Bloomfield College : About Bloomfield College : Covenant

The purpose of this Covenant is to articulate the nature and scope of the relationship between Bloomfield College and the Synod of the Northeast. In an atmosphere of mutual respect for each others’ unique role and mission, Bloomfield College and the Synod of the Northeast enter into this Covenant in order to advance their common mission in higher education.

Bloomfield College was established by Presbyterians in 1868 to provide theological education first to German-speaking students and later to other ethnic immigrant groups. Located in the New Jersey-New York metropolitan region, it continues to serve students in a multiracial, multicultural context. Throughout its history it has been a Presbyterian-related institution of higher education. As a liberal arts college with a diverse mission, Bloomfield College maintains and values the historic church-related foundation upon which its present life is built, and seeks to strengthen its ties with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through its covenant relationship with the Synod of the Northeast.

The Synod of the Northeast, as a governing body of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), maintains its confession of Jesus Christ as Lord at the center of its life, and its confessional declarations at the forefront of its identity. The Synod is charged with the responsibility of maintaining a covenant with Bloomfield College on behalf of the whole church.

The Synod of the Northeast and Bloomfield College, recognizing that each has its own unique mission and role, are intimately bound to one another in their common heritage and in the contemporary expression of their common values. As each understands its own distinctive role, the mission of the other will be enriched and strengthened.

The College seeks to share its corporate life, including academic excellence, community service, and campus life, encouraged by the church. The Synod seeks to support the College in its efforts to live out its identity as a Presbyterian-related institution through financial support and participation in the life of the College.

Intentions of the Covenant - Bloomfield College

Bloomfield College, as a multi-dimensional institution of higher education, intends to strengthen the church-related dimension of its identity. The intentions of the College under this Covenant, implemented through its Board of Trustees, are:

To maintain its standards of excellence and academic freedom as an educational institution in the liberal arts tradition.

To build upon its strong commitment to prepare students to function effectively in a multiracial/multicultural society.

To build educational esteem through academic achievements among students who have previously been educationally disenfranchised.

To identify and find expression for the dimensions of its life that demonstrate the College’s church-related character and its connection with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

To instill in its graduates a dedication to service, a concern for the moral and ethical dimensions of life and work, respect for all persons, and the stewardship of all creation.

To offer a curriculum and co-curricular program that reflects the highest values of Judeo-Christian faith as expressed in the Reformed tradition, which seeks to integrate faith and learning, and provides depth, coherence, and meaning in students’ lives.

To recognize itself as an educational resource for the whole Synod, making its personnel and facilities available to Synod as appropriate.

To solicit direct financial support for the College from units of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), after consultation with the presbytery within whose bounds the effort is to be made.

To receive and elect, in consultation with the Synod, three members of the Board of Trustees, one in each class, one of whom shall report annually in writing to the Committee on Leadership Development at the Synod’s Fall meeting.

Intentions of the Covenant – Synod of the Northeast

The Synod of the Northeast intends to strengthen the ties and expressions of support between itself and Bloomfield College. The intentions of the Synod of the Northeast under this Covenant, implemented through its Committee on Leadership Development, are:

To encourage and assist the College as it identifies and finds expression for the dimensions of its life which demonstrate its church-related character and its connection with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

To assist the College in identifying its ministry to the changing needs of persons in contemporary society, and in strengthening its unique contribution to higher education and to society.

To cooperate with the College in the recruitment of students and assist in efforts toward raising awareness of Presbyterian-related colleges.

To utilize the resources and capacities of the College in various areas of Synod ministry and mission.

To assist the College in approaching the Synod, and its presbyteries and congregations, with the interpretation of the educational goals and mission of the College.

To provide annually from its mission budget funds to support and enhance the programs of the College.

To nominate and endorse, in consultation with the College, members of the Board of Trustees, one in each class, one of whom will report annually to the Synod.

To provide opportunities for reports from representatives of the College at meetings of the Synod and its units.

The Covenant between Bloomfield College and the Synod of the Northeast is an expression of the hope that the relationship between them shall continue and be strengthened in ways which enhance the unique mission and role of both the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the College. The hopes for the future of this Covenant relationship include:

The continuation and strengthening of the position of a full-time Bloomfield College Chaplain so that the role of the church in the life of the College might be explicitly present.

The expansion of opportunities for Christian and Interfaith Mission and a thoughtful exploration of the Christian faith and vocation.

The inclusion of this Covenant, or a summary thereof, in the interpretive literature of the College.

Increasing opportunities for the interpretation of the College’s mission to and among the presbyteries and congregations of the Synod.

The support by Synod and its member presbyteries of the Westminster Foundation Advisory Board with prayers, the selection of Westminster Foundation Board Members, and the designation of an annual financial pledge.

A clear understanding between the College and the Synod concerning the strategies for fund-raising among Presbyterian churches and individuals.

Approval of the Covenant

This Covenant shall be renewed and effective upon formal approval of the Board of Trustees of Bloomfield College and the Synod of the Northeast, at their respective meetings in the Spring of 2001. This covenant shall again be reviewed in 2004 in preparation for its renewal in 2005.

Covenant approved by Bloomfield College Board of Trustees April 5, 2001