St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Curriculum Catalog
Return to Ancient Tradition
St. Borromeo Seminary, based on the beliefs and canons of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion, presents the training of clergy by the practices of the ancient church that existed previous to the modern university model. Our training embraces the Anglican, Anglo-Catholic, Anglo-Protestant and Independent Catholic faiths. Yet, there is a core that fits almost any organization.
Our Process
The seminary does not fully utilize the 'university' model embraced by most seminaries today. We provide the training in a mixed traditional study and monastic/apprenticeship format. We believe that this process allows the postulant a more direct route to finding a 'personal relationship' with the divine, rather than pure rote memory and question/answer responses.
The Mission
St. Borromeo Seminary trains 'practicing clergy', and not 'theologians', those who desire to research, debate or translate biblical materials. Our intent is to train the postulants to operate successfully within the day to day operations of their church under the guidance of the beliefs, canons, rubrics, ethics and operations of the church of choice. While the seminary is an integral component of the Communion, there is a path and process available to any independent organization which may desire to utilize our training.
Index
Curriculum:
Bachelor of Sacred Christian Theology (Th.B)
Master of Sacred Christian Theology (Th.M)
Doctor of Sacred Christian Theology (Th.D)
Standards:
Academic Quality Accreditation
Accreditation, recognition and references
Financials
UECC Seminary
Catalog
Curriculum and Requirements
Sponsored and administered by:
United Episcopal Catholic Communion
Ste. Genevieve Apostolic Church
Anglican Protestant Church
Under MO § 173.616. Sections 173.600 to 173.618. Legals: Valid Degrees of Theological Nature only (Th.B, Th.M, Th.D) . Three main degree levels:
1. Bachelors in Sacred Christian Theology – 2. Masters in Sacred Christian Theology – 3. Doctorate in Sacred Christian Theology.
Bachelor of Sacred Christian Theology (Th.B)
The following is the process and courses to meet the requirements of the Bachelors of Theology Studies: (120 Credits)
1. A set time limit of prayer and discernment by the requester
2. Possible multiple telephone, Skype or written interviews by this organization
3. Course Materials:
Specific Theological Categories (Bachelors Level)
01. The Apostles Creed - 6 modules, 18 credits
1. Lessons
1. The Articles of Faith
2. God the Father
3. Jesus Christ
4. The Holy Spirit
5. The Church
6. Salvation
02. The Gospels - 5 modules, 18 credits
1. Lessons
1. Introduction to the Gospels
2. The Gospel According to Matthew
3. The Gospel According to Mark
4. The Gospel According to Luke
5. The Gospel According to John
03. The Book of Acts - 3 modules, 12 credits
1. Lessons
1. The Background of Acts
2. Structure and Content
3. Major Themes
04. We Believe in God - 4 modules, 13 credits
1. Lessons
1. What We Know About God
2. How God Is Different
3. How God Is Like Us
4. God's Plan and Works
05. We Believe in the Holy Spirit - 4 modules, 13 credits
1. Lessons
1. In the Trinity
2. In the World
3. In the Church
4. In the Believer
06. We Believe in Jesus - 5 modules, 18 credits
1. Lessons
1. The Redeemer
2. The Christ
3. The Prophet
4. The Priest
5. The King
07. Building Your Theology - 4 modules, 13 credits
1. Lessons
1. What is Theology
2. Exploring Christian Theology
3. Relying on Revelation
4. Authority in Theology
3a. Mandatory courses specific to our organization from section Required for Bachelors Level of Study (below) must also be completed - 7 credits
3b. The applicant must choose from Option #1 (Anglican) or Option #2 (Old Catholic) (below) to complete the curriculum.
4. Whereas the UECC follows the core beliefs of the Anglo-Catholic and Old Catholic Churches, the candidates will be required to do independent research regrading the beliefs, rubrics and canons of these global organizations. The candidate may use the core beliefs of this organization as a reference. The candidate must be aware that within the context of these organizations, there exist many independent church groups with varying degrees of conformity. This independent study is as crucial as all specific core subjects.
Required written materials:
1. The candidate will be requires to submit a "minimum" of a 400 word personal response for each of the course of studies in section 3 - 01 through 07. This must be descriptive within the context of the candidates personal beliefs. The candidate may wish to add footnotes from other documents within the same subject matter in order to support their responses.
2. At the discretion of the presiding bishop, the candidate may be required to complete short essay questions derived at random from the study materials.
3. Minimum Requirements for final essays/thesis: (8 credits total)
3a. You will write a minimum 500 word biography on YOUR personal faith and religious beliefs, based on YOUR feelings and opinions, not the opinions of teachers you have learned from. We want you to provide personal honesty of your faith, which only YOU can provide. This biography should encompass the candidates entire life experience from the earliest memories of said religious experience.
3b. You will write a 1000 word document, using your own research and sources, to provide a comparison analysis of the Anglo-Catholic faith versus the Roman Catholic faith. You may compare the differences and similarities of general beliefs, rubrics, liturgies and canons of the two organizations. You must list all supporting documentation as footnotes. (2 Credits)
3c. You will write a minimum 2000 word thesis (excluding footnotes), discussing YOUR beliefs within the Specific Theological Categories in this course of study, and provide a minimum of 5 footnotes explaining authority on which you based your beliefs and facts. This authority may be documentation outside of the study modules contained in this process. The length of the document is at the discretion of the presiding Bishop. (6 credits)
4. Record a computer or cell phone/computer video every two weeks reciting any of the daily offices. This is as per item 7 under 'Required for Bachelors level of study' below. This process should be a time of deep refection. The intent is two build speaking and presentation skills. We do hope that the candidate will practice the offices more often, but this is not required.
5. Important -- General considerations for all written materials submitted by the candidate:
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All documents submitted by the candidate must be in Microsoft Word (docx format), LibreOffice Writer (odt format) or optionally submitted as a PDF file (Word or LibreOffice documents are desired)
-
All documents must be saved as standard 8 1/2 X 11 paper format
-
All documents must be formatted as "double spaced" with a 12pt font (Arial, Veranda, Times New Roman preferred)
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All documents will be submitted as email attachments to s
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
All submissions by email MUST use a descriptive SUBJECT line, examples:
Subject: John Doe - Bachelors - 400 Word essay on Module "The Apostles Creed - Lesson 1"
Subject: John Doe - Bachelors - 500 Word Personal Biography
Subject: John Doe - Bachelors - 2000 Word Thesis
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All documents must meet or exceed the Word Count Criteria. All documents not meeting the word count criteria will be rejected, and must be resubmitted with corrections/updates
6. The seminarian will be required to complete a quiz for each individual module of study. The quiz must be passed with 80% score. The student has the option to take the quiz three (3) times in total, disregarding if the quiz was passed or failed. The intent of the quiz retake process is to expand retention. Once the seminarian finishes a module along with the proper essay, the quiz link should be displayed automatically by the facilitator. If not, the student may contact us to enable the quiz. Once the quiz is passed with an 80% score, the seminarian may (optional) download a certificate of completion for that module.
Required for Bachelors Level of Study
Whereas this theological school is designed for those who will become ordained deacons, licensed ministers or ordained priests, the following documents are a required study:
(Many random questions from the trainers/shepherds or video 'hands on' may be required)
Specific categories related to rubrics, day to day tasks and miscellaneous universal practices ( 5 Credits)
1. Altar Guild
2. Consecration of an Altar
3. Consecration of a Church and Altar
4. Consecration of Gregorian Holy Water
5. Consecration of Holy Water
6. Liturgical Colors
7. Offices (Video once every two weeks (minimum) required. https://universalis.com/)
8. Ethical Guidelines
9. Vesting Prayers
10. Homiletics 1 through 5
10a. Produce a minimum of 4 sermons after homiletics training and provide cell phone/computer video for evaluation. (Keep sermons to approximately 4-5 minutes)
11. Prepare and present two full religious services from the accepted liturgies (Holy Communion may or may not be requested) and provide cell phone/computer video for evaluation.
Training Resources (Option #1 - Anglican/Anglo-Catholic Studies) (1 Credit)
Anglican Studies
1. 39 Articles of the Anglican Faith
2. An Explanation and Guide to Anglicanism
3. Anglican Belief and Practice
4. Anglican Doctrine
5. Anglican Theology
6. Anglican History
7. Anglican Vestments
8. Apostolic Tradition by Hippolytus
9. Articles of Religion
10. Generous Love
Training Resources (Option #2 - Old Catholic Studies) (1 credits)
Old Catholic Studies
1. About the Utrechter Union (Old Catholic) (From the Utrechter Website)
The Nature of the Church and its Mission
Unity, Catholicity and Apostolicity of the Church
Ministry and Leadership
Supralocal and universal koinonia of the Church
Unity in Diversity
2. Altar Servers Step by Step Guide
3. Apostolic Tradition - Hippolytus
4. Catholic Vestments
5. Liturgical Colors
6. Main Requisites for the Mass
7. Old Catholic Church History
8. Postures at Mass Version 1
9. Postures at Mass Version 2
10. Postures at Latin Mass
Required Training Videos (Option #1 - Anglican Studies) (1 credits)
Anglican Studies
1. Anglican Mass 1 - YouTube
2. Anglican Mass 2 - YouTube
3. Chanted 1928 Mass - YouTube
Required Training Videos (Option #2 - Old Catholic Studies) (1 credits)
Old Catholic Studies - Novus Ordo
1. Novus Ordo - Draw Near - YouTube
2. Novus Ordo - Diocese of Wichita - YouTube
3. Novus Ordo Explained - YouTube
4, Novus Ordo - Holy Trinity - YouTube
Old Catholic Studies - Latin Mass (Tridentine)(For study of postures and pomp, no Latin required)
1. Latin Mass - Goettler - YouTube
2. Latin Mass Series - FSSB - Videos 1 to 20
Master of Sacred Christian Theology (Th.M)
The following is the process and courses to meet the requirements of the Masters of Theology Studies: (40 Credits)
1. A set time limit of prayer and discernment by the requester
2. Possible multiple telephone, Skype or written interviews by this organization
3. Course Materials:
Specific Theological Categories (Masters Level)
100. Kingdom, Covenants and Canon of the Old Testament - 4 modules, 4 credits
1. Lessons
1. Why Study the Old Testament
2. The Kingdom of God
3. Divine Covenants
4. The Canon of the Old Testament
101. Kingdom and Covenant in the New Testament - 3 modules, 3 credits
1. Lessons
1. Why Study New Testament Theology
2. The Kingdom of God
3. The New Covenant
102. The Heart of Paul's Theology - 4 modules, 4 credits
1. Lessons
1. Paul and His Theology
2. Paul and the Galatians
3. Paul and the Thessalonians
4. Paul and the Corinthians
103. Paul's Prison Epistles - 5 modules, 5 credits
1. Lessons
1. Paul's Imprisonment
2. Paul and the Colossians
3. Paul and the Ephesians
4. Paul and Philemon
5. Paul and the Philippians
104. The Book of Joshua - 4 modules, 4 credits
1. Lessons
1. An Introduction to Joshua
2. Victorious Conquest
3. Tribal Inheritances
4. Covenant Loyalty
105. The Epistle of James - 2 modules, 2 credits
1. Lessons
1. Introduction to James
2. Two Paths of Wisdom
106. The Book of Hebrews - 2 modules, 2 credits
1. Lessons
1. The Background and Purpose of Hebrews
2. Content and Structure
4. Whereas the UECC follows the core beliefs of the Anglo-Catholic and Old Catholic Churches, the candidates will be required to do independent research regrading the beliefs, rubrics and canons of these global organizations. The candidate may use the core beliefs of this organization as a reference. The candidate must be aware that within the context of these organizations, there exist many independent church groups with varying degrees of conformity. This independent study is as crucial as all specific core subjects.
Required written materials:
1. The candidate will be requires to submit a "minimum" of a 400 word personal response for each of the course of studies in section 3 - 100 through 106. This must be descriptive within the context of the candidates personal beliefs. The candidate may wish to add footnotes from other documents within the same subject matter in order to support their responses.
2. At the discretion of the presiding bishop, the candidate may be required to complete short essay questions derived at random from the study materials.
3. Minimum Requirements for final essays/thesis:
3a. You will write a minimum 3000 word document on the the accomplishments of THREE of the following Church Fathers: Justin Martyr, Theophilus, Tertullian, Origen, Hippolytus, Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, Gregory of Nyssa. Discuss not only their theology and accomplishments, but delve into their individual differences You may also compare their viewpoints with those of the modern era. You must list all supporting documentation as footnotes. (6 credits)
3b. You will write a minimum of a 2000 word document, using your own research and sources, to provide a comparison analysis of the Old Catholic, Independent Catholic faith versus the Roman Catholic faith. You may compare the differences and similarities of general beliefs, rubrics, liturgies and canons of the two organizations. You must list all supporting documentation as footnotes. (4 credits)
3c. You will write a minimum 3000 word thesis (excluding footnotes), discussing YOUR beliefs within the Specific Theological Categories in this course of study, and provide a minimum of 10 footnotes explaining authority on which you based your beliefs and facts. This authority may be documentation outside of the study modules contained in this process. The length of the document is at the discretion of the presiding Bishop. (6 credits)
4. While not required, we do hope the candidate will practice the offices on a regular basis. This process should be a time of deep refection.
5. Important -- General considerations for all written materials submitted by the candidate:
-
All documents submitted by the candidate must be in Microsoft Word (docx format), LibreOffice Writer (odt format) or optionally submitted as a PDF file (Word or LibreOffice documents are desired)
-
All documents must be saved as standard 8 1/2 X 11 paper format
-
All documents must be formatted as "double spaced" with a 12pt font (Arial, Veranda, Times New Roman preferred
-
All documents will be submitted as email attachments to s
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
All submissions by email MUST use a descriptive SUBJECT line, examples:
Subject: John Doe - Masters - 400 Word essay on Module "Paul's Prison Epistles - Lesson 1"
Subject: John Doe - Masters - 3000 Word essay on Church Fathers
Subject: John Doe - Masters - 3000 Word Thesis
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All documents must meet or exceed the Word Count Criteria. All documents not meeting the word count criteria will be rejected, and must be resubmitted with corrections/updates
Doctor of Sacred Christian Theology (Th.D)
The following is the process and courses to meet the requirements of the Doctorate of Theology Studies: (60 credits)
1. A set time limit of prayer and discernment by the requester
2. Possible multiple telephone, Skype or written interviews by this organization
3. Course Materials:
Specific Theological Categories (Doctorate Level)
200. He Gave Us Scripture - 11 modules, 12 credits
1. Lessons
01. Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics
02. Preparation for Interpretation
03. Investigating Scripture
04. Approaches to Meaning
05. The Complexity of Meaning
06. Discovering Meaning
07. Applying Scripture
08. Modern Application and Old Testament Epochs
09. Modern Application and the New Testament
10. Biblical Culture and Modern Application
11. Modern Application for Individuals
201. What is Man - 4 modules, 6 credits
1. Lessons
1. In the Beginning
2. The Image of God
3. The Curse of Sin
4. The Covenant of Grace
202. Your Kingdom Come, The Doctrine of Eschatology - 4 modules, 6 credits
1. Lessons
1. The Goal of Creation
2. The Living and the Dead
3. The Coming of the King
4. The End of the Age
203. Making Biblical Decisions - 10 modules, 12 credits
1. Lessons
1. Ethics in Scripture
2. The Normative Perspective - God and His Word
3. The Normative Perspective - The Attributes of Scripture
4. The Normative Perspective - Parts and Aspects of Scripture
5. The Situational Perspective - Revelation and Situation
6. The Situational Perspective - Pursuing Our Goal
7. The Situational Perspective - Understanding the Facts
8. The Existential Perspective - Being Good
9. The Existential Perspective - Intending Good
10. The Existential Perspective - Choosing Good
204. He Gave Us Prophets - 8 modules, 10 credits
1. Lessons
1. Essential Hermeneutical Perspectives
2. A Prophet's Job
3. The People of the Covenant
4. Dynamics of the Covenant
5. Historical Analysis of Prophecy
6. Literary Analysis of the Prophets
7. The Purpose of Predictions
8. Unfolding Eschatology
205. Christian Ethics - 1 Module, 6 credits
1. Lessons
2. Ethics
4. Whereas the UECC follows the core beliefs of the Anglo-Catholic and Old Catholic Churches, the candidates will be required to do independent research regrading the beliefs, rubrics and canons of these global organizations. The candidate may use the core beliefs of this organization as a reference. The candidate must be aware that within the context of these organizations, there exist many independent church groups with varying degrees of conformity. This independent study is as crucial as all specific core subjects.
Required written materials:
1. The candidate will be requires to submit a "minimum" of a 400 word personal response for each of the course of studies in section 3 - 200 through 205. This must be descriptive within the context of the candidates personal beliefs. The candidate may wish to add footnotes from other documents within the same subject matter in order to support their responses.
2. At the discretion of the presiding bishop, the candidate may be required to complete short essay questions derived at random from the study materials.
3. Minimum Requirements for final essays/thesis:
3a. You will write a minimum of a 2000 word essay, using your own research and sources, to provide a historical discussion of the churches of St. Peter in Rome, St. Paul in Antioch, the Apostles in Jerusalem and of St. Mark the Evangelist in Alexandria. Discuss their similarities and differences. Discuss in detail any the trials and tribulations of the early churches. Discuss in detail the conflicting theologies of St. Peter and St. Paul, that may have resulted in the Incident at Antioch. You must list all supporting documentation as footnotes. (2 Credits)
3b. You will write a minimum 5000 word thesis (excluding footnotes), discussing YOUR beliefs within the Specific Theological Categories in this course of study. In addition, you must add separate sections on the following:
3b1. Your specific beliefs in death, resurrection, salvation, heaven, purgatory and hell.
3b2. Your specific beliefs in the sacraments: Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing the Sick, Marriage, Holy Orders
3b3. Your specific beliefs on what Christs death on the cross means to the Christian world.
3b4. Your specific beliefs in the Trinity
3b5. Provide a minimum of 10 footnotes explaining authority on which you based your beliefs and facts. This authority may be documentation outside of the study modules contained in this process. (6 Credits)
4. Important -- General considerations for all written materials submitted by the candidate:
-
All documents submitted by the candidate must be in Microsoft Word (docx format), LibreOffice Writer (odt format) or optionally submitted as a PDF file (Word or LibreOffice documents are desired)
-
All documents must be saved as standard 8 1/2 X 11 paper format
-
All documents must be formatted as "double spaced" with a 12pt font (Arial, Veranda, Times New Roman preferred
-
All documents will be submitted as email attachments to s
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
All submissions by email MUST use a descriptive SUBJECT line, examples: He Gave Us Scripture - Lesson 1"
Subject: John Doe - Doctors - 2000 Word essay on Discussion of Churches
Subject: John Doe - Doctors - 5000 Word Thesis
-
All documents must meet or exceed the Word Count Criteria. All documents not meeting the word count criteria will be rejected, and must be resubmitted with corrections/updates
Option 1
Doctor of Divinity Program
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
This program is designed only for clergy with less than four (4) contiguous years of service within a single religious organization.
A Doctor of Divinity Degree is in generalized context an 'honorary degree' given honoris causa by a church related institution of higher learning (seminary). Yet this is not always the case, as the degree may be a higher doctorate conferred by institutions upon a religious scholar of standing and distinction, USUALLY for accomplishments beyond the Ph.D. level. While this paragraph details an example of someone who holds a Ph.D already, this does not need to be the case. There are many examples of individuals with a lower degree (Th.B) for example receiving a Doctor of Divinity Degree for accomplishments in the Christian Community, or in some cases no degree at all.
Under U.S federal law, a 1974 judgment accepted expert opinion that an "honorary doctor of divinity is a strictly religious title with no academic standing. Such titles may be issued by bona fide churches and religious denominations, so long as their issuance is limited to a course of instruction in the principles of the church or religious denomination"
The intent of the St. Borromeo Seminary Doctor of Divinity Program is to create a program that entails and embraces the activities, achievements and more importantly the ‘continued formation’ of existing clergy.
Chancellors Comments:
The Doctor of Divinity Degree is at the same time a honorary degree based on service to the faith and earned degree based on continued formation. The St. Borromeo Seminary treats the Doctor of Divinity as an earned degree, assigning the tasks a credit/point value based on proper completion.
Famous clergy who had Doctor of Divinity Degrees where Robert Schuller and Billy Graham.
The Basic Framework of the Doctor of Divinity Degree is as Follows:
Disclosure Notice: Any candidate that fails to meet the required four (4) years contiguous commitment with the UECC or non-UECC organization or fail the ‘continued formation’ process in the three (3) year process shall forfeit the privilege of continuation in the Doctor of Divinity program. As a free will donation, the original free will donation is forfeit, whereas donation commitments are non-refundable. The free will donation at the end of the three (3) year training period is hence waived. This disclosure statement references section no. 8 in this document.
1. All candidates must be of Apostolic Succession. There may be specific exceptions to be determined.
2. All candidates must have another individual in their organization that will provide validation.. This individual will via documents or electronic media assist in providing evidence of completion of the tasks and validate dates of contiguous service to their organization.
3. A fixed number of years, serving with a single church organization, will be required. Multiple years between different organizations will not be accepted. This service to a single church must be verified. Years of service already acquired will be accepted. For new clergy the clock starts at ordination with a specific church. For those selected by incardination, the clock starts at the incardination date.
For clergy of both the UECC or non-UECC the number of years of service to the organization must be a ‘contiguous’ four (4) year period.
For clergy who have already amassed one (1) year or more of service, the ‘continued formation’ process will begin immediately upon registration for the Doctor of Divinity Degree. The length of the process is hence three (3) years from the point of registration. The previous years of service are counted towards the total requirement of four (4) years.
For new clergy it is recommended the process begins no earlier than one (1) calendar year after ordination. The previous one (1) year of experience is hence counted towards the total requirement of four (4) years. The length of the process is hence three (3) years from the point of registration to meet to total requirement. This holds true for any clergy that are processed through incardination.
Note: The degree of Doctor Divinity will not be awarded where the number of years of service to a single organization is interrupted. No exceptions.
4. A set amount of time each day for at least one of the Daily Offices. This process is of monastic intent, with that intent targeting prayer, contemplation and forming a personal relationship with the divine. There will be a validation plan in place to prove compliance with this process.
The length of the process to be validated is approximately 12 months. The applicant may choose the 12 month cycle to enact the process, or may willingly continue the process throughout the three (3) year process.
5. A fixed curriculum of specific nature; Theology, Divinity, Ethics and many other categories. The intent is to sustain ‘continued formation’. (Studies in Chaplaincy will be accepted on a conditional basis).
The length of the process to be validated is approximately 12 months. The seminary will determine specific formation training that is to be performed in each year of the three (3) year process. The validation process is the completion of a written essay to be evaluated by the staff of the St. Borromeo Seminary and evaluation may also be considered by a ranking clergy member representing the non-UECC registrant.
6. The candidates will be required to perform some form of public service. This may be visitations to a care home, hospital, homeless, food pantry, food line, funerals or similar activities. Marriages will not be accepted. There will be a validation plan in place to prove compliance.
The length of the process will be 4 visitations (absolute minimum) in a 12 month period. This process is repeated each year of the three (3) year period.
7. Credits/points toward successful completion will be assigned as follows: (60 Credits/Points total)
10 Credits/Points for ‘contiguous years’ of service to a single organization.
10 Credits/Points for proper presentation and validation of performing the daily offices.
20 Credits/Points for the ‘continued formation’ studies.
20 Credits/Points for public service, visitations or similar activities.
The process of evaluation for ‘continued formation’ is set down in the Self Accreditation document of the seminary. The process is both objective and subjective. The registrant is expected to not only study and evaluate the materials to expand their knowledge, but also to make their own thoughts, opinions and previous knowledge known. This includes pro/con research from other documentation outside of the documents presented. Subjectivity is handled no differently than dissertations would be handled in a collegiate environment. (Highly subjective).
8. The St. Borromeo Seminary does not charge tuition for participation in any of our degree programs. The process of charging tuition is a secular business concept based on running a religious organization as a business. We operate under a ‘Free Will Tithe (donation)’ concept. This process is no different than many not-for-profit groups utilize. Example: Donate to a certain organization and you will receive a ‘gift in kind’.
The free will donation commitment for the Doctor of Divinity offering is non-refundable, and is made in two stages: upon registration and at the end of the three year training period. This type of donation is not tax deductible.
The certificates issued by the UECC Seminary are legal documents of authority, yet are considered incidental tokens of the UECC Seminaries appreciation of your donation level and commitment in knowledge and or faith. The certificate or document simply displays your office, as you receive the factual authority of office through placement of your information within the various registries of authority in the UECC Seminary. A degree of higher learning becomes legal by granting authority within the School registry. Religious authority is the placement within the Church registry.
9. List of ‘Continued Formation’ subject matter. (More documents will be added as required)
Choose three (3) categories, each to be completed in year one (1), two (2) and (three). Of those three (3) categories choose two of the PDF books as the study material.
Candidates will write a minimum of a three thousand (3000) word (minimum) essay on ‘both’ of the documents of study within that one essay. The candidate is required to interject their own beliefs and knowledge. The candidate may use any other materials to support their commentary. The candidate must also list footnotes of any other author/source used as proof of their personal commentary.
Example:
John Doe chooses Ethics for year 1, Christology for year two and Coptic Texts for year 3.
John Doe then selects Georgia Harkness - Christian Ethics and Galloza Sam - Living Under Gods Law for year 1 documents.
John Doe selects Christology - The Doctrine of Jesus Christ an Paul's Christology of Divine Identity - Richard Bauckham for year 2 documents.
John Doe selects St. Athanasius - On the Incarnation and H.H Pope Shenouda III - The Nature of Christ for year 3 documents.
Important -- General considerations for all written materials submitted by the candidate:
-
All documents submitted by the candidate must be in Microsoft Word (docx format), LibreOffice Writer (odt format) or optionally submitted as a PDF file (Word or LibreOffice documents are desired)
-
All documents must be saved as standard 8 1/2 X 11 paper format
-
All documents must be formatted as "double spaced" with a 12pt or 14pt font (Arial, Veranda, Times New Roman preferred)
-
All documents will be submitted as email attachments to s
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Christian Ethics
Georgia Harkness - Christian Ethics
Galloza Sam - Living Under Gods Law
Alexander B.D - Christianity and Ethics - A Handbook of Christian Ethics
Comparison Studies of Non Christian Religions
Theism - Mill 1 and Theism - Mill 2
Theism Atheism Dialogue
Understanding Christianity and Islam
Atheism and Theism - Blackwell
What We Jews Believe
Deism Revolution - Bob Johnson
Deism - Gould
Deism Handbook Ch. 29 - Chad Meister, James Beilby
Christology
Christology - The Doctrine of Jesus Christ
Paul's Christology of Divine Identity - Richard Bauckham
The Christology of James - Robert Sloan
Texts Related to Early Jewish and Christian Usage
Lumpkin - The Books of Enoch Volume 1 and 2.pdf
50-120_Didache.pdf
Coptic Texts
St. Athanasius - On the Incarnation
H.H Pope Shenouda III - The Divinity of Christ
H.H Pope Shenouda III - Comparative Theology
H.H Pope Shenouda III - The Nature of Christ
Fr. Abraam D. Sleman - The Meaning of the Holy Trinity
Apologetics
Chesterson G.K - Heretics
Chesterson G.K - Orthodoxy
Cheung Vincent - Apologetic Conversations
Cheung Vincent - Captive To Reason
Cheung Vincent - Pressupositional Confrontations
Cheung Vincent - Ultimate Questions
Farinaccio Joseph R - Faith With Reason
Thompson Bert - The Many Faces and Causes of Unbelief
Doctor of Divinity Program
Option 2
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
From the Desk of the Chancellor
Regarding Installation of the Doctor of Divinity Program
This Program is only for clergy that have amused a minimum of four (4) contiguous years within a single organization previous to registraion for this Program.
A Doctor of Divinity Degree is in generalized context an 'honorary degree' given honoris causa by a church related institution of higher learning (seminary). Yet this is not always the case, as the degree may be a higher doctorate conferred by institutions upon a religious scholar of standing and distinction, USUALLY for accomplishments beyond the Ph.D. level. While this paragraph details an example of someone who holds a Ph.D already, this does not need to be the case. There are many examples of individuals with a lower degree (Th.B) for example receiving a Doctor of Divinity Degree for accomplishments in the Christian Community, or in some cases no degree at all.
Under U.S federal law, a 1974 judgment accepted expert opinion that an "honorary doctor of divinity is a strictly religious title with no academic standing. Such titles may be issued by bona fide churches and religious denominations, so long as their issuance is limited to a course of instruction in the principles of the church or religious denomination"
The intent of the St. Borromeo Seminary Doctor of Divinity Program is to create a program that entails and embraces the activities, achievements and more importantly the ‘continued formation’ of existing clergy.
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Chancellors Comments:
The Doctor of Divinity Degree is at the same time a honorary degree based on service to the faith and earned degree based on continued formation. The St. Borromeo Seminary treats the Doctor of Divinity as an earned degree, assigning the tasks a credit/point value based on proper completion.
Famous clergy who had Doctor of Divinity Degree where Robert Schuller and Billy Graham.
The Basic Framework of the Doctor of Divinity Degree is as Follows:
Disclosure Notice: This process for the Doctor of Divinity is designed for those clergy that have definitive proof of four (4) years or more of contiguous service with a single religious organization. As with all programs within St. Borromeo, the donation commitment is of free will and hence non-refundable. This type of donation is not tax deductible.
1. All candidates must be of Apostolic Succession. There may be specific exceptions to be determined.
2. All candidates must have another individual (or documentation) in their organization that will provide validation.. This individual will via documents or electronic media assist in providing evidence of completion of the tasks and validate dates of contiguous service to their organization.
3. A fixed number of years, serving with a single church organization, will be required. Multiple years between different organizations will not be accepted. This service to a single church must be verified.
For clergy of both the UECC or non-UECC the number of years of service to the organization must be a ‘contiguous’ four (4) year period.
For clergy who have already amassed four (4) years or more of service, the ‘continued formation’ process will begin immediately upon registration for the Doctor of Divinity Degree. The length of the process is variable based on a self paced model.
Note: The degree of Doctor Divinity will not be awarded where the number of years of service to a single organization is interrupted. No exceptions.
4. A fixed curriculum of specific nature; Theology, Divinity, Ethics and many other categories. The intent is to sustain ‘continued formation’. (Registering and studies in Chaplaincy will be accepted on a conditional basis).
The length of the process to be validated is approximately 12 months. The seminary will determine specific formation training that is to be performed during this self study process. The validation process is the completion of written essays to be evaluated by the staff of the St. Borromeo Seminary and evaluation may also be considered by a ranking clergy member representing the non-UECC registrant.
5. The candidates will be required to perform some form of public service. This may be visitations to a care home, hospital, homeless, food pantry, food line, funerals or similar activities. Marriages will not be accepted. There will be a validation plan in place to prove compliance.
The length of the process will be 4 visitations (absolute minimum) during the period of self paced continued formation, or soon after.
6. Credits/points toward successful completion will be assigned as follows: (60 Credits/Points total)
10 Credits/Points for ‘contiguous years’ of service to a single organization.
30 Credits/Points for the ‘continued formation’ studies.
20 Credits/Points for public service, visitations or similar activities.
The process of evaluation for ‘continued formation’ is set down in the Self Accreditation document of the seminary. The process is both objective and subjective. The registrant is expected to not only study and evaluate the materials to expand their knowledge, but also to make their own thoughts, opinions and previous knowledge known. This includes pro/con research from other documentation outside of the documents presented. Subjectivity is handled no differently than dissertations would be handled in a collegiate environment. (Highly subjective).
7. The St. Borromeo Seminary does not charge tuition for participation in any of our degree programs. The process of charging tuition is a secular business concept based on running a religious organization as a business. We operate under a ‘Free Will Tithe (donation)’ concept. This process is no different than many not-for-profit groups utilize. Example: Donate to a certain organization and you will receive a ‘gift in kind’.
The free will donation commitment for the Doctor of Divinity offering is non-refundable, and is made in two stages: upon registration and at the end of the three year training period. This type of donation is not tax deductible.
The certificates issued by the UECC Seminary are legal documents of authority, yet are considered incidental tokens of the UECC Seminaries appreciation of your donation level and commitment in knowledge and or faith. The certificate or document simply displays your office, as you receive the factual authority of office through placement of your information within the various registries of authority in the UECC Seminary. A degree of higher learning becomes legal by granting authority within the School registry. Religious authority is the placement within the Church registry.
The free will donation commitment is made as follows: $200 upon official registration.
8. List of ‘Continued Formation’ subject matter. (More documents will be added as required)
Choose three (3) categories, each to be completed. Of those three (3) categories choose two of the PDF books as the study material.
Candidates will write a minimum of a four thousand (4000) word (minimum) essay on ‘both’ of the documents of study within that one essay. The candidate is required to interject their own beliefs and knowledge. The candidate may use any other materials to support their commentary. The candidate must also list footnotes of any other author/source used as proof of their personal commentary.
Example:
John Doe chooses Ethics for year 1, Christology for year two and Coptic Texts for year 3.
John Doe then selects Georgia Harkness - Christian Ethics and Galloza Sam - Living Under Gods Law for year 1 documents.
John Doe selects Christology - The Doctrine of Jesus Christ an Paul's Christology of Divine Identity - Richard Bauckham for year 2 documents.
John Doe selects St. Athanasius - On the Incarnation and H.H Pope Shenouda III - The Nature of Christ for year 3 documents.
Important -- General considerations for all written materials submitted by the candidate:
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All documents submitted by the candidate must be in Microsoft Word (docx format), LibreOffice Writer (odt format) or optionally submitted as a PDF file (Word or LibreOffice documents are desired)
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All documents must be saved as standard 8 1/2 X 11 paper format
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All documents must be formatted as "double spaced" with a 12pt or 14pt font (Arial, Veranda, Times New Roman preferred)
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All documents will be submitted as email attachments to s
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Christian Ethics
Georgia Harkness - Christian Ethics
Galloza Sam - Living Under Gods Law
Alexander B.D - Christianity and Ethics - A Handbook of Christian Ethics
Comparison Studies of Non Christian Religions
Theism - Mill 1 and Theism - Mill 2
Theism Atheism Dialogue
Understanding Christianity and Islam
Atheism and Theism - Blackwell
What We Jews Believe
Deism Revolution - Bob Johnson
Deism - Gould
Deism Handbook Ch. 29 - Chad Meister, James Beilby
Christology
Christology - The Doctrine of Jesus Christ
Paul's Christology of Divine Identity - Richard Bauckham
The Christology of James - Robert Sloan
Texts Related to Early Jewish and Christian Usage
Lumpkin - The Books of Enoch Volume 1 and 2.pdf
50-120_Didache.pdf
Coptic Texts
St. Athanasius - On the Incarnation
H.H Pope Shenouda III - The Divinity of Christ
H.H Pope Shenouda III - Comparative Theology
H.H Pope Shenouda III - The Nature of Christ
Fr. Abraam D. Sleman - The Meaning of the Holy Trinity
Apologetics
Chesterson G.K - Heretics
Chesterson G.K - Orthodoxy
Cheung Vincent - Apologetic Conversations
Cheung Vincent - Captive To Reason
Cheung Vincent - Pressupositional Confrontations
Cheung Vincent - Ultimate Questions
Farinaccio Joseph R - Faith With Reason
Thompson Bert - The Many Faces and Causes of Unbelief
Continued Formation Program
The candidate will choose one of the certificate categories below.
The candidate will choose two (2) documents from that category to make up the certificate program.
The candidate will write a minimum of a 3000 word essay (double spaced) on the two documents chosen. The candidate will be required to state their own beliefs and knowledge on the subject matter. The candidate may also use other sources to verify their commentary. Any reference to other sources of information must be listed as footnotes. It is highly recommended that the candidate provide comments on the similarities and difference in the documents they have chosen. Comparisons are critical to advanced understanding.
Please take time for proper spelling and grammar checking. The accepted document formats are Microsoft Word, OpenOffice and PDF.
The St. Charles Borromeo Seminary does not charge tuition for participation in any of our degree programs. The process of charging tuition is a secular business concept based on running a religious organization as a business. We operate under a ‘Free Will Tithe (donation)’ concept. This process is no different than many not-for-profit groups utilize. Example: Donate to a certain organization and you will receive a ‘gift in kind’.
The donation commitment per degree offering is a non-refundable, free will donation commitment that must be made during registration. This type of donation is not tax deductible.
The certificates issued by the UECC Seminary are legal documents of authority, yet are considered incidental tokens of the UECC Seminaries appreciation of your donation level and commitment in knowledge and or faith. The certificate or document simply displays your office, as you receive the factual authority of office through placement of your information within the various registries of authority in the UECC Seminary. A degree of higher learning becomes legal by granting authority within the School registry. Religious authority is the placement within the Church registry.
Christian Ethics (Choose 2)
Georgia Harkness - Christian Ethics
Galloza Sam - Living Under Gods Law
Alexander B.D - Christianity and Ethics - A Handbook of Christian Ethics
Comparison Studies of Non Christian Religions
Theism - Mill 1 and Theism - Mill 2
Theism Atheism Dialogue
Understanding Christianity and Islam
Atheism and Theism - Blackwell
What We Jews Believe
Deism Revolution - Bob Johnson
Deism - Gould
Deism Handbook Ch. 29 - Chad Meister, James Beilby
Christology (Choose 2)
Christology - The Doctrine of Jesus Christ
Paul's Christology of Divine Identity - Richard Bauckham
The Christology of James - Robert Sloan
Texts Related to Early Jewish and Christian Usage (Choose 2)
Lumpkin - The Books of Enoch Volume 1 and 2.pdf
50-120_Didache.pdf
Coptic Texts (Choose 2)
St. Athanasius - On the Incarnation
H.H Pope Shenouda III - The Divinity of Christ
H.H Pope Shenouda III - Comparative Theology
H.H Pope Shenouda III - The Nature of Christ
Fr. Abraam D. Sleman - The Meaning of the Holy Trinity
Apologetics (Choose 2)
Chesterson G.K - Heretics
Chesterson G.K - Orthodoxy
Cheung Vincent - Apologetic Conversations
Cheung Vincent - Captive To Reason
Cheung Vincent - Pressupositional Confrontations
Cheung Vincent - Ultimate Questions
Farinaccio Joseph R - Faith With Reason
Thompson Bert - The Many Faces and Causes of Unbelief
The St. Charles Borromeo Seminary does NOT charge tuition. We have no plan to do so any time soon. Technically, the seminary is free. Here is the caveat, there is a Donation Commitment that must be made. This donation commitment is non-refundable and is not tax deductible. The process is similar to a 'pledge' to a church. Upon completion, a certificate will be presented as a 'gift'. We operate as close to zero dollar cost as humanly possible. The donation commitment goes directly to the general fund to support the religious operations of the church and seminary.
The donation commitment per degree offering is non-refundable, donation commitment must be made in advance of submission. This type of donation is not tax deductible.
The certificates issued by the UECC Seminary are legal documents of authority, yet are considered incidental tokens of the UECC Seminaries appreciation of your donation level and commitment in knowledge and or faith. The certificate or document simply displays your office, as you receive the factual authority of office through placement of your information within the various registries of authority in the UECC Seminary. A degree of higher learning becomes legal by granting authority within the School registry. Religious authority is the placement within the Church registry.
That is how it works. It is much like donating to a charity and receiving a stuffed animal as a gift. Many not-for-profits operate in this fashion.
Current donation commitment (may change without notice)(As donations, no refunds possible)
1. Bachelor of Theology (Sacred Christian Theology) - $300.00 US (Non UECC postulants $350, may change without notice)
2. Master of Theology (Sacred Christian Theology) - $275.00 US (Non UECC postulants $325, may change without notice)
3. Doctor of Theology (Sacred Christian Theology) - $275.00 US (Non UECC postulants $325, may change without notice)
4. Doctor of Divinity - $200.00 US (initial) and $200.00 upon completion (For 'new' clergy. May change without notice) ($200 if already clergy with over 3 years service)
5. Continued Formation Certificates - $100.00 US per certificate (may change without notice)
Standards of the St. Borromeo Seminary
MO§ 173.616. Schools and courses that are exempt from sections 173.600 to 173.618. The following is a list of the types of institutions and training programs that may be eligible for exemption from the requirements of the Proprietary School Certification Program. For details regarding exemption criteria, please see Section 173.616, RSMo:
Not-for-profit religious institutions offering only religiously designated degrees and programs
The mission of the seminary is to provide a faith community, based on the standards of the Faith Based Organization as supported by the laws of the United States, the statutes of the state of Missouri and operate under the precepts of supporting clauses of the Hague Convention.
The seminary provides the necessary training to allow clergy to operate under the canons, rubrics, beliefs and ethical guidelines of the parent organization and associated elements. There is no claim, real or imagined, that this training fits any need within other organizations. We do declare, that if approached to use the seminary for their needs, it is done so as a free will effort with no guarantees, real or imagined, that the requesting organizations goals will be met.
We do declare that the processes, procedures and standards are the sole property of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion and the integral St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and the Coalition of Independent Christian Seminaries. It is agreed in principle that the processes, procedures and standards will be utilized of free will, with no claim of warranty real or implied. It is fully understood that the processes, procedures and standards are designed to elevate credibility and unity within the organizations that may desire to use them.
The seminary has the mission to train clergy in the necessary faith, biblical studies, history of the church and church fathers, utilization of the faith in their ministries and provide core ethics guidelines. The seminary training is bound by the canons, rubrics, ethics, and beliefs of the parent organization. We do declare that the previous declaration may not match the requirements of the myriad of Christian organizations and sects.
The integrity of this seminary is based on the needs of the parent church; canons, rubrics, ethics and beliefs. We will act with integrity in our dealings with all seminarians and also with the general public. Christian ethics dictates that we treat all seminarians with honor and respect. We decry any form of discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, sexual persuasion or orientation.
This organization will follow all applicable laws and statutes as specified in the United States and the state of Missouri. Whereas the seminary is integrated into the parent church, is monastic in nature and does NOT purport to serve any other organization, there are limited regulations to dictate operation.
This seminary will report directly to the Bishop’s Council of the parent church, and will be evaluated by it’s ecclesiastical peers.
The integrity of this institution is based on biblical principles and theological methodology. These principles outweigh any secular university (seminary) principles of collegiate learning. The methodologies of both biblical and systematic theology are embraced.
- The following standards are supported at all degree levels
This institution does not subscribe to ‘academic rigor’. Academic rigor has little place in faith or divine studies. We agree that the seminarians must be challenged, that not withstanding they must be challenged at a level they can handle and comprehend. Academic rigor is most often directed at book learning and rote memorization. Christian faith cannot be memorized. Faith must be FELT, it must be in the HEART, it must manifest itself in the SOUL. Every individual is UNIQUE in their relationship with the DIVINE.
Within that context, we place the appropriate learning tools and materials within reach of each individual. They can proceed with the ‘rigor’ that best suits the compromise between the requirements of their secular life and religious life.
Within the context of formation as defined:
Christian spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ for the glory of God and for the sake of others.
This process is personal and we strive to assist each seminarian with this formation by requiring non-learning activities; prayer, meditation, reflection, one on one discussions, direct mentorship, practicing monastic precepts, requiring the recitation of the Offices and other self-aware/god-aware activities.
While all learning has a finite pedagogy, as in the presentation of training materials and evaluating the understanding of the seminarian by written and oral interrogation, we fully realize that the search for the divine has unique characteristics that cannot be taught. A certain amount of faith must be found within EACH INDIVIDUAL, on there own in their relationship with GOD. This seminary recognizes the fluidity of the understanding of theology and divinity, and that there are as many interpretations as there are theologians. We embrace theological difference as part of the curriculum, and encourage controlled debate and free thought.
The shepherds (we do not subscribe to the term teaches, trainers, professors or other secular terms. Generally, we view the terms as being inappropriate) are Bishops in good standing of this organization. They have demonstrated their understanding of theology, divinity and church operation not only by their ‘studies’ but also by their actions as priests of the organization, their recognition by the Patriarch and Presiding Archbishop of the parent church and by the Chancellor of the seminary. The greatest amount of of learning for any priest is by practicing and observing others practice the faith.
We support and require interactions with the seminarians, including personal communication, discussions on lessons, evaluating the work, evaluation of hands on training and much more.
Academic Quality Accreditation:
We declare that this institution bears the responsibility of accreditation upon itself. Both secular and religious accreditation agencies use a university academic model that is not conducive to the needs of the church or religious studies.
The academic quality is based on rigorous courses set down by Thirdmill and created by some of the finish clergy from around the world. The courses and programs are listed under ‘Degrees’ below. All course content and material is listed.
The hours of study are based on credits. The number of study hours based on the credits per module is a variable as this institution allows seminarians to study at their own pace.
Course delivery is based on self study from the module, written essays on each individuals personal understanding of the material and open questioning by the training staff. The teaching methodology is based on this principle, whereas each seminarian must be allowed to find their faith within the context of their personal understanding of the divine.
Guidance by the training staff (bishops, shepherds) is ongoing as required.
The bishops delivering the training are theologians in their own right.
Assessment per credit is based on assigned points. The evaluation MUST be subjective in nature. Whereas each individual will find their faith in and understanding of the divine at different levels, finite academic rigor has no place in theological studies.
Upon completion of a degree level, each individual will receive a Certificate certifying their degree level. Each individual will also receive a transcript of their coursework points/credits.
Accreditation, recognition and references:
We operate under the laws of the state of Missouri: MO § 173.616. Schools and courses that are exempt from sections 173.600 to 173.618.
The St. Charles Borromeo Seminary supports the legally binding 'self accreditation' or ‘private accreditation’ principles guaranteed by 29 states in the United States. Also, under the law and general rules of the Department of Education, we support the 'private and independent' accreditation agencies over that of the government sanctioned accreditation agencies. As per Department of Education mandates, accreditation is optional. Considering the Establishment Clause of the U.S Constitution, this separates the 'church seminary' from the federal government control.
Letter from the Department of Education:
A direct quote from the U.S. Department of Education reveals “No accrediting agency needs the Secretary’s recognition in order to function as an accrediting agency….so too no accrediting agency needs the Secretary’s recognition in order to operate. Also, no agency needs recognition by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to operate”.
Private accrediting agencies, registered as a 501c3 in the United States, are as legal and valid as any regional or national accreditation agency.
* The St. Charles Borromeo standards are listed herein. Our supporting independent accreditation is under the Theological Accreditation International (TAI).
The recognition of this organization is in the purview of the Lord Jesus Christ, biblical text and historical tradition of the church universal. Therefore, any references must be based on biblical text or the Bishop’s Consistory of the parent church.
Educational values and ethics:
All educational values are based on the principles of biblical and systematic theology as set down by theologians worldwide. The ethics of the seminary are strictly and securely bound in Christian Ethics based on biblical foundations. The ethics document is displayed on the parent church website or made available on a separate document.
All course materials are updated as they become available from Thirdmill. The seminary will accept all comments and suggestions from the seminarians regarding their experience.
All processes, procedure, standards or training materials specific to SCBS will be evaluated and updated as required. All changes to SCBS specific documentation is reserved in whole by the Patriarch of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion and the integral St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
The seminary, along with a secondary source, maintains a research library in excess of 18,000 documents. The library is accessible free with no restrictions. The entire library is supported online.
The qualification of the faculty is determined not necessarily by the ‘degree’ level of an individual shepherd, rather by their experience with God and the public by participation in the faith. This experience far outweighs other types of learning, as practicing the faith brings one closer to the faith.
That not withstanding, each faculty (shepherd) is required to successfully complete the entire degree programs of this institution. While we respect the training provided by other institutions, having full control of the quality, integrity an ethics of our staff is mission critical to our success.
To be clear, teaching and learning in the realm of faith can be a matter of someone sharing their real world experiences in the faith. This process is REQUIRED for anyone who may wish to shepherd a seminarian.
The governance is under the absolute control and purview of the Presiding Archbishop of the parent church, who is also the Chancellor of the seminary. Whereas the learning process is not totally in the realm of book learning or ‘hands on’, the governance must take into account the spiritual aspect. Spirituality must be discussed and shown by actions, not something easily discussed in text.
The Chancellor has unrestricted authority over all aspects of the seminary.
Evaluation of faith is not easily quantified. Our standards dictate that textbook learning, rote memory regurgitation and subsequent finite question and answer evaluation does not and cannot take into account the depth of ones personal faith, comprehension of the divine or how to present that faith to the subsequent church memberships the clergy serves.
The evaluation policy is based on the precepts of the following:
All lessons require a written response (essay) of a word count with a set minimum, and presented for evaluations by a member of the Bishop’s Council. The essay consists of the perception of the knowledge gained by the seminarian regarding the content of the learning module.
Each essay is analyzed in the same manner as any collegiate essay. The essay is evaluated for theological accuracy, integrity of personal interpretation of the content, logic, ethical bearing, context, grammar and faith characteristics. Points (credits) are assigned to each learning module, and evaluated in .1 or .05 point increments (depending of granularity) based on evaluation of the criteria listed herein.
Random questions regarding a module may be presented at any time by any of the Bishops. The question must be submitted in essay form with a set word count minimum. The evaluation is the same as listed previously.
Outside of the learning modules, the seminarians are required to complete a complex essay of a minimum word count discussing their personal faith and religious beliefs, based on YOUR feelings and opinions, not the opinions of teachers you have learned from. The evaluation is the same as listed previously.
The seminarian will be required to create a research document of a minimum word count, using their own resources, on a random subject of Christianity as specified by the Bishop. The must provide all supporting document references as footnotes (for validation). The evaluation is the same as listed previously.
The seminarian, when completed with all modules and essays, is required to submit a thesis of a minimum word count in the breadth of the course of study. The evaluation is the same as listed previously.
The seminarian will be required to study, and possibly comment via essays, the process of various activities a clergy performs in normal practice. Many aspects of this process may be hands on, and must be observed by some means by the attending Bishop. The evaluation is the same as listed previously.
The seminarians will be required to view, and possibly comment on via essays, a series of How to Videos of clergy activities (example: Performing Mass). The evaluation is the same as listed previously.
For all evaluations, we state clearly that all aspects of Christian training has a fair amount of subjectivity by definition. This truth is self evident; denominational differences are the proof that religion can be very subjective. We strive to embrace that subjectivity as long as it does not conflict with the canons, rubrics, beliefs or ethics set down by the parent church.
This organization reserves the right, based on this statement of subjectivity, to change evaluation processes on an ‘as needed’ basis. This includes minor ‘tweaks’ to the curriculum. This flexibility MUST exist as there may be specific cultural, ethnic, secular or other needs that may be met for a specific congregational entity. This process we subscribe to as long as it does not conflict with the canons, rubrics, beliefs or ethics set down by the parent church.
Certificates are presented upon successful completion of the degree level. The degree designations are Th.B, Th.M and Th.D. These degrees by law are of ‘theological nature’ only.
The certificates issued by the UECC Seminary are documents of religious authority, yet are considered incidental tokens of the UECC Seminaries appreciation of your donation level and commitment in knowledge and or faith. The certificate or document simply displays your office, as you receive the factual authority of office through placement of your information within the various registries of authority in the UECC Seminary. A theological degree of higher learning becomes legal by granting authority within the School registry. Religious authority is the placement within the Church registry.
