To All My Friends Here: My Tentative Decision

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Michael, Dec 31, 2002.

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  1. Michael

    Michael Member

    Greetings and Happy Holidays!!

    As some of you here may remember, I have for quite some time been investigating graduate-level programs in theology and also in creative writing. Well, I have come to a tentative decision: I plan either to go into the United Methodist ministry and enter a traditional U.S. seminary, or stay in the independent Catholic (Convergence Movement) jurisdiction into which I was recently ordained and pursue a graduate theological degree from either the University of the Free State in South Africa, or the Australian Catholic University. At the latter I would be able to combine a study of theology and the arts.

    I had found an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Cape Town and was planning to enroll in it; this degree consisted of a substantial piece of creative writing plus an analysis/critique of the writing and could be done entirely by distance. I had contacted the course convener, Professor Stephen Watson (with whom I had been in contact several times previously) in late summer and was planning to enroll in February. However, in going to their website over the holidays, I discovered that this degree program will now be offered as a coursework master's degree. I don't know what this means for the old format or if the degree can still be done non-residentially. I e-mailed Professor Watson about this, but they're on semester break, so I don't expect to hear from him for some time. This--the old degree format--was a unique opportunity and just what I was looking for.

    Anyway, for my "theological buddies" here--Cory, North, Russell, Bill Grover, Tom Head, Steve, et al :) --and others with whom I've conversed, thanks for the input, opinions, assistance, and, most especially, your friendship. I'll keep you updated, and I look forward to hearing further about your educational endeavors, also.

    Thanks in advance for any and all responses.
     
  2. uncle janko

    uncle janko member

    Best wishes Michael. What's the Catholic Convergence Movement? Would you post something on this in the off-topic section?
     
  3. Michael

    Michael Member

    Thanks, Uncle J.

    Well, I'll reply here. The Convergence Movement is not Catholic per se, but it is well represented in the independent Catholic movement. The Convergence Movement is a contemporary development that seeks to combine the various "streams" of Christian traditon: the Sacramental/Liturgical, the Evangelical Protestant, and the Charismatic/Pentecostal. It also includes and welcomes the Anabaptist tradition, as well as an emphasis on Celtic Christianity. One good example of a new denomination that encompasses all of these is the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches; their website is: http://www.theceec.org/

    Here is an excellent website with information on the aforementioned independent Catholic movement: http://www.ind-movement.org/

    You will find a great variety of beliefs and practices represented in these jurisdictions.

    I believe you'll find these websites interesting and informative.

    Michael
     
  4. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Best Wishes

    Michael,

    I know you've been searching for a long time. I hope you've found the way. Blessings to you in this endeavor.

    Steven King
     
  5. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Michael,

    Thank you for posting and updating us on your situation. Good luck.

    I also appreciate the link for the CEEC. I found it rather interesting. I grew up as an Anglican (Episcopalian) and eventually left as I was not pleased with the almost unitarian drift in the church and lack of respect for scripture. Of course now there are any number of Episcopal 'knock off churches' that have cropped up and that is unfortunate as they would be far more effective in a unified form. I do not know anything about the CEEC but the fact that they are recognized as an endorsing agent for the military Chaplaincy is a good sign. Also, they appear conservative (Evangelical), Charismatic, and liturgical which is an interesting combination. Although, I am conservative in regards to scripture I am not sure that excluding women from ordained ministry is justifed based on scripture and am therefore supportive of your churches ordination of women. It also claims several lines of Apostolic Succession (which is fascinating). I notice Archbishop Vilatte crops up in one of the lines. He had a rather interesting history. At one point the Mercian Orthodox Church claimed succession through him (this church is since defunt as far as I know).

    Is the CEEC growing, static, or....?

    Good luck with your program and your ministry Michael!

    North
     
  6. uncle janko

    uncle janko member

    Thanks, Michael. I looked at the website. As a Gnesio-Lutheran, I'm pleased when "evangelicals" (re-)discover sacraments and liturgy. I hope that you and your group continue to grow in faithfulness to sound Scriptural teaching, and wish you all the best.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 1, 2003
  7. Michael

    Michael Member

    Steven,

    Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement.

    North,

    Thanks for your support; I really appreciate it.

    Yes, the CEEC is interesting, isn't it? I should clarify that the CEEC is not the jurisdiction in which I am ordained, but I "discovered" Celtic Christianity and the independent Catholic movement by introduction to the CEEC. I was not in accord with the CEEC's views of apostolic succession, although a couple of their bishops I talked with were flexible on the issue.

    The CEEC is growing, as is the Convergence Movement and convergence worship, Robert Weber being one of its main proponents.

    I was ordained in a fairly new jurisdiction which combines all the traditions that I mentioned in my reply to Uncle J. The presiding bishop is Archbishop Rodney P. Rickard who lives in North Carolina. He's working on a website now and has invited my input. Bishop Rod was consecrated bishop in the Independent Old Catholic Church of America by their Archbishop Maurice McCormick; Bishop Rod felt just last year that God was calling him to establish a new denomination that would include more Protestant and Celtic beliefs.

    If you'd like to read about the Independent Old Catholic Church of America, here is their website--a beautiful one, at that: http://www.independentoldcatholicchurch.com/

    I had the privilege of talking to Archbishop McCormick; he and his church are very flexible on doctrine--that is, although the website gives the impression that they are very "Catholic" (not Roman Catholic), they are actually very inclusive of other faith traditions, beliefs, and practices, and they even have flexible and interesting interpretations of such traditional "Catholic" doctrines as baptismal regeneration and apostolic succession.

    Good luck to you, too, North!
     
  8. Michael

    Michael Member

    Uncle J,

    Thanks!

    I was raised Baptist, and I love a beautiful liturgy, too.

    I wish you all the best, as well.
     
  9. Bill Grover

    Bill Grover New Member

    Michael

    Blessings on you as you make final decisions.
     
  10. CLSeibel

    CLSeibel Member

    Michael,

    Thanks for the update! I'm pleased to learn of the progress and clarity you have gained in your search. I trust that your academic journey will continue to be a rewarding and enriching one.

    As an evangelical worship pastor and disciple of Robert Webber (I received the Certificate in Worship Studies from his Institute in January 2000), I share a passion to see evangelical worship enriched through the integration of elements from a variety of traditions. At my church, I have been experiencing some very positive developments along these lines.

    By the way, speaking of Dr. Webber, have we ever discussed, here, the fact that the Institute for Worship Studies offers a doctoral program in worship studies (the DWS) that requires only about 4 one-week sessions in residence? As of yet, this program is unaccredited; however, they are devoted to acquiring appropriate accreditation. The faculty involved is quite first-rate.

    Cory Seibel
     

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