Graduate Theological Union

Congratulations to our 2026 graduates! From dissertations exploring contemplative practice, digital religion, and disability theology to capstones in Jewish studies, Islamic studies, chaplaincy, and the arts, this year’s graduates reflect the breadth and depth of intellectual inquiry across the GTU. We are so proud of their accomplishments and can't wait to see what they'll do next!

Scholars from the GTU are involved in the most current and high-profile discussions about AI. Léocadie Lushombo, Professor of Theological Ethics at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University and GTU Core Doctoral Faculty Member, was among six people Pope Leo XIV invited to help present and interpret his new encyclical on artificial intelligence, two GTU alums were quoted in a May 25 New York Times piece on the topic, and GTU President Uriah Kim has just published a series of essays about how leaders in higher theological education must be involved in shaping this technology.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4e8FY2C

The Graduate Theological Union has received a $2.5 million anonymous endowment gift to support interreligious innovation and community transformation.

This investment strengthens the GTU Next strategic plan—expanding financial aid, supporting emerging scholars, and advancing a model of theological education rooted in collaboration across traditions.

With this support, the GTU continues to build toward a sustainable future and deepen its role in preparing leaders for pluralistic communities.

Read the story: gtu.edu/news

Kathryn R. Barush, Bertelsen Professor of Art History and Religion at the GTU and the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, has received the Art + Christianity Book Award for Imaging Pilgrimage: Art as Embodied Experience.

Awarded annually, the prize recognizes work that advances public understanding of the relationship between faith and art. Barush’s book explores how contemporary artistic practices engage pilgrimage—connecting landscapes, communities, and lived experience across global contexts.

This recognition highlights the GTU’s ongoing contributions to the study of art, religion, and the ways people create meaning through visual culture.

Learn more: gtu.edu/news

We need scholars in Art and Religion because creativity expresses what words alone cannot.

Scholars in art and religion help interpret symbols, images, and creative traditions that shape spiritual life across cultures.

We need scholars in Theology and Science because the biggest questions require many ways of knowing.

Scholars working at the intersection of science and theology help us explore meaning, ethics, discovery, and responsibility in a rapidly changing world.

We need scholars in Islamic Studies because knowledge builds understanding across communities.

Islamic Studies scholars engage history, theology, language, and culture—helping foster informed dialogue in an interconnected world.

We need scholars in Hindu Studies because living traditions deserve careful study and deep respect.

Hindu Studies scholars explore philosophy, ritual, language, and culture—helping communities understand traditions that have shaped human thought for millennia.

We need scholars in Jewish Studies because history, memory, and tradition matter.

Jewish Studies scholars preserve texts, interpret traditions, and help communities understand the past while shaping meaningful futures.

We need scholars in religion because understanding beliefs helps us understand people.

Religion shapes cultures, communities, ethics, and public life. Scholars of religion help us interpret traditions, navigate difference, and build deeper mutual understanding.