my Jain friends, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you—especially President Kuan and Hagiya ji—for believing in us and for your steadfast support. Your commitment to this journey has been unwavering,” Dr. Jain said.

CST President Grant Hagiya reflected on the broader significance of the partnership and the values the Jain tradition has added to our educational enterprise. “In our world and society of radical polarization and harm, the subject of forgiveness is critical for us to teach and live out in our daily lives. Dr. Venu Mehta and Dr. Jeffrey Kuan bring our two great religious traditions together to demonstrate that we have so much more in common than any minor differences. This is the greater vision that our coming together today represents: that we can join together under the values that our world so desperately needs: compassion, justice, and belonging,” CST President Hagiya said.

The endowment is made possible by the generous contributions of 20 families and foundations through the hard work of Dr. Nitin Shah and Dr. Jasvant Modi. CST’s President Emeritus Dr. Jeffrey Kuan and his wife Mrs. Valentine Toh also contributed to this endowment. 

Finally, CST would like to express its deep gratitude and thanks to JCSC for hosting and providing not only the space but also lunch to all gathered. 

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Dr. John B. Cobb Jr. (February 9, 1925 – December 26, 2024) was more than a theologian and philosopher—he was a mentor, a guide, and a presence that shaped lives, including my own. My first experience of Dr. Cobb lecturing in 1985 fundamentally shaped my understanding of God. I came to class for that first lecture with a tape recorder and questions—big questions about faith, reason, and how to reconcile intellect with spirituality. But what I encountered that day was something extraordinary. For the first time, someone invited me to bring both my brain and my feelings into a fuller, richer understanding of what I meant by God. Now, forty years later, I listened to that recording again. Its wisdom had not faded. I made a transcript and sent it to my sons, hoping they, too, might glimpse the depth of understanding that Dr. Cobb embodied.

Throughout my career in communications and as Executive Vice President of Claremont School of Theology (CST), I was fortunate to continue learning from Dr. Cobb. Whenever I needed his insight, he was there. He always took my calls, whether for an interview, a theological perspective, or just his steadying wisdom. 

One memory stands out in particular—when we were working on the 66 Years on Route 66 event, marking CST’s departure from its historic Claremont campus. It was a time of uncertainty, a moment that felt like an ending. But Dr. Cobb helped provide clarity and meaning, framing the transition not as a loss, but as part of the larger process of growth and change. He saw theological significance in everything—from the grandest ideas to the smallest details—and he shared that gift with all who sought his counsel.

Dr. Cobb’s tenure at CST, spanning from 1958 to 1990, transformed the school’s intellectual landscape. His co-founding of the Center for Process Studies in 1973, alongside Dr. David Ray Griffin, was a defining moment for CST and for the global theological community. The Center became a gathering place for scholars, theologians, and activists who saw in process thought a framework that could integrate faith with science, philosophy with ethics, and spirituality with a deep concern for the planet’s future.

His work in process theology was groundbreaking, taking the philosophical insights of Alfred North Whitehead and weaving them into a compelling vision of Christian faith. His books, including A Christian Natural Theology (1965) and Christ in a Pluralistic Age (1975), helped define a new theological paradigm—one that embraced change, relationality, and the interconnectedness of all things. His commitment to ecological theology was also ahead of its time. His book Is It Too Late? A Theology of Ecology (1971) was prophetic in its urgency, calling for a theological response to the environmental crisis at a time when few in religious circles were discussing such matters.

But perhaps the most enduring aspect of Dr. Cobb’s legacy was the way he shaped the lives of those he taught and mentored. His students did not just leave CST with degrees; they left with a sense of purpose, a commitment to intellectual curiosity, and a belief that theology should always be in service to the world. To sit in a class with Dr. Cobb was to be challenged, inspired, and invited into a lifelong conversation about what it means to be human, what it means to be faithful, and what it means to be responsible for the world we share.

Even in his later years, long after his official retirement, Dr. Cobb remained deeply engaged in the work of CST and the Center for Process Studies. He continued writing, speaking, and advocating for the integration of process thought into broader theological and ethical conversations. His presence was a reminder that theology is never finished—that faith and reason must always remain in dialogue, and that the search for truth is a journey, not a destination.

Dr. Cobb shaped the very definition of what people think of when they think of Claremont School of Theology. His presence will always be in the air, no matter where the school is located now or in the future. His influence is woven into the DNA of CST—its scholarship, its mission, and its commitment to a theology that is always in process. While his physical presence may be gone, his legacy remains a living force, continuing to challenge, inspire, and shape the work of Claremont School of Theology for generations to come.

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Dear Friends,

As renewed attacks target the most vulnerable among us, I want to reaffirm Claremont School of Theology’s unwavering commitment to our core principles of compassion, justice, and belonging. These values are not just ideals; they are the foundation of who we are and what we do.

Compassion – We believe that leaders must have the capacity to be moved by suffering in the world and the courage to act to alleviate it.

Justice – We are committed to the just and equitable treatment, inclusion, and representation of the incredible diversity reflected in today’s world.

Belonging – We know that human flourishing is deeply tied to relationships, and we thrive when we are in community with one another.

These principles compel us to stand in solidarity with those who feel targeted and dehumanized. At CST, we are deeply troubled by policies and rhetoric that undermine the dignity and humanity of others, particularly our siblings and friends in the LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities. We refuse to remain silent in the face of such injustices. Instead, we rededicate ourselves to equipping leaders who will work to heal divisions, advocate for the marginalized, and foster spaces of inclusion and belonging.

For 140 years, Claremont has been a place where faith and action intersect to transform lives and communities. This historic milestone reminds us that the work we do today—training and equipping compassionate changemakers—builds on a rich legacy. It is work that requires boldness and resilience, especially in an era when the forces of fear and exclusion threaten to undo progress.

As we move forward, I invite you to join us in sustaining this mission. Your support—especially as a recurring donor—enables us to provide scholarships, sustain vital programs, and prepare our students to lead in a world that desperately needs voices of hope, healing, and transformation.  

For such a time as this, I ask that you consider supporting our mission by going to cst.edu/give. Your gift will help ensure that Claremont remains a beacon of hope for future generations.  

Finally, as a community of faith and action, let us work together as we navigate toward a future where compassion, justice, and belonging are not just aspirations, but realities for all.

With gratitude for your partnership,

Grant Hagiya
President
Claremont School of Theology

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We are deeply saddened by the widespread devastation caused by the ongoing fires in Los Angeles. Our hearts go out to all who are impacted, and we hold them in our prayers during this difficult time.

Within our United Methodist family, we are relieved to report that Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank of the California-Pacific Annual Conference has been safely evacuated. However, her Assistant to the Bishop, Rev. Paige Eaves, was not as fortunate; her home has been destroyed by the flames. Additionally, the Altadena United Methodist Church has been lost to the fire. Many of our UMC members have also been displaced and lost their homes. In response, churches in areas that have not been affected by the fires are opening their doors to provide shelter and support to those in need.

Our own staff is not exempt from the impact of this tragedy. Max Wedel, our Admissions and Communications Director, has lost his children’s school to the flames.

On the interfaith front, I have been in contact with the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders (LACRL), and it is clear that many of our ecumenical and interfaith partners are also bearing the weight of this crisis. Under the leadership of President Rabbi Sarah Hronsky, the LACRL is working to coordinate disaster response efforts among our various faith communities.

As we continue to navigate this unfolding disaster, let us keep all those affected in our thoughts and prayers. May we also find ways to offer tangible support to those in need during this time of crisis. Together, we can provide comfort and assistance as we stand in solidarity with all who are suffering.

Prayers for all involved, 
 
Grant Hagiya

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Friends of CST,

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of John Cobb’s passing last evening.

As Mary Elizabeth Moore so beautifully expressed:

“John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, just as he would have wanted. I am grateful that so many of his loved ones could be present for this sacred moment. John once described death as his ‘next big adventure.’ May it truly be so.”

Today, we mourn the loss of one of the great “giants of the theological world,” a man whose profound wisdom, compassion, and boundless love left an indelible mark on all who knew him—and on the world itself.

Let us each take a moment of silent reflection to honor John, his legacy, and the countless ways he enriched our lives and our CST community.

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TRANSCRIPT (edited for clarity):

President Grant Hagiya: Greetings with joy. Thank you for taking the time to hear about the current state of our Claremont School of Theology.

I want to personally thank everyone for joining us for this vital presentation today. I know how busy all of you are, and it means a great deal that you’ve taken time out of your schedule to be a part of this moment…I encourage everyone whether you’re here, live or watching later to reflect on what we share today and join us in celebrating the progress we’ve made and the exciting future ahead.

This presentation comes at a critical time in CST’s history. Over the past decades we faced challenges that tested our resilience, demanded innovative thinking, and required us to lean into our faith. Yet, despite these challenges, CST stands strong today. We’re going through tremendous transitions as a school and I want to use the theme of “letting go while holding on” to frame our current transitions. CST’s story over the last 10 years is one of perseverance and determination. 

As many of you know, our challenges were rooted in a restrictive property agreement dating back to 1957, when we moved to Claremont. This agreement allowed the Claremont colleges to purchase our campus for a fraction of its value. While navigating many legal challenges, we faced additional financial pressures that required bold decisions. These included exploring relocation and merger options to secure CST’s future. At one point, we considered relocating to Willamette University in Oregon, but ongoing litigation prevented that merger from moving forward. Now, after a 10 year legal battle with the Claremont colleges, we have finally closed escrow and sold our 16.4 acre Claremont property. We provided Claremont College with the keys to the campus just three days ago. 

It has been a long and bitter battle between the “Goliath” of the Claremont colleges and the “David” of our Claremont school of theology. More than 10 years ago, CST realized that our only asset was our prime real estate and we sought to sell the campus in order to build a sustainable financial future. Unfortunately, our founders signed a right of first refusal with the Claremont colleges in 1957, and they created an archaic formula by which the Claremont colleges could purchase the land. The market value of the CST property has been estimated to be between $40 to $60 million. But the Claremont Colleges have never intended to pay that amount. The legal struggle was the purchase price of the property and although we won the first Superior Court ruling, in the Court of Appeals, we lost, and it finally came down to a binding arbitration where a judge would determine the final price. Now, neither party could decipher the 1957 formula, but the judge decided that it must be the determining factor, and the price was set at only $7.7 million. Of course we were stunned by that result,  but that was our last legal recourse. It is an injustice that still stings, but it is time to let go and move on as we symbolically let go of our old Claremont campus.

At the same time we hold on to the great memories of that campus. I invite you today to take a moment in silence to remember the campus. Maybe it was a class with one of our great faculty members, or a deep relationship that was formed with another student, or a worship experience in the Kresge Chapel in silence. Take a moment to pause and remember

Now, we let go of the old Claremont campus, but we hold on to the memories and experiences created there. I still remember as a student carpooling with another student, Bob Hoshibata, riding into the Claremont campus together on the 10 freeway. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship, and whoever would have guessed that the two of us would later become United Methodist bishops Folks, we let go of the campus today, but we hold on to the memories

With only receiving $7.7 million, selling the campus did not provide the windfall we need for future sustainability. All of the $7.7 million has gone to debt reduction and, although that helps our long-term financial picture, it does not help us immediately. There’s still tremendous work to be done around our entire financial future and we are working on innovative projects and partnerships that will assist in further debt reduction, and put us on a sound financial footing.

As some of you may know, CST has consistently been underfunded. And in creating a world-class theological seminary through its faculty over the decades, CST failed to provide the financial infrastructure to match its world-class academic reputation. CST has practiced what our living saint, John Cobb, describes as “the raven method” of fundraising after the 1 King 17 passage, where God sends ravens to deliver food to Elisha at the wadi. We have survived by the grace of God. But remember, ravens do not store food for future times and live hand to mouth.

Now, since we did not fully receive what we needed from the sale of our Claremont campus, we desperately need your financial help right now to enable us to start anew. We have had to maintain two campuses as we move through litigation that has dragged on too long. We are primed to begin anew. But we need your year-end donations and scholarship giving so that we can have a fighting chance. All of our students receive a significant scholarship, and you can help them individually, and CST, right now. So please give generously as we let go of the past but hold on to a future that God envisions for us. 

As we let go of the old campus today, we hold on to a new beginning at our Los Angeles location in Westwood. We are adapting to a new world in theological education, where remote learning–combined with some in-person options– fulfills our students who cannot relocate because of family or work. This is obviously meeting the needs of our students, as our new student enrollment is the highest it has been in the last five years. We’ve created a state of art technical platform at our new location, where we can connect with students worldwide. Please come, see our new campus, and we guarantee you will be impressed with our new technological teaching platforms. We let go of the old form of pedagogy and we hold on to a new way of teaching and learning.

Our new DNA is part of our new core values of compassion, justice, and belonging. In our polarized society and world, these values mirror what God hopes for all creation. We must hold on to our institution known as the Claremont School of theology, to model this for all. 

We are excited to share just a few updates that mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CST. Closing escrow means that we can now fully focus on our mission and future. We have a new home in Westwood and we’re discovering new ways to reach new students and new donors. It also marks a turning point, where we can leave behind the constraints of the past and move forward with confidence.

I’d like to introduce one of our esteemed colleagues, Dr. Nicholas Greer, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Spiritual Care and Counseling, and the current chair of our Faculty Policy Committee, to share some updates on some new and innovative programs and initiatives.

Dr. Nicholas Grier: Thank you, President Hagia. Hello, everyone. During this moment in our history, and amidst the current and political landscape of the United States and in countries throughout the world we need a powerful force of good to create a better future. So here at CST we are committed to being a force of good that nurtures justice and well-being in the world, honoring the lives and legacies of powerful women, people of color, diverse people of faith, and all citizens of the world.

The world needs this progressive theological school, Claremont School of Theology for such a time as the present–to meet the challenges of today and shape the future possibilities of tomorrow. CST is extending its reach and impact through new programs and partnerships. Over the past year. We’ve been working on initiatives that reflect CST’s commitment to our principles and academic excellence. These include expanding our Global PhD program, which connects students from around the world and positions. CST is a leader in international theological education. The expansion of the Korean Context Doctor of Ministry Program, which serves the unique needs of our Korean-speaking students and communities; the new Doctor of Professional Counseling program, which provides specialized training for students pursuing vocational paths in counseling and spiritual care in Korean contexts; also, a new track in our Doctor of Ministry program, starting in the fall of 2025 that incorporates relevant spirituality, adaptive leadership, and innovation and creativity; and the exploration of a new ministry model, such as the fresh expressions movement in the UK and the United States;  the creation of the Doctor of Spirituality, which is a new degree within theological education (The initial cohort for this degree, focused on forming spiritual directors is set to launch in the fall of 2025); the development of a new Master of Arts degree track in education; and lastly, we are at the beginning stages of significant conversations about programs that we hope will help denominational conferences and their congregations.

This includes certification programs, which will open new professional opportunities for leaders and therapeutic agents of change working in ordained and non-ordained contexts. These initiatives reflect CST’s forward-thinking approach to theological education. You see, we’re not just adapting to changes in our field. But we’re leading the way by offering programs that prepare students for meaningful and impactful careers. So thank you for your investment into this future.

Grant Hagiya: Thank you, Dr. Grier. As we conclude today’s presentation, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who supported CST through this transition. Our faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, trustees. Your faith in CST has been instrumental in getting us to where we are today and I thank God for each and every one of you

With escrow now closing, a growing student body, and a slate of exciting new programs, we are poised for a future filled with opportunity. But we can’t do it alone. Your continued support, faith and partnership are essential as we take the next steps on this journey. We’re just a few days away from launching our year-end giving campaign. This is an important opportunity for us to engage our supporters and ensure the financial stability needed to continue our vital work.

Your involvement and advocacy will make all the difference as we share CST’s story with the world. As always. Go to cst.edu and just click “give.”

If you have any additional questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at publicrelations@cst.edu.

And now I’d like to close this time with a prayer for CST, for our nation that desperately needs prayer at this time, and for the entire world. Join me.

Gracious, loving God, we thank you for the strength and resilience of this community as we move forward. Guide us with your wisdom, and inspire us to continue serving your people with compassion, justice, and belonging. May CST be a light in the world, shaping leaders who will bring hope and healing to all they touch. Amen. 

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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Congratulations to CST Professor Dr. Frank Rogers Jr. on receiving the 2024 “Best Book” Award in Religion from American Book Fest for his latest work, Cradled in the Arms of Compassion: A Spiritual Journey from Trauma to Recovery. This powerful book stood out among seven finalists in the “general: religion” category. Additionally, it was honored earlier this year as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2023 by Spirituality and Practice magazine. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Rogers and his inspiring contributions to the fields of trauma recovery, compassion, and contemplative spiritual formation.

To read the full press release from Lake Drive Books, click here: https://www.lakedrivebooks.com/2024/10/24/cradled-in-the-arms-of-compassion-wins-2024-best-book-award-in-religion/

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