Founded in 1836, Union is the oldest private, independent, non-denominational seminary in the United Union Theological Seminary is an independent, multi-denominational seminary in the City of New York whose mission derives from a Christian heritage that is at once progressive and evangelistic: to educate leaders for ministry in churches and related organizations, to extend the work of social justice and to enrich the academy through teaching and research. Education at Union Theological Seminary is deeply rooted in a critical understanding of the breadth of Christian traditions yet significantly instructed by the insights of other faiths. It makes connections between these traditions and the most profoundly challenging issues of our contemporary experience: the realities of suffering and injustice, world religious pluralism, the fragility of our planet, and discoveries of modern science. Union envisions a future in which teaching and learning continues to be ecumenical in spirit, supporting a record of academic excellence and a deep commitment to social justice.