Origins
Texas Christian University was founded in 1873 by two brothers, Addison and Randolph Clark, both ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In 1914 a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Brite, a West Texas rancher, funded Brite College of the Bible under a separate charter. When the charter was renewed in 1963, the name of the college was changed to Brite Divinity School. Since 1914, Brite has been a separate corporation with its own board, assets, and employees.
A Rich Historical Relationship
Although Brite Divinity School and Texas Christian University are independent institutions, they have a rich historical relationship and enjoy a shared heritage, affiliation, traditions, and values with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Brite and TCU operate under a shared services agreement that articulates the University’s contractual commitment to provide essential administrative support, operational and maintenance services, and the vision of both institutions to assure a continuing spirit of mutual involvement, cooperation, and support for the benefit of students, staff, and faculty.
Core Beliefs
Denomination
Brite Divinity School reports biennially to the Plenary Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest. It is a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Council on Theological Education of the Higher Education and Leadership Ministries.
Vision
A world transformed by God’s love, mercy, and justice
Mission
Brite Divinity School educates and inspires people to serve God’s diverse world as leaders in churches, the academy, and public life.
Integrated Core Values
Scholarship that engages churches, the academy, and public life;
Justice that enhances diversity, flourishing and wholeness; and
Practice that enlivens intellectual, spiritual, and professional growth.