Anglican Studies

The Anglican Studies Program

OVERVIEW

The Divinity School, in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, offers students interested in learning more about the Anglican/Episcopal Tradition - including those preparing for ordination - an Anglican Studies Certificate (ASC). This partnership offers students a unique opportunity to combine the ecumenical education of CRCDS with a dynamic, mission-driven, social justice-oriented Anglican studies program. Lay and clergy leaders interested in learning more about the Episcopal church from outside the tradition are also invited to pursue the certificate.

The ASC consists of six three-credit courses taken over the duration of a student’s M.Div. program at CRCDS. These courses are designed to serve the academic and formational needs of students preparing for Anglican/Episcopal ministry. Areas of study include:

Intersectionality

Course #: INT 705

Intersectional Theology: Though the term “intersectionality” was developed in the late twentieth century, there are extensive histories within Christian traditions of both centering and rejecting the need to engage in theological reflection and practice through a lens critically mindful of the complexity of social identity and power. This course excavates that history, interrogates it, brings it into conversation with contemporary discourse on intersectionality, and prepares students to engage a diversity of theological disciplines, arguments, and practices with the tools of intersectional method.

Faith Formation and Spirituality in the Episcopal Church

Course #: CF 563

Faith Formation in the Episcopal Church: Faith formation and spirituality in the Episcopal church has ancient roots. This course invites students to explore those roots, the progression of the tradition and their own spiritual formation. This course will introduce students to beliefs and practices of formation by both reading and engaging these disciplines. Students will discover how ancient as well as contemporary Christian spiritual practices embrace an incarnational way of living, which offers a way of being and doing in the world.

Anglican Liturgy

Course #: CF 561

Anglican Liturgy: In this seminar, we will be reading a few texts that cover liturgical theology, in general, and Anglican liturgy, more specifically. Together, we will engage in theological discussion as well as liturgical praxis. The goal of the course is to have each student walk away with a basic understanding of liturgical theology and to be competent in the use of the Book of Common Prayer and the other resources of the Episcopal Church.

Anglican and Episcopal History

Course #: CF 562

Anglican and Episcopal History: This course will examine the development and evolution of Anglicanism from the English Reformation (16th – 17th centuries) to the contemporary post-colonial period, with a special focus on the history and polity the Episcopal Church.

Anglican Theology and Ethics

Course #: CF 565

Anglican Theology and Ethics: The overall goal of this course is to help every student practice thinking, praying, and critically engaging Anglican theological and ethical discourse within an informed and beloved teaching and learning community. The course is designed to help students to gain an overview of the theological and ethical landscape of the worldwide Anglican Communion and its efforts to develop a multicultural identity respecting and drawing from a diversity of worldviews and meanings. As we clarify this overview, we will pay particular attention to human dignity and social visibility, as well as to what it might mean for the Anglican churches worldwide to address colonial and postcolonial challenges by being “the hem of the garment.”

Food Sovereignty and Mission

Course #: CF 564

Mission and Ministry in the Episcopal Church: This course will be a critical survey of the history of Christian Mission from the New Testament to the contemporary church. Particular attention will be given to persons, movements, and cultural shifts that defined the missional movement. This course will introduce students to a variety of perspectives with an emphasis on the Anglican Communion & the Episcopal Church.

These courses will be offered in a variety of educational delivery systems, including on-campus, semester-long courses, seminar or reading courses, and week-long intensive courses.

In addition to taking these core courses, it is expected that students enrolled in ACS will participate in the weekly Anglican Cohort and CRCDS worship. This program will make Title IV, Anti-Racism, and Safe Church Training available. Attention will also be given to assist students in preparing for the General Ordination Exams. Episcopal students should know that requirements for ordination are determined by their sponsoring Bishop in consultation with the diocesan Commission on Ministry. Applicants seeking ordination are required to secure the recommendation of their Bishop before entering the program. Persons seeking to complete the stand-alone certificate should consult with the program director as well as their local bishop prior to matriculation. Interested students should consult the Office of admissions for admission requirements to the Certificate program

Episcopal students should know that the particular requirements for ordination are determined by their sponsoring bishop in consultation with the diocesan Commission on Ministry. Applicants seeking ordination are required to secure the recommendation of their bishop.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL:
Those persons seeking ordination in the Anglican Church
Laypersons in the Church
Clergy members seeking continuing theological education

Eligibility: Admission to the Master of Divinity program at CRCDS and to the Anglican Certificate program requires a completed four-year degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

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