The Atlantic School of Theology (AST) is a Canadian ecumenical university which provides "graduate level theological education and research, and in formation for Christian ministries, lay and ordained, in church and society, primarily in Atlantic Canada".[113288] It is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia and its current enrollment is 170 students.

The current Dean is the Rev'd. Dr. David MacLachlan and the current president is the Rev'd. Canon Eric B. Beresford.

Mission

Atlantic School of Theology is an ecumenical university. The mission is to serve Christ’s mission, and to cultivate excellence in graduate-level theological education and research, creative and faithful formation for lay and ordained ministries, and understanding among communities of faith.

Centres

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Public Affairs (CCEPA) is a jointly sponsored by Atlantic School of Theology and Saint Mary's University.

History

The Atlantic School of Theology was founded in 1971 and formally incorporated on June 28, 1974, by an Act of the Legislature of Nova Scotia. Atlantic School of Theology is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.

AST was formed in 1971 through a merger between the following institutions:

• Faculty of Theology, University of King's College (Anglican Church of Canada)
• Holy Heart Seminary (Roman Catholic Church)
• Pine Hill Divinity Hall (United Church)

Theological Education has been delivered in the property in Halifax since 1878. AST occupies the former campus of Pine Hill Divinity Hall situated along the Northwest Arm on Franklyn Street.

The school received its provincial charter to grant degrees in 1974 from the government of Nova Scotia. In 2002, AST and nearby Saint Mary's University signed an agreement whereby the two institutions "will explore joint projects and economies."[113289]

Degree programs

AST, along with the Acadia Divinity College, are the only theological training institutions in Atlantic Canada. AST's main programs are those leading to the degrees of Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies. AST also offers an Adult Education Certificate in Theological Studies on campus or through the Internet. Beginning in September 2008, it will offer a Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Theology, in collaboration with Saint Mary's University.

AST is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and admits students to programs leading to the degrees of Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies as well a Graduate Certificate Program in Theological Studies.

Atlantic School of Theology offers Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies degrees. A Graduate Certificate Program in Theological Studies and an Adult Education Certificate in Theological Studies Program are available on campus and on-line. A Master of Arts degree is jointly offered by Atlantic School of Theology and Saint Mary’s University. The Atlantic School of Theology ecumenical program prepares chaplains for the Canadian Military.

See also

• Higher education in Nova Scotia
• List of universities in Nova Scotia

History

• Carol Ann Goodine “Origins of Atlantic School of Theology.” (Halifax NS: M.A thesis St.Mary’s University, 1993)

References

External links

• Atlantic School of Theology - official website