Today the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest fulfills the aspiration of Bishop John E. Hines (founder of our seminary) that we will be a "seminary of the whole church."

Our Covenant of Conversation acknowledges that we are all children of God who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. At ETSS people of different persuasions enter into gentle and truthful dialog with each other, knowing that they will be honored and cherished. Is there a better definition of Christian friendship or of the conditions for a Christian education?

We're also conscious that to be a seminary of the "whole church" requires that we acknowledge and embrace the wisdom of that great cloud of witnesses who surround us. Hence our faculty's teaching and our community's conversations recognize the enduring authority of the Apostles' and Nicene creeds.

A seminary of the whole church – past, present, and future – for the whole church!

This is a most exciting moment at ETSS, and we invite you to join us!

The Very Rev. Douglas Travis, D.Min., Seventh Dean and President

Dean Travis report to the ETSS board of trustees November 7, 2007

Dean Travis Installation Service on November 8, 2007

Excerpt of faculty May 2007 report to trustees
on Dean Travis' first semester at ETSS

Dean Doug Travis biography

Conversation Covenant at the Seminary of the Southwest

Dean-elect the Rev. Doug Travis joins seminary community (January 2007)