Brite operates under a separate charter since it was founded due to a generous gift by the Brites (west Texas cattle ranchers). Originally known as Brite School of the Bible, it is affiliated with both the Disciples of Christ and the United Methodist Church and has an ongoing accrediting relationship with the Baptists as well. When the charter came up for renewal in 1963, it changed its name to Brite Divinity School. It has always been affiliated with Texas Christian University and in 2010, the two institutions re-affirmed that ongoing relationship by signing a long-term deal specifying the duties, responsibilites and benefits that continue to flow from that relationship. Like Texas Christian University, where it has always been located, Brite is very ecumenical, with dozens and dozens of faiths being represented amongst its faculty and student body. The relationship between Texas Christian University and Brite remains ongoing and very beneficial to both institutions.