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D.Min. program lauded for focus on practice of ministry, theological reflection
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS, July 19, 2010—Seabury Western Theological Seminary announced today that it has been reaccredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
“In 2009, Seabury Western Theological Seminary sold its property, put its financial house in order, and dedicated itself to educating lay and ordained people. We knew that we were responding innovatively to the changing landscape of theological education,” recalls Interim President and Dean Robert G. Bottoms, who at the time was Seabury’s board chair. “What we didn’t know was how other leaders in theological education would respond.”
Now, just a year later, Seabury has been reaccredited by the Association of Theological Schools, which praised its “institutional openness to bold possibilities for re-conceptualization of mission.” Seabury offers a Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Development in collaboration with Church Divinity School of the Pacific and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching in collaboration with six other seminaries in the Association of Chicago Theological Schools.
“We’re particularly proud that the ATS evaluation committee praised the blend of ministry practice and theological reflection in our congregational development D.Min.,” said Ellen Wondra, Seabury’s academic dean. “As the evaluation committee wrote, the program generates ‘our most innovative thinking on behalf of the church.’ We are also pleased that ATS recognized our ‘commitment to the issues of intercultural awareness, anti-colonialism and anti-racism,’ which we believe is essential to the future of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.”
In addition to its accredited D.Min. programs, Seabury offers diplomas and certificates in congregational development, Anglican Studies courses at the M.Div. level, and an increasing number of lifelong learning programs. All academic courses at Seabury are open to students seeking enrichment and continuing education.
“We view reaccreditation as an endorsement not just of what we’re doing but how we’re doing it,” said Bottoms. “ATS has noted with favor the engagement and leadership of Seabury’s board and our ‘patterns of openness, frequent and frank communication, and compassionate listening.’ It’s inevitable that theological education is changing. At Seabury, we’d like to think that we’re offering a model for how to handle that change well.”
Seabury-Western is what's next in a seminary: Our theological education—from single classes to certificates and doctoral degrees—embodies generous Christianity and is open to the intellectually and spiritually curious. For church leaders, for seminarians and for seekers, Seabury’s innovative programs are rooted in the Episcopal tradition and presented with academic rigor. Find out what’s next at www.seabury.edu.
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