Centers & Institutes

Hartford Seminary comprises three centers of inquiry, research, and education. These centers work individually and cooperatively to explore the implications of faith in a modern world. The research and learnings of these Centers informs and enriches the classroom experience at Hartford Seminary.

Our Center for Faith in Practice, was created in 2001 to bring together the faculty with expertise in Bible, Theology, Ethics, Liturgy, Worship, Spirituality, and Feminist Studies, as well as the Seminary’s certificate programs in Black Ministries, Hispanic Ministries and Women’s Leadership. Establishment of the Center made explicit the Seminary’s emphasis on praxis, that is, understanding the dynamics of faith in an applied context. The Center has a particular focus on developing religious leaders in all of the ways and contexts that leadership may become manifest in faith communities, both traditional and informal.

Our Duncan Black Macdonald Center challenges scholars, students, members of religious institutions, community groups, the media and the general public to go beyond stereotypes and prejudices and to develop a profound awareness and appreciation of Islamic religion, law and culture. It is committed to the premise that through intensive study and academically guided dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation between Muslims and Christians can and must develop.

Our Hartford Institute for Religion Research has a thirty-five-year record of rigorous, action-oriented research, anticipation of emerging issues and commitment to the creative dissemination of learning. This record has earned the Institute an international reputation as an important bridge between the scholarly community and the practice of faith.