Committee for Theological Education 2014 Annual Report

COMMITTEE FOR THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION
Summary Report -- September 2013-August 2014

Committee: Bishop Ilia (Chairman), Metropolitan Nikitas, Bishop Michael, Bishop Alexander, Bishop John; Secretariat Liaison: Protodeacon Peter Danilchick.

Objective of the Committee
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.

Activities and Status of Work: September 2013–August 2014

1) The Committee developed a Questionnaire of Institutional Characteristics for Institutions of Higher Education Offering Programs of Orthodox Theological Study. This Questionnaire was disseminated in August, 2013, to the academic/ administrative officers or heads of the eighteen institutions within the Assembly of Bishops’ canonical territories known to offer degrees, diplomas, or certificates from formalized programs of Orthodox Christian theological education. Of the eighteen institutions surveyed, seventeen responded. The results were compiled in January 2014.

2) The Committee has obtained the services of the Assembly’s Research Coordinator, Mr. Alexei Krindatch, to perform a comparative analysis of the compiled 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.

3) The Committee discussed a number of requirements for consultants, including both seminary and non-seminary educators, who can represent the voices of educators working on the forefront of theological education. It is intended that educators would be invited to an introductory session, either in one or a few locations, for open discussions. This will however require funding from the Assembly.

In Christ,
Bishop Ilia, Chairman
Committee for Theological Education