Formerly located in the Chicago area, Bethany built a new building on the ESR campus. Brethren and Friends, two of the three historic peace churches, have long enjoyed a close relationship but have never before worked together in preparing ministry leadership. Both ESR and Bethany share the foundation of the Spirit of Christ and the calling to equip students for ministry. Their long term commitment to a partnership of equal schools, however, allows each seminary to retain an individual identity and mission while gaining from relationship. By combining resources, both seminaries are now able to offer an expanded curriculum by a more diverse faculty.
Students also enjoy a larger, richer community of classmates.
Many find that building friendships and understanding brings them opportunities for reviewing their own tradition and beliefs and clarifying their personal identities.