Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary is re-centering itself in the arena of Christ-centered activism as the Justice Center for Sacred Theological Studies. This is a part of its response to the national assault on DEI and the international response of human rights. JCSTS President Paul Roberts says, “Our organization was created for such a time as this. The new name [Justice Center for Sacred Theological Studies] represents a pivot in our organizational direction that aligns with the public ministry of Christ, helps us address the present moment, and is consistent with our heritage as a historically black theological seminary.
“We will always honor Ms. Jane Berry Smith, a white woman from Pittsburgh, PA, who in the 1920s took an interest in what was then Biddle University, endowed it, and renamed it after her late husband, Johnson C. Smith,” says Roberts. “But the world has changed significantly since then. Though our organization continues to use Mr. Smith’s name for legal purposes, our public name needs to reflect our work more accurately.”
One trustee says, “[Justice Center for Sacred Theological Studies] is not only an educational institution—it’s a mediating institution. We are the kind of institution that makes space for people whereby they are equipped to participate more broadly and more faithfully in society. As JCSTS works to engage new audiences, this adjustment in our direction will have widespread and instantaneous appeal.”
The architect of the rebrand is the Twenty and 3 Agency of Atlanta, which also consulted with JCSTS staff members on programmatic matters. JCSTS will live into its refreshed identity by updating and reintroducing programs throughout the 2025 calendar year. Stay tuned. And watch for an exciting announcement soon about JCSTS’ new Justice Walkers©.
JCSTS is one of the twelve theological institutions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and is in good standing with the denomination.
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: info@jcsts.org
770-617-3581
jcsts.org
