Meadville Lombard Theological School

10/20/2026

At this time 100 years ago, our school was brand-new to Chicago and starting to grow roots in our new home. How did we get here, and why did we move? The story is a long and fascinating one, involving acrimonious debate, a lawsuit, and broader philosophical questions over who owns a theological school.

On Monday. November 2, at 6:30pm CT, join us for a virtual presentation with Dr. John Dechant, our Director of Library & Archives, examining Meadville Lombard’s move to Chicago. John will share the fascinating human details behind the move, with the aid of records and artifacts preserved in our archives.

Get ready to take a deep dive into the history of our school and the social forces that have shaped our past and present. You’ll be surprised at some of the twists and turns! Check the Linktree in our bio to let us know you’ll be there.

10/13/2026

Since joining our team in August, Laura Gonima has been working hard behind the scenes as our Graphic Designer. A graduate of the , they are bringing their skills in graphic design, filmmaking, visual arts, and animation to our social media, website, newsletters and much more.

After spending a few years working at advertising agencies, Laura was attracted to Meadville Lombard’s mission. They say, “In a world where the arts are under constant threat, designing with intention and heart feels especially radical.” Of their experience working at the school so far, Laura says, “I feel uplifted by the people I’m around and the work I’m doing here.”

09/30/2026

Did you know our school hasn’t always been in Chicago? Meadville Theological School was founded in Meadville, PA, in 1844. Today marks one hundred years since we re-located to this incredible city! Come down to our campus on Wabash and check out a special exhibit about our decision to move and how we’ve worked with the Chicagoland community for the past century to make religious education accessible and engaging.

As early as 1867, members of the school community supported the idea of moving to a different location, but the idea was controversial. School President Franklin Chester Southworth and noted feminist and educator Dr. Anna Garlin Spencer were among the chief advocates of the move. Spencer argued a move to Chicago would make theological education more accessible for women.

After a lengthy decision-making process, Meadville opened its doors in Chicago on September 30, 1926. And what a century it’s been! In the one hundred years, MLTS has worked together with seminaries, community groups, and social activists to put our values to work in our neighborhoods. This tradition continues today with our unique hybrid education model.

One hundred years ago, our school had a grand vision of making a difference in this world-class city. Today, there’s nowhere else we’d rather be! Cheers to Chicago, and here’s to the next one hundred years.

09/29/2026

If you believe rebelling against injustice is sacred, come (virtually) sit by us at the 2026 Gala! We are proud to once again be among the sponsors of this annual gathering celebrating the changemakers and trailblazers of q***r religious life.

This year’s LGBT-RAN Gala will be held on Sunday, October 18, at 5pm CT. With a theme of “Sacred Rebels,” the Gala will honor five leaders whose works and ideas have contributed to the making of LGBT religious history.

Let’s join together to celebrate LGBT-RAN as they mark their twenty-fifth year as a living archive of how gay and trans people have shaped religion and society. Register now for the Gala on Sunday, October 18!

09/25/2026

At the ballot box, in our congregations, and in our neighborhoods, many of us are feeling a call these days to re-commit to democracy and civic participation. On Monday, October 26, at 6:30pm CT, Prez Dr. Elías Ortega will share our next virtual public lecture. Focusing on these timely topics, Ortega draws on theological perspectives on civic life and feminist ethics of care to argue that democracy is a form of care for each other and our society, now and in the future.

Join us for what is sure to be a thought-provoking offering. The lecture is free and open to the public.

09/24/2026

On Friday, October 16, at 12pm CT, our Lifelong Learning program presents a free workshop from Brenton T. Weathers, DMin, Support Director at BNI Global and Executive Director of DELBRECO International. In the space of one hour, you’ll learn how your leadership can be transformed by the practice of loving-kindness. Whether in the workplace, in ministry, or in community organizing, loving-kindness is a practice that anyone who works with others can benefit from.

This program is offered freely to anyone who wants to participate. Register now and we’ll send you all the details on how to join: https://meadville-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/gEPr3KiGTuCTH6SzmC8nWg #/registration

09/24/2026

Who needs inspiration this Thursday ? This little video might put a smile on your face. The honey badger is our mascot here at Meadville Lombard, primarily because of their tenacious spirit. It takes courage to fight back against something bigger and more powerful than you! What if we could all be a little more like this brave honey badger?

A brave honey badger fought off a hunting lion multiple times.🔔 S...

09/21/2026

On Yom Kippur, MLTS wishes all who observe this holy day a good final sealing in the Book of Life. G'mar chatima tova!

09/17/2026

We are wishing a very happy 239th birthday to the United States Constitution, which was signed on September 17, 1787, at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Since 1952, September 17 has been observed throughout the United States as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. This holiday honors the world-historic creation of the United States Constitution and recognizes all who have become citizens of the US in the previous year.

If it’s been a while since your last civics class, our wonderful library has a collection of resources on the Constitution and its Framers that will refresh your memory on this fundamental history. Take a look at https://library.meadville.edu/constitution_day

09/15/2026

If you’re reading this in Chicago, you’re in the third-largest Hispanic city in the US ! Nearly 30% of Chicago’s residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, with roots in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Peru, El Salvador, Chile, and more. Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, making this the perfect time to explore Chicago’s vibrant Hispanic cultures.

On October 3, Chicago History Museum and National Museum of Mexican Art are offering a walking tour of Pilsen’s murals, reflecting years of Mexican-American art, history, and culture. Make sure to check out the National Museum of Mexican Art’s latest exhibition, “Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos,” from Sept 25–Nov 29 (https://www.chicagohistory.org/event/walking-tour-pilsen-murals-10-3-26/)

If you’re in the mood to shake it, head to the '26 Chicago Latino Dance Festival. On Sept 29 & Oct 11, CLDF will present two free events jam-packed with performances. Don't miss out, mark your calendar and get ready to explore the incredible world of Latin dances! https://latinoculturalcenter.org/chicago-latino-dance-festival-kicks-off-4th-annual-edition-with-celebrated-afro-colombian-ensemble

What did we miss? Where will you be learning and connecting this Hispanic Heritage Month? Let us know in the comments!