Gateway University®
Accreditation & Church Status
Accreditation & Church Status
Gateway Community: Our Spiritual Foundation and Higher Authority
Gateway Community: Our Spiritual Foundation and Higher Authority
"Enlightenment requires understanding physical and non-physical realities -- how they function and interrelate. To be enlightened, wisdom of the heart must be added to this mental knowledge."
-- Rev. Dr. Judith Larkin Reno
A Church University Rooted in Higher Consciousness
A Church University Rooted in Higher Consciousness
Gateway University operates under the spiritual and legal covering of Gateway Community, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit religious spiritual organization.
This structure affirms our standing as a Church University—dedicated to the study and expression of Divine Wisdom through higher education.
Rather than being accredited by a state agency, Gateway University functions within the religious exemption provisions granted to church-affiliated institutions of higher learning in the United States.
This means that our programs are authorized through faith-based governance and not regulated by state education departments.
This structure affirms our standing as a Church University—dedicated to the study and expression of Divine Wisdom through higher education.
Rather than being accredited by a state agency, Gateway University functions within the religious exemption provisions granted to church-affiliated institutions of higher learning in the United States.
This means that our programs are authorized through faith-based governance and not regulated by state education departments.
What This Means for Our Students
What This Means for Our Students
Freedom to Teach Sacred Wisdom:
Our religious status allows Gateway to offer unique programs in esoteric, transpersonal, and noetic studies—fields that integrate spirituality, consciousness, and divine science beyond the scope of traditional academic accreditation.Integrity and Accountability:
Gateway Community’s Board of Directors and Academic Council provide oversight for the university’s educational standards, ethical practice, and spiritual mission.
Faculty are recognized professionals and scholar-practitioners committed to both academic rigor and spiritual depth.Degrees of Spiritual Authority:
Our degrees are issued under the religious and ecclesiastical authority of Gateway Community.
They signify achievement within the context of spiritual, transpersonal, and consciousness-based education, preparing graduates for service in ministry, counseling, education, and leadership—not for state-licensed professions.Recognition of Prior Learning:
As a church university, Gateway honors life experience and spiritual service as valid sources of learning.
Many students receive academic credit for previous ministry, professional work, teaching, or research that aligns with our fields of study.
Why Faith-Based Education Matters
Why Faith-Based Education Matters
Gateway University was founded on the belief that education is a sacred act of revelation—a process of drawing out the divine wisdom already within each soul.
Our faith-based foundation allows us to:
Remain free from secular restrictions that limit spiritual expression.
Serve students of every faith, path, and tradition.
Uphold the highest integrity in both scholarship and spirituality.
We answer to a higher authority—the Divine Source of Wisdom and Love that guides our teaching, research, and community life.
About Gateway Community
About Gateway Community
Founded in 1983 by Rev. Dr. Judith Larkin Reno, Gateway Community is a spiritual organization dedicated to awakening consciousness and advancing humanity through education, ministry, and service.
The Community provides the spiritual charter for Gateway University and ordains ministers who serve in The Angel Ministry and Gateway Interfaith Ministry.
Together, Gateway Community and Gateway University form a single mission:
To educate and inspire individuals to live, serve, and lead from the consciousness of the Soul.
To educate and inspire individuals to live, serve, and lead from the consciousness of the Soul.
Transparency and Integrity
Transparency and Integrity
Gateway University is fully transparent about our spiritual foundation and the scope of our degree recognition.
Our programs are not accredited by a state or regional accrediting agency.
They are authorized under the ecclesiastical authority of Gateway Community, a 501(c)(3) non-profit religious spiritual organization, and recognized within the field of spiritual and consciousness-based education.
Because our degrees are faith-based and not state-accredited,
Graduates may not qualify to teach at traditional universities or colleges that require accredited academic credentials, and
Our programs do not prepare students to sit for state licensing examinations in counseling, psychology, or other regulated professions.
Instead, Gateway University prepares graduates for spiritual ministry and scholarly leadership, education, research, and service in consciousness-based, transpersonal, and faith-oriented settings.
We encourage all prospective students to discern whether a faith-based, soul-aligned education is the right fit for their personal, professional, and spiritual goals.
Gateway University®
Gateway University®
P.O. Box 694
Port Angeles, WA 98362
United States of America
P: 1.360.565.5171
Gateway Community℠
Gateway Community℠
The Spiritual Home of Gateway University®
Gateway Community℠ is an interfaith church dedicated to awakening consciousness and embodying divine love in daily life.As the spiritual home of Gateway University®, we provide the living foundation for faith-based education in higher consciousness.
Together, Gateway Community and Gateway University nurture a global family of learners, ministers, and seekers devoted to soul-aligned education, spiritual growth, and conscious service.
To help you begin your journey, we’ve created the Soul Education Starter Kit — a free 10-day experience with meditations, journal prompts, and guidance from Rev. Dr. Kimberly Marooney.
It’s designed to deepen your connection with your soul and give you a taste of how soul-aligned higher education works at Gateway.
The doors of higher consciousness are open.
Step forward and let your soul lead the way.
The doors of higher consciousness are open.
Step forward and let your soul lead the way.
Step forward and let your soul lead the way.
Begin Your Soul Journey
Begin Your Soul Journey
Discover how soul-aligned higher education works at Gateway University®, the spiritual home of Gateway Community℠.
Receive your free Soul Education Starter Kit — 10 days of meditations and inspiration to awaken your soul’s wisdom.
Receive your free Soul Education Starter Kit — 10 days of meditations and inspiration to awaken your soul’s wisdom.
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For charitable contributions our parent organization is Gateway Community 33-0193750