Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium

The Boston Theological Institute (BTI) was established in 1968 as a consortium of graduate theological schools in Greater Boston to promote interdenominational collaboration in theological education. Founding members included Andover Newton Theological School, the Boston College Department of Theology, the Boston University School of Theology, the Episcopal Theological School, Harvard Divinity School, St. John’s Seminary, and Weston College.

The BTI developed from mid-1960s ecumenical discussions among local theologians, including Rev. Francis X. Shea, SJ, of Boston College and Dean Coburn of the Episcopal Theological School. Shea’s 1965 “Proposal for an Ecumenical Enabling Committee,” adopted by the group known as CABAL, served as the basis for the Institute’s constitution.

The institute expanded its reach over time, offering cross-registration, shared library privileges, and collaborative field education programs that fostered ministerial training and social engagement across member schools. What began as a small ecumenical partnership grew into a network of more than a dozen institutions, culminating in the 2018 adoption of the name Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium to reflect its broadened, multifaith community.