Theological Education

Description

The Committee for Theological Education is charged with i) identifying and cataloging all institutions and programs for theological learning found in the various jurisdictions in the Region; ii) cataloging the curricula in use in these institutions and programs; iii) identifying any existing programs for Orthodox theology offered by institutions of higher education; and iv) identifying special ministerial jurisdictional programs.

Membership

Bishop Maxim (Serbian) - Chairman
Archbishop Michael (OCA)
Archbishop Alexander (OCA)
Bishop John (AOCA)

Committee Liaison

Protodeacon Peter Danilchick

Consultants

Chrysanthe Loizos, Facilitator

Terms of Reference

What is to be accomplished

  • Produce a list of all theological institutions for theological learning in North and Central America with references to their program descriptions
  • Define characteristics to describe and compare the theological programs (e.g., academic, liturgical, pastoral, residential versus distance, specific jurisdictional content, etc)
  • Define how Orthodox theological education can articulate the meaning of salvation in such a way as to prevent it from being falsified by accommodation to the demands of culture.
  • Produce and document a comparison of the theological programs with respect to the above pre-defined comparative characteristics

How it is to be accomplished

  • Determine at the outset, and update regularly, the timetable for accomplishment of the Committee's objectives
  • Contact individuals within the jurisdictions responsible for theological education as well as well-known theological institutions and request pertinent information
  • Construct a matrix of comparative characteristics for theological learning
  • Complete the matrix to catalog and compare the theological curricula and their educational purposes, content and processes
  • Review and confirm the matrix with the jurisdictions and theological institutions to ensure agreement upon the results
  • Publish the results for the Assembly and Church at large

With whom it is to be accomplished

  • The responsible parties for theological education within each jurisdiction
  • The responsible parties for any additional independent institutions
  • The heads of the theological institutions and programs being cataloged