The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) Public Statement Regarding the Show Cause Order

El Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico is an Accredited institution and a member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) www.ats.edu. The Board of Commissioners met in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 1-2, 2026, and included on its agenda Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico’s recent focused visit regarding the probation on finances, as required by the Board in June 2025, and the resulting report by the evaluation committee. The Board also reviewed the school’s interim report required by the Board in June 2026 regarding the probation on financial resources. The school must submit a report containing the audited report for FY 2024, demonstrating continual improvement toward financial sustainability. The report should also include the most recent FY 2025 budget vs. actual statement and the school’s analysis of its FY 2025 operating revenues and expenditures, demonstrating diminishing dependency on non-recurring revenue sources and increased dependency on stable, recurring revenue sources (see Standard 10.3). Failure to meet the standard at the end of the one-year Extension for Good Cause may lead to the Board withdrawing the school’s accreditation (see Policies and Procedures, III.I). After reviewing the information in light of the pertinent Commission Standards and Policies and Procedures, the Board voted:

1. To receive the report of the focused visit committee (spring 2026) and the interim report required by the Board in June 2025 related to the probation on financial resources.
2. To issue a Show Cause Order (Policies and Procedures, III.I). Despite an extension of probation for good cause in 2025, the school has not met Standard 10.3. The school should submit a report no later than the 1^st of April 2027, demonstrating why accreditation should not be withdrawn. The report should demonstrate that the school meets Standard 10.3 and has “sufficient and stable financial resources to achieve its mission with educational quality and financial sustainability.” The report should include the FY 2025 and FY 2026 audited financial statements, the school’s analysis of its FY 2027 operating revenues and expenditures compared to budget, and projected operating revenues and expenditures for FY 2028 and FY 2029. Failure to submit a satisfactory report will lead to withdrawal of accreditation (Policies and Procedures, III.J).
3. To require a report by the 1^st of September 2026, regarding an updated teach-out plan, including signed agreements with institutional partner(s) that have comparable offerings and are accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to address the program completion needs of all students. The teach-out agreement(s) must address each of the five criteria included in Policies and Procedures, III.L.2.

In a separate action, the Board also considered the school’s petition for limited distance education approval. The Board of Directors, the President, the faculty, and the staff of the Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico express our profound disappointment and sadness upon receiving this decision. We disagree with this decision and will take all necessary steps to appeal it. While we respectfully disagree with the Commission’s decision, we continue to hold ATS in high esteem and are convinced of its vital contribution to theological education in the United States and Canada. We wish to inform our students and the community at large that the institution will do everything possible to rectify this situation. Currently, the Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico, Inc., and all members of its community (Board of Directors, the President, faculty, and administrative personnel) are working diligently to address these findings and comply with all ATS requirements. For 107 years, our institution has demonstrated its commitment to providing the country, Caribbean communities, Latin American communities, and Hispanic communities in the United States with excellent theological and pastoral education. Now more than ever, we reaffirm our commitment to providing a quality education that meets the needs of our people, churches, and students.