Fuller Theological Seminary Considers LGBTQ+ Inclusion Amid Revisions to Sexual Standards

Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, is on the brink of a groundbreaking decision that could reshape the landscape of evangelical education in the country. The seminary is considering revising its sexual standards to become more open to LGBTQ+ students, potentially becoming the first evangelical seminary to do so.

The proposed revisions, which have been obtained by The Associated Press, would acknowledge the diversity of thought among Christians when it comes to human sexuality. This move could mark a significant departure from the school’s previous stance, which led to lawsuits and controversy surrounding the expulsion of students in same-sex marriages.

While the deliberations are ongoing and no proposals have been submitted to trustees for a vote, the potential changes have sparked both excitement and concern within the Fuller community. Retired professor John Hawthorne, an expert on Christian colleges, views this as a bold step that could invite significant blowback from conservative Christians.

For current and former students like Ruth Schmidt, who was fired from her position for refusing to sign the existing sexual standards, the proposed revisions offer a glimpse of hope. Schmidt, who identifies as queer, believes that the changes would create a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals on campus.

Despite the divide of opinions among trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff, many like Dylan Parker, a doctoral student at Fuller, support the revisions as a means to allow for a wide variety of theological perspectives to coexist within the seminary. The acknowledgment of theological diversity is seen as a significant step forward in an evangelical seminary setting.

As the deliberations continue, the Fuller community is bracing for the potential impact of these proposed changes. The outcome of the board’s vote could solidify Fuller’s status as a “third space” where diverse views are welcome, but it may also lead to internal conflicts and challenges as the seminary navigates uncharted territory in evangelical education.