Document of Understanding

Intent to Share Seminary Resources

Between [Name] and the United Episcopal Catholic Communion

 

A request for an understanding to utilize the resources of the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary was received from [Name]. This document is in response to that request.

The St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, hereafter referenced as SCBS, is a not-for-profit registered entity in the state of Missouri, USA. The stated registration resides under the statutes MO § 173.616. Sections 173.600 to 173.618. The operational Charter Number is N001690150.

It is understood that the SCBS is exempt from state certification through the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. The SCBS has properly filed and received exemption from State Certification based on religious exemption specified by MO § 173.616.

The State of Missouri Certificate of Incorporation and the Exemption of Certification documents are publicly available for review at: https://sgecc.org/SCBSeminary/index.php/standards1/certificates

The St. Borromeo Seminary is a non-accredited institution, yet follows a set of standards that are similar too those of any seminary accreditation agency. Accreditation is a ‘secular concept and process’ that is in conflict with religious process based on biblical theology and the search for the divine.

Declaration:

This document is not to be misconstrued as a contract, agreement, warranty, accord, pact or other secular binding object, real or imagined. This document is a set of understandings of religious processes and procedures that are bound only by free will acceptance, based on the biblical context and precepts of the Christian Faith by which the understandings are derived.

The SCBS operates as a non-accredited monastic seminary exempt from State Certification. The training is tied directly to the religious Canons of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion, and is not tied to any secular operation such as State or Federal Certification, tuition (income), secularization, politics and subsequent need for loans and other secular issues that have bled into the religious environment.

It is understood that the SCBS, under the control of the Rector (Chancellor) of the seminary and Patriarch of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion has the full and unequivocal right to modify or dissolve any or all content within this document at any time.

The SCBS works with postulants in the same manner as monasteries and honored priests/bishops who have performed ‘on the job’ training for clergy with no ties legal, moral or ethical to any secular entity.

The training is provided as is, with no intent to declare a specific outcome. The search for the divine cannot be ‘memorized’ and regurgitated via finite questions with finite answers. Divinity is the search for God on an individuals terms. With all of humanities differences and uniqueness, any two individuals will have a different perception of theology, divinity and their personal relationship with God. The training does clearly indicate that certain absolutes, like the belief in the Trinity or the Creeds must be embraced and held as sacrosanct.

It is incumbent upon the postulant and/or the organizations requesting the usage of the SCBS to take full, unequivocal and irrevocable responsibility to understand the training that will be provided, its extent and limitations.

It is the responsibility of the organization requesting the usage of the SCBS to not utilize the training if they view the stated training as not meeting their requirements, operations, morals, ethics, theology or beliefs in the divine. It is understood that the SCBS will be held harmless in this decision.

Whereas the entry into the SCBS is 'tuition free', any person may utilize the training of the SCBS without expectations, outcomes or warranty, real or imagined. The donation commitment is one of free will and the incidental gifts of Certificate and Letter are not binding within State or Federal Law, are not binding via any accreditation or certification requirement of any compliance organization. The gifted Certificate and Letter, and hence the subsequent degree of ‘theological nature’ are valid only within the United Episcopal Catholic Communion and may or may not be recognized as ‘religious and theological’ documentation of clergy acceptance into their respective organizations.

1. Mandate:

1a. All postulants referred to the SCBS through an organization entering into this understanding may be required to present a full and binding Criminal Background Check before Registration is completed. This is at the discretion of the Chancellor.

2. Operations:

2a. It is understood that the SCBS training is designed to meet the requirements of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion and our affiliated church entities. We make no claim or warranty, real or imagined, that all aspects of the training will meet the varied requirements of parties entering into this understanding. We, the parties supporting this understanding, fully understand the intricacies and differences in theological and divine training between denominations and sects within the Holy Church.

2b. It is understood that the theological training as specified in the seminary catalog is biblical based and in general generic within Christian studies.

2c. It is declared that the SCBS has two paths for training; Independent Catholic and Anglo-Catholic/Anglo-Protestant. Postulants and organizations must choose the training path in advance of registering for the seminary.

2d. We herein state that the SCBS trains generic forms of rubrics and ethics that should be universally compatible with most organizations.

2e. It is understood that the theological studies are self paced to meet the needs of the secular lives of the postulants.

2f. It is stated that certain aspects of sermon preparation/delivery, dress, Altar and Church preparations/care and other ‘hands on’ aspects of clergy duties will be monitored via electronic media. This may include video recordings, live video or other means.

2f1. It is stated that the organization entering into this understanding must take steps for any ‘hands on training’ that may be unique to their operation.

2f2. It is recognized that the formation process of any priest is an ongoing process, and the responsibility of that continued formation is controlled by the organization entering into this understanding.

2g. It is understood that the SCBS trains for practicing clergy. We do not direct our training towards ‘theologians’, those who desire to debate, research or perform language translations.

2h. It is accepted that all essays, thesis, videos or other documents generated by a postulant are reviewed in what must be a both an objective and subjective manner. There are absolutes that each postulant must embrace, such as the existence of the Trinity. Yet, each student is open to discuss their most intimate knowledge and feelings regarding the Christian faith and the God they serve. The SCBS believes that a postulant must find and embrace a ‘personal relationship’ with their God.

3. Authorizations:

3a. It is stated that this understanding is of a religious nature and not a binding business agreement.

3b. It is agreed that either party may cancel this understanding with written request at any time. This is required so login credentials may be removed to suspend access to the training materials.

3c. It is agreed that there will be no outcome warranty, real or imagined. Each postulant is responsible for their ‘beliefs’ within the context of the provided training.

3c1 The SCBS cannot guarantee personal beliefs may be hidden from the trainers, reviewers or to anyone they may report to in the future. We can only show them the path, it is up to each postulant to walk that path within the context of the biblical and divine truths.

3d. It is understood that whereas the SCBS is licensed in the State of Missouri, we cannot operate as an ‘entity’ in other states or countries. Our first mission is to train clergy for registration under the United Episcopal Catholic Communion, registered in the state of Missouri.

3d1. [Exception to section 3d] ****

In response to statement (3d), the SCBS will agree to train any postulants referenced to us with the direct understanding of the requesting organization. We as an organization do agree in principle that we do have the right of refusal based on factors outside our control. (example: failed Criminal Background Check).

3d2. It is agreed that upon request to accept a postulant into the SCBS, that the postulant will receive the requested training in the same manner as a postulant for the United Episcopal Catholic Communion, hereafter known as the UECC.

3d3. It is acknowledged that upon completion a gifted designation of Licensed Minister is the bestowed under the umbrella of the UECC and a gifted letter of Good Standing and Certificates will be presented to the candidate. These gifts are considered incidental as per section 4b1. The SCBS will not declare, ordain or otherwise present the postulant as Apostolic Clergy. That process is fully understood to be the purview of the requesting organization. The SCBS has put this process in place to insure the postulant is trained within a registered church in the State of Missouri, initially designated as clergy for said church within the context of Missouri education mandates.

3d4. It is understood that immediately or within the timeline set by the organization supporting the candidate in question, they must file appropriate documents with the UECC. These documents must be a minimum of a Letter of Incardination into the organization entering into this understanding. It is the full responsibility of the organization entering into this understanding to process the incardination in a timely manner. [See section 3d4b]

3d4a. We, the parties in understanding, state the UECC and its affiliates hold no power or authority, real or imagined, over the transfer of the candidate via incardination to any organization.

3d4b. It is agreed that in the event that the UECC does not receive incardination documentation within 30 days of the seminary completion date, the candidate will be considered a Free and Independent Clergy not associated with the UECC or it’s affiliations.

3d4b1. The process [section 3d4a] is defined within the Canon Law of the UECC. The UECC has an ‘anti-piracy’ clause that denounces the pilfering of clergy from other organizations, and hence our understanding that this organization will not seduce or directly keep the postulant of another organization for the benefit of the UECC.

3d4b2. It is understood that steps 3d1 through 3d4b1 above only relate to activities in the United States of America. There may be legal code associated with other countries that are out of our control. The usage of the 'degrees of theological nature only' and subsequent title may not be recognized. It may be incumbent of each individual and organization to request clarification with the codes of their country of origin. Yet, if we assume the intent on the coalition is to set agreed upon training standards for participating organization, receiving a degree title in reality has adds little or no tangible benefit.

4. Free will Tithe:

4a. The SCBS does not support, real or imagined, the secular concept and business practice of charging profit driven TUITION to the postulants accepted into the SCBS. We do clearly state that in the fullness of time based on factors unforeseen, the SCBS holds the right to change this process at our discretion.

4a1. Within the context of that statement, the SCBS does accept a Donation (Tithe) Commitment for the incoming postulants. In response to the Donation Commitment and the successful completion of the curriculum, the postulant will be gifted with a certificate and letter of ministry as stated in the above paragraphs as a thank you for their support for this organization.

4a2. In the situation where a postulant does not or will not present the Donation (Tithe) Commitment it is understood that the gifting of the certificate and letter of ministry will not occur. It is the right of the SCBS to refuse access to the seminary curriculum under this stated condition. Yet, we reserve the right to allow access for those who desire ‘personal’ enrichment in theology/divinity and may not be seeking a ministry. This process is at the discretion of the Rector of the seminary, who is also the Patriarch of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion and hence not negotiable. [This process is currently on hold]

4b. 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.

4b1. 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 religious degree of higher learning becomes legal by granting authority within the School registry. Religious authority is the placement within the Church registry.

Donation Commitment: [May change without notice]

NoteThis information is presented in the Seminary Catalog and Requirements.

5. Evaluation:

5a. The evaluation of progress, both objective and subjective, of any candidate is spelled out clearly in the Standards Document of the seminary. The web version may be found at: https://sgecc.org/seminary/index.php/Standards

5b. Within the context of evaluation, the SCBS will allow the organization entering into this understanding to be presented with the PDF versions of the essays and thesis generated for each module within the training program. This process will be by Request Only. Otherwise the essays and thesis will remain the property of the SCBS.

5c. As part of the curriculum, a certain amount of ‘hands on training’ will take place. Most of this training will take place via video media presented by the postulant. This may include but not limited to presentation of liturgies, sermons, practicing the Eucharist, Alter Guide and others as specified by the trainers.

5c1. It is understood by the parties entering into this understanding that continued formation is their responsibility, as no seminary organization can fulfill all needs of a given organization. (Based of operations, denomination, sect, beliefs, canons or other variables beyond the control of the seminary).

5d. The process of evaluation for the modules with the curriculum is set down as follows: The curriculum is split into Categories. Each category contains multiple modules to be completed. Each category is assigned a set of points (credits/merits). The credit associated with a module is the credit of the category divided by the number of modules.

Example:

01. The Apostles Creed

* 18 Points/Merits/Credits (3 points each)

1 The Articles of Faith

2. God the Father

3. Jesus Christ

4. The Holy Spirit

5. The Church

6. Salvation

5e. The evaluation of each module will be processed in a decimal number (.1 increments).

5f. The evaluation is both objective and subjective. Each essay and thesis response can be evaluated by any of the following, or other factors as required:

  • Biblical reference

  • Research reference

  • Theological understanding

  • Relationship with the Divine

  • Length (all documents have a minimum word count length)

  • Point / Counterpoint

  • Others as required to support both objective and subjective evaluation

5g. Other information may be available in the Standard Document. https://sgecc.org/seminary/index.php/Standards

6. It is agreed that the SCBS holds the right and privilege of refusal to allow entry into, or continued access to the seminary training. The SCBS will not tolerate moral, ethical or other breaches of trust within either our perspective of the church or of secular society at large. This is a non-negotiable practice and it is agreed there will be no recourse, real or imagined, from the postulant or organization entering into this understanding.

7. Hereby we attest that this understanding is of religious nature and intent, is held aloof of any secular precepts, and is not a binding contract. Rather, it is a simple promissory of the intent to deliver theological studies and knowledge to postulants with the expectation of their personal responsibility to utilize that knowledge to enhance their Christian beliefs, their general theological knowledge and to find a personal (and unique) relationship with the God they will serve as clergy in the faith. It is the responsibility of the postulant and organization entering into this understanding to determine the extent and acceptability of this training for their needs as based on their canons, rubrics, ethics and beliefs, with no recourse to the SCBS or any of it’s members or association.

8. This document is not a legal declaration. This document is a declaration of religious intent only, with all of the intricacies, differences, debates and subjectivity of the Christian Religion based on denominational, sect and secularized beliefs within the church universal.

9. This religious document is agreed to by an organization outside of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion, with full understanding that the outcome and performance of any postulant is a variable based on their mind set, intent, abilities, morals, ethics, secular beliefs and other human components totally out of control of the SCBS, the parent church and it’s affiliations.

9a. It is implied both real and/or imagined, that this document spells out the basic premise that all aspects of the SCBS are ‘as is, no warranty, no implied outcome and is disenfranchised from any secular precepts, authority or interference’.

9b. It is understood that the SCBS has the right to limit the number of postulant registrations with no recourse, and has full right of refusal to accept a registration.

Signature:

  • We understand that this document is not a contract binding under the State Certification Statutes or Accreditation Laws of Missouri or the United States.

  • It is understood that the degree level are of a ‘theological nature’ only. We agree that these degrees are not bound to Certification or Accreditation and are accepted by the theological and religious realm of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion based on Missouri Statutes.

  • We agree that we are accepting the training provided by the SCBS of our free will, and may discontinue access to the seminary at any time informing the United Episcopal Catholic Communion of this decision in writing. 

  • We understand that as a seminary operating in the ‘theological realm’ only, the curriculum may or may not be accepted by organizations that require State Certified and Nationally/Regionally accredited curriculum.

  • We understand that as a seminary operating in the ‘theological realm’ only, the curriculum may or may not be accepted by the Independent Churches, whether they sanction non-accredited seminaries, non-certified seminaries, standards or unity.

  • We agree to support the SBSC and the United Episcopal Catholic Communion (being integral) with the Donation Commitment with all due respect, reverence and free will. We agree that as a donation, no refunds are possible, expected or sought.

  • It is understood that the curriculum of the SCBS is designed for the requirements, canons, rubrics, ethics, beliefs and operations of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion. We understand the curriculum may not perfectly reflect our requirements, canons, rubrics, ethics, beliefs or operations.

  • We agree that theological training for clergy has numerous complications in delivery based on denominationalism, sects, secularization, morals and mores of disparate regions or countries, the mindset and abilities of the postulant and other factors.

  • We understand that as an organization we will accept this training from the SCBS ‘as is’ with no implied outcomes, covenant, promise or guarantee. We understand that the SCBS does not follow the secular university ‘rote memory’ and testing model of learning. God cannot be memorized. Belief in the divine is unique to every individual. We understand this is the nature of theology and divinity. We understand that the SCBS will present the ‘hands on’ and fixed learning (example: the concept of the Trinity) aspects of clergy training, it is up to the postulant to either accept those practices in their future operations or not. We understand the SCBS will to the best of their abilities, human fallibility and with great respect maintain quality and integrity and hence follow the guidelines they have set down in the SCBS Standard Document.

  • We understand our organization will utilize the SCBS training of free will. If, in fullness of time, we determine that curriculum does not fit our theological precepts, operational model or internal requirements for our clergy, we may simply contact the United Episcopal Catholic Communion in writing.

  • It is understood that it is possible to bypass the donation commitment. This process must be requested in writing to the United Episcopal Catholic Communion. It is understood that our requesting organization takes full and unequivocal responsibility for the actions of the postulant, the review of all documents submitted by the postulant, and hands on training for the postulant and that no gifted certificate or letter will be generated by the SCBS. Under this circumstance, the SCBS is required only to allow login access to the training materials.

  • Whereas we accept free will utilization of the SCBS resources, in the event we feel our internal requirements may not be realized, we agree in whole to hold the SCBS harmless.

Name penned here, title and date: [see Step 10a and 10b below]

Name: _____________________________

Title: _______________________________

Date: ________________

10. Steps for an organization utilizing the SCBS for their training

10a. Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with intent to utilize the SCBS for your organizations.

10b. Sign this document electronically. [PDF, eMail] and return to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. [Sent to you as a Full eMail or as PDF]

In lieu of signing this document electronically, sign manually and mail to:

United Episcopal Catholic Communion

22226 Hawn Park Rd.

Farmington, MO 63640

10c. Register a postulant at https://sgecc.org/SCBSeminary/index.php/academics/registration

10c1. Postulant must read the Requirement page to fully understand the process of working through the curriculum.

https://sgecc.org/SCBSeminary/index.php/academics/curriculum-catalog

10c2. If required Provide a Criminal Background Check document. Access to the seminary will not be allowed until this document is secured.

10d. Process the donation commitment. A special link will be sent to the requester.

10e. Username and password will be sent to the requester/postulant.


 

Appendix A

St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

Self Accreditation Requirements

Who We Are

St. Charles Borromeo Seminary is an integral component specified under the Charter of Operations and Bylaws of the United Episcopal Catholic Communion. The United Episcopal Catholic Communion is formed under the laws of the United States of America IRS Code 26 (508) (508c1a which is a 501c3 component with code specified exemptions) and under Missouri Statute Section 355, RSMo. This organization operates as a Faith Based Organization under stated statutes and are recognized under the precepts inherent in the Hague Convention worldwide.

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:

  • Missouri public institutions

  • Missouri colleges or universities represented on the Presidential Advisory Committee as provided in subsection 2 of section 173.005

  • Missouri approved private institutions as defined per subdivision (2) of section 173.1102

  • Not-for-profit religious institutions accredited by the American Association of Bible Colleges, the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, or a regional accrediting association, such as the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, which is recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education

  • Not-for-profit religious institutions offering only religiously designated degrees and programs

  • Charitable institutions that provide instruction without financial charge

  • Schools offering only non-vocational or recreational courses or programs

  • Employer sponsored instruction or training available only to employees

  • Training by restricted membership trade or professional associations for members only

  • Schools or training programs regulated and approved by other state agencies

  • Elementary and/or secondary schools (i.e., schools enrolling students primarily under the age of 16)

The St. Charles Borromeo Seminary does not operate as an independent entity. As an integral component of the parent church, the operations are inseparable. This has precedence over the centuries of church operations regarding missions and monasteries as integral components inseparable from the parent organization. We herein state clearly that the parent church and the seminary are one cohesive entity.

St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in current state is a non-accredited institution with the specific mission to train clergy for our specific organization in aspects of theology, divinity, biblical history, teachings of the church fathers, search for faith, church formation, proper dress and sanctuary protocols, monastic practices, sermon/homily design and presentation, ethics, religious philosophy, morality, shepherding and outreach.

This organization does not claim, real or imagined, that the training is designed for any organization outside of the parent church or associated organizations. Within the Independent Churches, if one so desires to recognize our training precepts, it is their right to recognize this organization.

Under the laws of the United States of America and the State of Missouri the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary offers degrees of ‘Theological Nature Only’. Under legal precedence in the United States this practice is beyond refute.

Details regarding the non-accredited status of seminaries in the United States and also various States will be presented in the appendix. There are critical issues regarding private, regional or nation accreditation associations. Those issues will also be presented in the appendix.

Within the context of declaring St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, hence forthcalled ‘seminary’ we hereby present our self examination practices for credibility and success.

Before we declare our ‘internal accreditation/examination’ process we must herein define the seminary outcome. It is stated that the seminary assists individuals with a learning process so they may reach the potential of their faith and apply that to church operations and hence bring the word of biblical text, and the solace of the church, to the people in a meaningful manner. This institution does not, real or imagined, train theologians.

Definition of priest (clergy):

An ordained clergy of the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican or other Christian Church having the authority to perform certain rites and administer certain sacraments.

Definition of Theologian:

Theologians study and debate the idiosyncrasies and minutia of the workings of religion. Theologians examine the human experience of faith, and how different people and cultures express it. Theologians examine the many different religions of the world and their impact on society.

Why are these definitions critical? For over 1500 years of history, Christian individuals did not attend universities in order to become practicing clergy. Practicing priests generally had their training in a monastic environment. A large portion of priests received their training via an apprenticeship with a knowledgeable parish priest. Even though universities existed from the earliest time of Christianity, it was the purview of theologians or ranking church members (bishops and above) to attend universities. University training did not become quasi available until the Roman Catholic Church began the ‘counter reformation’ during and after the Council of Trent. 1

One example of this was the priesthood of Martin Luther. In 1507, Luther was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Jerome Schultz. Luther did not earn his bachelor's degree in biblical studies until March 9, 1508. 2Hence, he was a practicing priest long before he held a religious degree. Once he achieved higher degrees, he then became a professor of ‘biblia’. The previous statement is of great consequence, Luther was a priest BEFORE university training in religion.

The accreditation system in American higher education began in the late 1800s and early 1900s as a way for colleges and universities with high academic standards to distinguish themselves from institutions that had curricula based on the primary education model. 3

Accreditation was a ‘voluntary’ process until 1944. The GI Bill of that era allowed veterans to use federal funds for a college of their choice. After an initial attempt to allow states to generate a list of ‘approved’ colleges, the issue of corruption in the process was raised and affected the release of federal funds. The Federal Government did not process a law until 1952 to create a federal system of accepted accreditation agencies. 4

If this is put into perspective, accreditation of ‘seminaries’ did not exist for nearly 1900 years in Christian history.

By the historical facts surrounding monastic seminaries versus universities, we as an organization embrace 1500 to 1800 years of our preceding church fathers training precepts. The St. Charles Borromeo Seminary trains clergy to bring the solace of the church to the masses and NOT theologians.

So let us now proceed into our standards and self examination.

The seminary respects the need for standards. That comment not withstanding there is a major difference in how standards should be handled with respect to accredited and non-accredited seminaries. One aspect that is critical to understand from the start: Accredited Seminaries operate ‘as a business’ in most respects and large sums of money change hands. It is not unusual for an accredited seminary to charge $650.00 U.S dollars or more for any degree level.

It is herein declared that the St. Borromeo Seminary is tuition free. It is integral to the church and operates as part of the parent church. The operations are based on a Free Will Tithe, that is a decision to be made by the requestor (detailed below). The tithe is made to the parent church, of free will, as is not to be construed as payment for a service, real or imagined. Therefore, there is no implied contract or agreement, real or imagined.

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 and letter of good standing will be presented as a 'gift'.

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.

For those who desire to take the curriculum, but not make the donation commitment, this is acceptable with these caveats; the certificate and letter of good standing will not be 'gifted' and depending on certain factors, these individual may be put on a short or long term waiting list and worse case may not be accepted as postulants in the seminary.

 

It is hereby declared another difference exists between the non-accredited format of the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary that departs from the more secular, political and monetary based accredited seminaries. We declare that for clergy to build their faith, that process does not end with the seminary training. Faith building and the understanding of the divine must continue for the rest of their natural lives, or disenfranchisement from the clergy. Any independent church organization may require continued studies for their clergy as specified by their superiors. This also extends to the length of calendar and clock time required for a seminarian to reach their potential. Our curriculum is designed so that a seminarian can progress through the materials and hands on training at a pace conducive to their secular life and general learning capacity. This ‘formation’ process is a variable accredited seminaries rarely take into account.

Moving on, the decision was made to use a rough outline based on the standards set down by the Association of Theological Schools. Herein we will list the outline of the standards for the self examination of the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Appendix B

Standards of the St. Borromeo Seminary

 

Legal Authorization:

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

Mission:

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 by an organization 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.

Integrity:

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.

Learning and Formation:

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) is ongoing as required.

The bishops delivering the training are theologians in their own right, yet are ‘practicing’ clergy.

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:

This organization operates under self accreditation principles. 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 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 mase available on a separate document.

Quality Control:

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.

Library:

The seminary, along with a secondary source, maintains a research library in excess of 5,000 documents. The library is accessible free with no restrictions. The entire library is supported online.

Faculty: (Shepherds):

The qualification of the shepherds is determined not 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.

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.

Governance:

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. Wheres 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.

Degrees:

Bachelor of Sacred Christian Theology

120 Points (Credits)

Coursework is designed to prepare the seminarian for immediate installment as clergy in the parent church. This may include deacon, licensed minister or priest depending on evaluation by the Presiding Archbishop.

The main theology of the Christian Faith based directly on the following biblical studies:

01. The Apostles Creed – 6 modules, 18 credits

02. The Gospels – 5 modules, 18 credits

03. The Book of Acts – 3 modules, 12 credits

04. We Believe in God – 4 modules, 13 credits

05. We Believe in the Holy Spirit - 4 modules, 13 credits

06. We Believe in Jesus – 5 modules, 18 credits

07. Building Your Theology – 4 modules, 13 credits

The following are required for all levels of study (bachelors and masters, must show proof of completion.

5 Point (Credit)

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 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.

The seminarian must choose either the Independent Catholic Option or the Anglican Option. That option is required for the bachelors only and must show proof of completion, but carry no point (credit) weight.

Anglican Studies (Option 1) (1 point/credit)

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

 

Old Catholic Studies (Option 2) (1 point/credit)

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

Essay and Final Thesis (8 credits total – Essay 2 credits, Thesis 6 credits)

 

Master of Sacred Christian Theology

40 Points (Credits)

Coursework is designed to prepare the seminarian for immediate installment as clergy in the parent church. This may include deacon, licensed minister or priest depending on evaluation by the Presiding Archbishop.

The main theology of the Christian Faith based directly on the following biblical studies:

100. Kingdom, Covenants and Canon of the Old Testament - 4 modules, 3 credits

101. Kingdom and Covenant in the New Testament - 3 modules, 3 credits

102. The Heart of Paul's Theology - 4 modules, 3 credits

103. Paul's Prison Epistles - 5 modules, 4 credits

104. The Book of Joshua - 4 modules, 3 credits

105. The Epistle of James - 2 modules, 2 credits

106. The Book of Hebrews - 2 modules, 2 credits

See the section above under bachelors: The following are required for all levels of study (bachelors and masters, must show proof of completion. (7 Credits)

Essay 1,2 and Final Thesis (13 credits total – Essay1 3 credits, Essay2 3 credits, Thesis 7 credits)

 

Doctor of Sacred Christian Theology

60 Points (Credits)

Coursework is designed to prepare the seminarian for immediate installment as clergy in the parent church. This may include deacon, licensed minister or priest depending on evaluation by the Presiding Archbishop.

The main theology of the Christian Faith based directly on the following biblical studies:

200. He Gave Us Scripture - 11 modules, 12 credits

201. What is Man - 4 modules, 6 credits

202. Your Kingdom Come, The Doctrine of Eschatology - 4 modules, 6 credits

203. Making Biblical Decisions - 10 modules, 12 credits

204. He Gave Us Prophets - 8 modules, 10 credits

205. Christian Ethics - 1 Module, 6 credits

Essay and Final Thesis (8 credits total – Essay 2 credits, Thesis 6 credits)

 

Evaluation:

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 1/10 point increments 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 on 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:

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.

 

Some data and information as to the stance of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary regarding non-accreditation versus accreditation.

First, we must look at historical reality and political reality.

Legals:

The Constitution and laws of the United States dictate clearly the following:

First Amendment: An Overview

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression from government interference. It prohibits any laws that establish a national religion, impede the free exercise of religion, abridge the freedom of speech, infringe upon the freedom of the press, interfere with the right to peaceably assemble, or prohibit citizens from petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances. It was adopted into the Bill of Rights in 1791. The Supreme Court interprets the extent of the protection afforded to these rights. The First Amendment has been interpreted by the Court as applying to the entire federal government even though it is only expressly applicable to Congress. Furthermore, the Court has interpreted the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as protecting the rights in the First Amendment from interference by state governments.

Freedom of Religion

Two clauses in the First Amendment guarantee freedom of religion. The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from passing legislation to establish an official religion or preferring one religion over another. It enforces the "separation of church and state." However, some governmental activity related to religion has been declared constitutional by the Supreme Court. For example, providing bus transportation for parochial school students and the enforcement of “blue laws" is not prohibited. The Free Exercise Clause prohibits the government, in most instances, from interfering with a person's practice of their religion.

Taking this is simple context, you may extrapolate that by requiring “oversight” of religious training of clergy is an exercise that may impede the free exercise of religion.

Under the laws on the United Stated Code 26 501 (c3):

Churches (including integrated auxiliaries and conventions or associations of churches) that meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of exempt status from the IRS. Donors are allowed to claim a charitable deduction for donations to a church that meets the section 501(c)(3) requirements even though the church has neither sought nor received IRS recognition that it is tax exempt. In addition, because churches and certain other religious organizations are not required to file an annual return or notice with the IRS, they are not subject to automatic revocation of exemption for failure to file.

This section of United States code clearly states that the Federal Government considers a church or subsidiaries totally exempt from all Federal requirements. If we take this in context of regional and national accreditation associations, that REPORT to the Federal Government, it may be extrapolated this oversight of a seminary may impede the free exercise of religion.

This is supported by 26 508 (c1a). With the passing of the Johnson Act in 1954, the IRS Code 508 is an extension to IRS Code 501 and specifically calls out exceptions:

(c)Exceptions

(1)Mandatory exceptions Subsections (a) and (b) (previous) shall not apply to—

(A)

churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches, or

(B)

any organization which is not a private foundation (as defined in section 509(a)) and the gross receipts of which in each taxable year are normally not more than $5,000.

 

The 508 Code verifies that churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches are exempt from Federal Government interference, and my infer that regional or national accreditation associates reporting to the Federal Government and performing oversight of a seminary may impede the free exercise of religion.

 

Appendix I

Issues Regarding Accreditation

Much of the following information is taken from various sources including The History of Seminary Education and Theological Accreditation and Problems Observed in Seminaries based on writings of Gregg and Krejcir.

  • Mainstream accredited seminaries have been pricing themselves out of the market for decades. No small part of that issue is accreditation is not an inexpensive task. Even for small to medium scale seminaries, the initial cost of accreditation can be in the 10’s of thousands and into the 100’s of thousands of dollars in overhead investment. That does not account for ‘membership’ fees that run in the high four digits of overhead cost. There any many (far too many) incidental costs per year or per accreditation to list here.

  • The cost of seminary has kept pace with secular university costs. The issue at hand here is two fold;

    • Accredited seminaries do have access to federal direct loans by virtue of accreditation. The issue is this binds the seminary to the government, which violates the churches right (and seminary) to operate without governmental oversight or intervention.

    • Along with the seminaries structured similar to a secular university, accreditation costs/overhead, and other factors it is no longer unusual for per credit costs of $650.00 or even higher to achieve a Bachelors of Theology. This does NOT include living costs. And many churches (sadly) are requiring a Masters. The underlying issue is the church monies to support scholarships is drying up at an alarming rate. Very few seminarians can afford 4-6 years of seminary and pay off the loan on the wages most clergy make in their first church assignment. Many churches facing financial issues themselves, are actually no longer paying some of their clergy, they must seek secular employment. While this is how Independent Churches Operate, the mainstream churches operate as businesses, and the situation for them is a hard pill to swallow.

  • Far too many seminaries seek to conform to secular universities and focus on new and "career scholarship" to the detriment of training students correctly. Most offer little encouragement for growing in the faith, either watering down theology or making it so overly scholarly that it is un-practical, un-touchable, and un-teachable in a local church.

  • Most seminary courses are seen as irrelevant to the type of ministry the students, who are in the ministry now, face. They see doctrine as dry and unfulfilling or unrelated to faith and practice when in fact, doctrine is thrilling because it means learning about our Lord and Savior!

  • Many seminaries offer little encouragement for growing in the faith, either watering down theology or making it so overly scholarly that it is un-practical, un-touchable, and un-teachable in a local church.

  • Ministry preparation is lacking in theological education! Graduates leave seminary with little to no application on how to lead and manage a church, council a person in distress, or relate Bible doctrine to the everyday ongoing of their own lives and congregations.

  • Most seminary students are finding their theological instructions, books, and curriculum to be pragmatically vacuous and irrelevant to them and/or their congregation's life; for them, seminary is not practical.

  • Many graduates of seminary think that there is a "double-consciousness" of being a theologian and a Christian disciple, that the two cannot be related. Thus, the result is being unwilling or unknowing of how to build a congregation up in love towards Christ and one another.

  • The emphasis in seminaries is so scholarly now, there is disconnect between effectual faith and academic knowledge. Thus, students cannot put together faith and reason or lead themselves or others deeper in real, authentic Christian formation. They graduate without the tools to be pastors and leaders for today's churches.

  • Seminaries have left behind the requirement for logical sermon preparation and especially delivery. Far too many clergy today simple cannot write an understandable sermon and have negligible speaking skills.

  • There is an increasing lack of practicum in the seminaries. Most have become so institutionalized in the ‘secular’ format of book learning and rote memorization, there is little or no time to actually practice being clergy. Practicing the liturgies, offices, writing sermons, delivering sermons, interactions with the public, proper Altar Guild Techniques – all are lacking.

  • Far to many of the teaching staff perform their tasks as theologians. They no longer desire to provoke free thought, demand spirituality as part of a seminaries individuality, how to pray, how to pay reverence, how look for the deeper faith. Teaching as theologians has an adverse effect; the seminarians bogged down in deep debate, rather than searching for deep faith.

  • Far too many accreditation associations have members of the board of directors that are actually from the seminaries that are being accredited. Hence, a school is accrediting itself, and that becomes an issue of ethics.

  • The Scholastic Focus of the Seminaries. Unfortunately, the scholastic, academic framework that God used to bring revival to the Church in the Reformation became a scholastic bottleneck that choked the life of God from seminaries and seminarians. Seminary leaders became enamored with scholarship more than practical ministry training.

  • Seminaries often turn a deaf ear to the needs of the local church and arrogantly defend scholarly education

  • The narrow focus on scholasticism in seminary education left no room for the Holy Spirit to move or guide the learning process.

  • Whitefield characterized the schools as “not far superior to our <secular> Universities in piety.” The devolving of the seminaries was seen as far back as the mid 1700’s.

  • Seminary does not facilitate spiritual growth; it frequently lacks a deep spiritual base

  • There is a gap between the education provided and the pastors’ duties as performed.

  • Modern training is primarily intellectual.

  • Schools which are separated from the local church are very apt also to be separated from that real world where the future minister must labor.

  • According to the Murdock Trust: In the pastors forums those who were seminary graduates reported that they found 70% to 80% of their seminary education did not apply to the duties they were expected to perform in the churches they served as ministers.

  • Pastors are highly educated but generally feel poorly prepared for the job they hold.

  • John Woodyard: Currently, major rewards for the seminary professor are research-based, academically and intellectually-based affirmations from published books and articles. Unless different spiritual, emotional, economic, and social rewards for the professor can be created, little or no change can be expected in seminary operations, relationships with the churches, or instruction for the students.

  • Murdock Trust: Authority for the seminary rests in the control of accreditation associations. Evaluation is built around the shrouds of academic freedom and tenure as defined by their peers in the accreditation process.

  • Seminaries are denominational based. This creates a real issue with respect to accreditation. One of the major point of the accreditation process is credit the capability of transfer. That process fails across denominational lines.

  • Accreditation Associations disagree with one another on standards

  • There is much discussion of the logic of seminaries on secular campuses. Secular events of dubious morality creates a haven for clergy morality shortfalls.

 

Appendix II

Issues regarding Operations of Accredited Seminaries

Operations of Seminaries today is based totally on University Models. This creates a myriad of issues that may not be immediately apparent. Some examples:

  • The seminaries are surrounded by a purely secular environment that is not conducive to to the moral substance of any religious studies.

  • One of the biggest complaints by seminarians is too much of the curriculum is rote memorization and finite question/answer testing. This does not and cannot work in a ‘denomination’ based religious environment.

  • With concentration on ‘university academics’ as an outcome, hands on training on how to perform the duties of clergy is minimalist (nearing non-existent).

  • Public speaking (sermons/homilies) are not a major part of accredited seminary curriculum. This is a major portion of the duties of clergy. Far too many clergy have tragic outcomes on the pulpit via this omission of training.

  • Far to many Bachelors degrees contain secular 'components' in the curriculum. Most have no relationship to the religious environment.

     

Accreditation lends itself to ‘forcing’ seminaries into a University Model. Some examples of the issues:

  • Increases the likelihood that far to many ‘secular’ activities and curriculum will hinder the religious aspect of the seminarians experience.

  • Raises costs due to the relatively high cost of accreditation.

  • Accreditation cannot take into account ‘denominational’ differences and requirements.

  • Private accreditation agencies have far to many Seminary/University staff that sit on the Board of Directors of the Accreditation Agencies. Therefore, these seminaries are being accredited by their own staff.

  • Accreditation stresses academics and not seeking true theology or the search for the divine, which is the basis for the existence of clergy and their practice.

 

Cost of seminaries is out of control and beyond the reach of seminarians.

  • One of the main reasons for seminaries to accredit is to provide scholarship assistance. This is very misleading as scholarships traditionally over cover 10-19% of the overall cost.

  • In many of the accredited seminaries accepted by the top four (4) mainstream churches the credit hour costs range from $400.00 to $700.00 for the two main degree programs – Bachelors and Masters

  • A bachelors degree is normally 120 credit hours and takes 3.5 to 4 years to complete. The tuition alone may approach or exceed $84,000.

  • The average book costs nationwide can exceed $3000.00

  • Incidental charges can approach $2000.00

  • If the seminarian MUST live on campus, the cost per year for lodging ranges from $14,000 to $20,000 per year. That equates to $56,000 to $80,000 for housing. If they have a family and wish to live off campus, that costs rises substantially.

  • Masters degree with a nominal 60 credits comes in at approximately $42,000 or more. This excluded book costs and incidental costs.

  • If the seminarian for the masters must live on campus as describes above, a typical masters is two (2) years and that adds $28,000 to $40,000 in housing costs

  • Most mainstream churches require a masters. If we assume a seminarian can complete both degrees in 5.5 years, the total costs floats around $200,000.

  • If we assume that the seminarian obtains the ‘normal’ scholarship assistance (we will use 19%)5 the seminarian must pony up $162,000. Only 7% of all scholarships are awarded across all universities and seminaries in response to student aid requests. 

  • Assuming the seminarian obtains a 3.8% student loan with a term of 20 years, the monthly payment alone is $1500 per month.

  • The median wage of a starting clergy sits roughly in the range of $35,000 to $50,000 per year. Keep in mind many small churches can no longer afford ‘free housing’, and even if the clergy obtains free housing, the payments on the student loan brings them down to near the poverty level.

  • We must keep in mind the seminaries that have endowments provide ‘minimal’ financial assistance. The total endowments in the United States sits at approximately $30 Billion. The seminaries use the interest money made on the endowment to provide financial assistance, and is in the mere millions. This covers only a small percentage of seminarians. The rest of the endowment goes for wages, operations and property.

 

Time is one of the critical issues related to bringing clergy into the church.

  • Normal seminary to obtain the masters requirements of our mainstream churches is optimally 5.5 year (sometimes more). Most seminarians do not have active employment, or a simple low wage part time employee, during this period.

  • Many mainstream churches require a ‘minimum’ formation period as a deacon of one (1) year (sometimes more).

  • Some mainstream churches require a further formation period beyond these requirements and varies widely (2-4 years).

  • Deacons are usually unpaid

  • Total time without meaningful employment can be 6-8 years or more.

 

Monastic or non-Accredited Seminary Training

For 1800+ years of church history, ‘university’ training of clergy was reserved only in special cases of clergy who desired to ‘debate or research’ topics with theology or divinity. For 1912 years after the death of Christ, accreditation was a secular university concept that was not embraced or mandatory in this country, and even later before any application to seminaries.

Clergy who desired to ‘practice’ as priests were trained in a more monastic environment. These clergy were trained not only in theology and divinity, morals and ethics, but they had to ‘practice’ all of the hands on required in the daily duties of a priest.

The example that brings this into context was the Roman Catholic clergy member by the name of Martin Luther. Luther was trained in monastery, NOT university, predominately by von Staupitz. He was ordained a priest and was ‘practicing’ a full calendar year before von Staupitz suggested Luther enter university training so that he could ‘debate and research’.

 

Future of the Seminary in the Christian Religion

The day is long past that seminary training would benefit from being removed from the university environment, and held aloof of the restrictions, costs and secular issues presented by accreditation.

Non-Accredited Seminaries and Monastic training produces working clergy. Accredited Seminaries produce theologians, debaters, researchers and scholars.

The world today needs clergy, those individuals who bring the word the people and are trained to be shepherds.

 

Appendix B

Seminaries in the State of Missouri are exempt from State Certification. Herein is posted the 28 states that allow exemptions and the 22 states that do not:

SUMMARY

Currently, 28 states exempt religious schools or bible colleges from their higher education licensing, certification, or accreditation process; Connecticut is among the 22 states that do not. Among the states that exempt religious colleges, the statutes vary based on (1) the types of institutions that qualify for an exemption, (2) the programs of study the institutions offer, (3) the degrees or diplomas conferred, and (4) the filing requirements.

RELIGIOUS COLLEGE EXEMPTION

Overview

Table 1 lists the states with and without an exemption for religious colleges. Currently, 28 states exempt religious schools from their higher education licensing process and 22 states do not.

Table 1: Religious College Exemption

Religious Exemption

No Exemption

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Connecticut

Arkansas

Delaware

California

Illinois

Colorado

Indiana

Florida

Kansas

Georgia

Kentucky

Hawaii

Massachusetts

Idaho

Michigan

Iowa

Mississippi

Louisiana

Montana

Maine

Nebraska

Maryland

Nevada

Minnesota

New Hampshire

Missouri

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Tennessee

Utah

Texas

Vermont

 

Virginia

 

Washington

 

West Virginia

 

Wisconsin

 

Wyoming

 

 

 

STATUTORY LANGUAGE BY STATE

Type of Institution- Some states exempt only religious institutions owned or operated by a church. Other states exempt to nonprofit, tax-exempt, religious institutions.

Programs of Study- States vary in the limitations they place on the courses or programs offered by exempt institutions. In some states, the exemptions are limited to those that prepare students for a vocation in the church or religious organization.

Degrees- States vary on (1) whether the institutions can confer degrees, (2) the types of degrees they can confer, and (3) the degree titles they can use.

Filing Requirements- The states vary based on whether the institutions are required to file regularly with the state. Several states require that exempt institutions file annually in order to maintain their exempt status.

 

Missouri    

Nonprofit religious schools (1) accredited by a national or regional accrediting association or (2) owned and operated by a religious organization

Religious programs only

Religious degrees only

   

 

 

Missouri  

MO § 173.616. Schools and courses that are exempt from sections 173.600 to 173.618.

173.616. 1. The following schools, training programs, and courses of instruction shall be exempt from the provisions of sections 173.600 to 173.618:

(4) A not-for-profit religious school that is accredited by the American Association of Bible Colleges, the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, or a regional accrediting association, such as the North Central Association, which is recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education.

2. The coordinating board shall exempt the following schools, training programs and courses of instruction from the provisions of sections 173.600 to 173.618:

(1) A not-for-profit school owned, controlled and operated by a bona fide religious or denominational organization which offers no programs or degrees and grants no degrees or certificates other than those specifically designated as theological, bible, divinity or other religious designation;

 

1 Glazier, Michael; Hellwig, Monika, eds. (2004). "Ecumenical Councils to Trent".

2 Bainton, Roland. Here I Stand: a Life of Martin Luther. New York: Penguin, 1995, 44–45.

3 Higher Education Accredidation and the federal Government – Kelchen 2017

4 Higher Education Accredidation and the federal Government – Kelchen 2017

5 US and Worldwide Data - 2022 Scholarship Data