A New Path for Turner Theological Seminary

“ 3[We] thank [our] God in all [our] remembrance of you, 4always in every prayer of [our] for you all making [our] prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

–Philippians 1:3-5 (ESV)

Turner Theological Seminary (TTS) began as a department of Morris Brown College. The founders of Morris Brown College believed that educating the people and leaving the pulpit ignorant would be detrimental to the Black Church. Therefore, they proposed having an educated ministry. As a result, Turner Theological Seminary is known for preparing and training practitioners of the faith who have bridged the gap between academics, practical ministry, political factors, so cial and cultural changes, theological education, and technological advancements.

Turner was instrumental in 1958 in the creation of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), a consortium of historically black denominational schools, as a chartered member, which included Gammon Theological Seminary (UMC), Morehouse School of Religion (Baptist), and Phillip School of Theology (CME) intending to establish a permanent relationship and promote a center for theological education and prophetic leaders.

On April 14, 2023, the ITC Board of Trustees declared financial exigency, effective immediately. Despite this declaration, Turner Theological Seminary will remain open and explore viable options to continue our 129-year commitment to theological education as an established seminary in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Since this announcement, we have consulted with our Academic and Student Affairs Standing Committee for guidance and support to assist the seminary as we help our current and future seminarians navigate exigency’s unexpected disruption and consequences.

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Board of Trustees chair, affirms, “The Sixth Episcopal District of the AME

Church and its community have a longstanding historical relationship with Turner Theological Seminary and will continue to support Turner now and into the future. Turner provides a culturally unique theological experience vital for the life of the church and society. We stand with Turner Theological Seminary and Dr. Ammie L. Davis as they adapt to the ever-changing theological landscape.”

“We are #TURNERSTRONG. Our institution remains financially solvent and envisions emerging more vital than before with a liberating and transformational approach to theological education and social justice,” states the Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D., Turner’s 8 th president-dean.

Turner’s history and impact on African Methodism are significant, and we must preserve, pursue, and promote our legacy. Turner graduates continue to serve as ecclesial leaders on every level of the African Methodist Episcopal Church as bishops, general officers, presiding elders, chaplains, clergy, and laity.

Turner remains committed to its motto, “For a Prepared Ministry,” in keeping with the aim of its founders to be “an institution for the preparation of training for every department of Christian work. The ability to train for the ever-changing theological landscape is highlighted in Turner’s rich history and legacy. Turner Theological Seminary stands prepared and poised at this hour to continue Bishop Henry McNeal Turner’s heritage while looking at the current trends to create a theological education model for the 21 st century. With God’s help and wisdom, Turner will continue to #ELEV8. ❏ ❏ ❏