Chicago Theological Seminary is a graduate school of theology of the United Church of Christ. Founded in 1855 and the oldest institution of higher learning in Chicago, CTS seeks to be an international force for greater justice and mercy. Degree programs encourage academic excellence and free inquiry, and focus on leadership issues with a goal of bringing about cooperation between diverse communities of faith and community-based organizations that are working to transform lives and neighborhoods. CTS enrolls approximately 225 students from more than 22 religious traditions.