​​​​The Justice Center for Sacred Theological Studies originated in 1867 in Charlotte, NC, as the Freedmen's Institute of North Carolina. It was established by Presbyterians who believed that education was an essential antidote to the poisonous effect of slavery. Over time, the Institute became a University that included a theological seminary and its name was changed to Johnson C. Smith University. In 1969, the seminary and university parted ways and the seminary relocated to Atlanta, GA, to join the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). Throughout its history, the seminary produced prophetic leaders who challenged the status quo of racial segregation and who helped lead the way to the reunification of the denomination. 

 

Today, The Justice Center operates as a freestanding seminary focusing on online, competency-based, justice-oriented theological education.

 

One of The Justice Center's continuing roles and responsibilities is to assert that the African-American heritage of the Church is every bit as vital as the history whose symbols may include Geneva gowns and Scottish kilts and that the perspective of the African diaspora on Biblical interpretation, Reformed theology, preaching, and worship can constitute a critical corrective to the Church whenever it may be tempted to see the faith through the eyes of privilege. As such, it remains one of the few institutional reminders of the Presbyterian Church’s stated commitment to ethnic diversity. 

 

The Justice Center serves people from various denominations, racial-ethnic backgrounds, orientations, abilities and locales who are vested in the pursuit of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the world. 

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