Berkeley Divinity School

Christian Century, May 31, 2003

Joseph Harp Britton has been named the new dean of the financially troubled Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University. In addition to serving as dean of the Episcopal-affiliated seminary, he will be associate dean at Yale Divinity School. Britton is the founding director of the Paris-based European Institute of Christian Studies and has served Episcopal churches in Europe.

Berkeley Divinity was investigated by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal after former dean William Franklin resigned on January 1, 2002. He was accused of spending school funds on personal expenses. A Yale audit found "a complete lack of internal controls" on spending, and Franklin was ordered to repay money that was spent on his daughter's tuition at Harvard Medical School. Interim Associate Dean Frederick Borsch, former Episcopal bishop of Los Angeles, said there was no illegal activity but rather "poor judgment" and "poor standards."