Religious Affiliation

Our History

Macalester was founded in 1874 as a Presbyterian-affiliated college, open to students of all faiths, making it inclusive by the standards of that day. The belief of early campus leaders was that the campus should be a place to foster spiritual growth among people of many religions and that belief is reflected in the variety of religious offerings at the college today, which include Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and interfaith traditions.

Macalester is a member of the APCU, a consortium of Presbyterian colleges and universities. Macalester College and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), through the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, maintain a covenant that speaks of the historic relationship between the church and the college. It has been a tradition to include on the Board of Trustees at least one Presbyterian Church leader.

The Covenant affirms the creative and intentional relationship between the church and the college. It establishes a framework for working together to address significant social and faith issues in ways that result in growth and benefit for the synod, the college, and the wider community.