Women in Ministry

Founded in 1952, PLTS has a long history of supporting women in graduate studies and in preparation for leadership in a variety of ministry contexts.  Ruth Harper, Class of 1959, was the first woman to study at PLTS.  In 1971, Joan Lepley became the first woman to graduate with a M.Div. from PLTS.  In 2005, PLTS became the first ELCA seminary to call a woman as President.  For more than a decade, at least 50% of student body have been and are women.

As a graduate school of California Lutheran University, students, staff, and faculty have access to university resources.

Students, staff, and faculty who identify as women are encouraged to use the Community Groups process to create a group or groups for relationship-building, conversation, support, accompaniment, and advocacy, depending on the interests and needs of those involved.