A018 Teaching World Mission and Theological Education Beyond the United States
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring,
That the 80th General Convention, urge all seminaries and programs of formation to include world mission as a core part of their curriculum; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention recognize with appreciation offerings of Episcopal seminaries and other institutions of formation that reach beyond the United States, and urge these seminaries and other institutions to further collaborate with dioceses and jurisdictions outside the United States in developing their online course offerings to provide accessibility of courses and materials to those outside the United States, and take into consideration: cost, timing (if online discussion is required), languages, and certification, with an emphasis on Anglican studies; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention task the Standing Commission on World Mission with convening and leading a group composed of members of the Standing Commission, representatives of seminaries in the United States and of seminaries and diocesan programs outside the United States to collaborate and promote development of such courses.
Explanation
Few of the jurisdictions outside the United States have seminaries or extensive programs of formation. They rely on the programs they are able to develop and on other institutions and seminaries – often non-Anglican – for theological education and training. Attending a seminary in the United States is not an option for most, for a variety of reasons. The need is particularly great in all aspects of Anglican studies: liturgy, theology, tradition and history. While some seminaries and other institutions offer some programming beyond their physical campuses, having more courses available online could considerably help to fill this gap and strengthen the offerings available within these jurisdictions. Courses available beyond the United States would benefit not only those in dioceses of The Episcopal Church, whether those seeking ordination or lay leaders, but also others throughout the Anglican Communion.