CLAREMONT - Claremont School of Theology received its single largest gift to date - a $10 million pledge in support of a new model of theological education inclusive of Islam, Judaism and Hinduism.

A pledge from David and Joan Lincoln announced Wednesday is earmarked for the Claremont University Project, "a future consortium of graduate schools representing different religious traditions."

"Joan and I are particularly pleased with the idea of creating a multi-faith university that reflects the power and potential of the `Golden Rule', which the many faith communities have in common," said David Lincoln, a CST trustee since 2003.

"We believe the outcome of this kind of education will be respect among religions and the ability to better address global problems where religious collaboration and cooperation are needed to reach solutions and repair the world."

While CST will continue to offer ministerial education in the Christian tradition, the consortium will be anchored by an interreligious university functioning alongside the CST.

The university model aims to "invite new religious partners to create affiliated schools and centers to offer professional religious education in their respective traditions while contributing to an interreligious curriculum to be offered by the university."

First classes under the university model umbrella will be available next fall. Some of the university's schools will focus on the preparation

of the religious leaders, while others will offer M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in a variety of academic and practical areas.

"We are overwhelmed by this generous gift from Joan and David," said Jerry Campbell, president of the CST. "We expect University Project to become a light for the world in terms of intercultural understanding, ethical integrity, and religious intelligence in education."