Cranmer Seminary: Episcopal Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of America

I received a catalog from Cranmer Seminary today which is interesting. CS states that it is not regionally accredited, but it is the denominational seminary for the Episcopal Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of America. It is ecclesiastically sanctioned by the Orthodox Anglican Communion and the Anglican Rite Synod in the Americas.

Is anyone familiar with this seminary, or the denomination?
http://cranmerseminary.orthodoxanglican.net


Russell

 

I posted about this school in a Tom Head thread entitled, "Legitimate, Unaccredited DL M.Div. Programs." I said in part:

....They have a mostly DL M.Div, if I read the website correctly; only Postulates for Holy Orders must attend some seminars. The tuition is a very thrifty $29./credit. ($1800 for a Ph.D. program.) See: http://cranmerseminary.orthodoxanglican.net/

I am woefully uneducated about the Anglican, Catholic and Episcopalian churches and their splinter organizations. But something that strikes me odd about the links to the higher church organizations (EOC, OAC and ARSA) is the singular reference to this seminary at the end of most of their sparse web pages.

 

Seems like another schismatic Episcopalian group. There have been lots of these groups in the last 30 years or so--reacting (sometimes rightly, sometimes not) to the more "liberal" direction of the Episcopal Church.

Some of these groups, though may contain good people, usually have very low accreditation and academic standards due to in my opinion, a reaction to the establishment where academia is so emphasized.

Unless ATS or RA accreditations are sought and eventually achieved, degrees from such institutions are only useful for those staying there. I would question whether the ordained cleric with such non-standard credentials (if not supplemented with traditional programs) would be accepted in any other main line denominations. There is a difference in having a valid ordination--even one done with lack of qualifications--and one that will be accepted for licensing to minister. The later is to prevent people who go off to schismatic groups with low standards, obtain a mail ordered degree, get ordained, then try to go back to the regular denomination for ministry.

EsqPhD

 

Thank you, Esq! This was my observation as well, however, I am not versed in the polity of the Anglican tradition. Cranmer is located about an hour from where I live, and since I had not heard of it until only recently, was curious as to its status.

Russell

 

Russell,

Maybe we'll have to mount a Cramner expedition and check it out.

John

 

Perhaps we could get Rich to drive down from Virginia, we could then meet at an undisclosed location, and the expedition would be underway.

1. General Douglas, the seasoned veteran, will lead the forces into battle.
2. Captain Wetsch, the meticulous researcher, will record all necessary findings and data via his Sony 31-L Laptop.
3. Private Morris, the DL novice, will drive the get-a-way vehicle, provide uniforms and bring the bottled water.

I like it John, as a matter of fact, I am already beginning to imagine the possibility of a DL Task Force. Now if we could only get Chuck Norris to facilitate the cause!

Russell

 

I'll do it, but I get to be the mad B-52 pilot. (I'd make a lousy general. )

Rich Douglas, Captain, USAF (Retired)

 

Do you guys get to wear those cool black ninja outfits and jump out of airplanes and stuff?

 

Actually, Bill, I am not supposed to reveal the following (its Top Secret), but I know you guys would never tell.

The CIA has been working on a uniform which is very similar to a Klingon cloaking device. Once the "uniform" is in place, at any time, merely at the flick of a button, one is immediately invisible. In this manner one could infiltrate questionable schools, collect data firsthand, and do all kind of neat stuff--like watch the presidents of degree mills sign fake diplomas, while laughing at the gullible people who bought them.

But remember, don't tell anyone!!!

Russell

 

D-Day:

3 August 2001, 08:00 (my b-day, what a gift!)

Rallying point--I-85, NC/VA state line. I'll be the guy with the army green Ford pick-up, pulled over on the side of the road.

Until then, TEN HUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Russell

 

I would suggest we form an A-Team. That way we can get one of those neat black vans. I can wear the Mr-T gold chains. Russell with your theology background you can be our frontman.

John

 

Alas, this is the stuff dreams are made of.

Russell

 

I have not looked at the web site but it sounds like a take off on Cranmer House Theological Seminary which is a very legit seminary of the Reformed Episcopal Church (founder in the 1800's). In fact Cranmer House Theological Seminary had agreements for facilitating study for two legit British Ph.D programs (I think they do one now).
http://www.cranmerhouse.edu

They have recently moved the seminary from Shrevport to Houston and the web site was down several days ago.

North

 

Greetings all:

I have done some research on Cranmer... They appear to be a small splinter group from the Episcopal Church... the Episcopal Orthodox Church is listed as an established denomination in several different references... and Cranmer Seminary is specifically cited as their Seminary...

I have requested information from them in order to determine if this program is "strong" enough to satisfy my quest for knowledge... They have promised a response in early August...

They have a very interesting master's degree program in Traditional Orthodox Theology... in addition to degrees in Anglican Studies and Christian Ministry...

I have been lurking in the shadows for quite some time and enjoy this board so much... I guess you finally hit a subject to draw me out of the shadows!

If there is interest I will report my findings when I receive the syllabi/course materials that I requested...

If these folks are serious in their assertions (low cost, quality education) they could be the best option for someone who does not require an accredited degree...

Bruce

 

This thread jogged my memory of a gent I met a few years ago. He was pursuing a religious doctorate via distance in the Russian Orthodox persuasion from a school/seminary located in Nebraska. (Note: My memory is solid on the denomination but I am not 100% about the location).

He had started the program some time prior and was slowly working on it and said that he found out about the school from one of Dr. Bear's guides.

This did peak my curiousity but I did not locate the school. Has anyone ever heard of such a place or know of such a school in the U.S. offering doctorates via distance learning in Russian Orthodoxy?

John

 

John:

You're referring to The St Elias School of Orthodox Theology... "accredited" by ACI and CSAC... I have a copy of their catalog and student guide... The work required appears to be "doubtful"...
http://www.angelfire.com/ne/saintelias/

You might be interested in Ignatius University (IU). IU is run by priests from the Syrian Orthodox Church. IU, created in 1998, claims that RA is their top priority. They offer a BA in Psych that is reportedly awarded by Regents College (now Excelsior)... Their graduate degrees are also "jointly" awarded a degree by Sofia University in Bulgaria (per an e-mail from the school to me). Their tuition is about $100/sh. From an Orthodox viewpoint their degree programs are interesting. Their faculty appear to have traditional doctorates... This appears to be a "promising" institution of higher learning... The offer degrees in Philosophy, Theology and Psychology.

There are also other Orthodox seminaries that offer degrees and or certificates run by various churches... some appear worthy... others are "doubtful"...

Bruce

 

Oooops... forgot to provide the website for IU... here it is...
http://members.aol.com/IgnatiusU/

Bruce

 

Oooops... here's the website for IU... http://members.aol.com/IgnatiusU/

Also, El Elias is not Russian Orthodox... They're part of the Mar Thoma Orthodox Church Outside of India... And, they are NOT part of the "traditional Orthodox" churches in that they ordain women...

Bruce

 

Their website claims that ACI is the "world's largest accrediting agency for colleges and seminaries." Quite an accomplishment for a small metal building in Beebe, Arkansas.

And the picture on the website of residential classes, is that a clothes basket on the table? It looks full. I guess the students were catching a quick 10-minute session between chores.

Russell

 

Bruce,

Thanks for the info. That is the institution! I am going to look at the website. As far as the work being doubtful you may be correct, the gentleman was working at for quite some time.

John