A Theology grant to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will support a collaboration between scholars and practitioners that will examine the racial dimensions of theology’s role in gentrification. The multidimensional project will engage with local communities, including several gentrifying neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, and take learning and knowledge-production beyond the walls of the seminary.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is pleased to receive a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to support a multidimensional project on gentrification, race, and theological education. The project works at intersections between theological education, church life, and violent transformations of urban space—particularly where gentrification results in dislocations and erasures of communities.

“These grant funds allow researchers from three institutions of higher learning, one church, and a non-profit to explore the racial dimensions of theology’s participation in the dynamics of gentrification,” said the Rev. Dr. David Esterline, president and professor of cross-cultural theological education at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. “This is a wonderful opportunity for a collaborative team of scholars and practitioners with deep experience to engage a pressing public issue that connects to Pittsburgh Seminary’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and addressing issues of racism.”

Read the full article