WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg is fortifying roots that go back more than a century while looking ahead to the coming decades to offer a rejuvenated theological education, creating a new United Centre for Theological Studies, to be located prominently on Portage Avenue. UWinnipeg’s Board of Regents approved the new Centre last evening, June 24, 2013, along with a move by UWinnipeg’s Global College to 520 Portage Avenue.
The United Centre for Theological Studies will include UWinnipeg’s existing Knowles-Woodsworth Centre for Theology and Public Policy, as well as the Research Chair in Peace, Justice and Eco-Theology, co-located with Global College which already hosts the Ridd Institute for Religion and Public Policy.
Following consultations and conversations that began in 2010 with faculty members in Theology as well as with the wider community, several intertwined but distinctive elements will be offered by the Centre: Undergraduate and graduate degree programs, diploma and certificate programs and Community Learning outreach initiatives.
Over the winter, Theology’s Graduate Education program was re-accredited by the Association of Theological Schools for the next five years. The United Centre for Theological Studies will house the Master of Divinity/ Bachelor of Theology; the Master of Arts, Theology; the Master of Arts, Spiritual Disciplines and Ministry Practice; and The Master of Sacred Theology, a post-Master of Divinity professional degree which enables students to specialize in one area of theological study. Additionally, the two-year Diploma in Indigenous Spiritual and Pastoral Care, and the Certificate In Ministry will continue to be offered with plans to enhance the Certificate program by offering particular streams in Spiritual Leadership, and in Peace, Justice and the Environment.
The United Centre for Theological Studies will also engage in robust community outreach by developing programs, conferences and events that go beyond campus boundaries and into the wider community.
“UWinnipeg has a rich and proud tradition of offering in-depth theological education for more than a century,” said Neil Besner, Vice-President, Academic and International. “We are building on that tradition by enhancing our academic programming, reinvigorating our ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, as well as strengthening our community outreach initiatives.”
As a result of these collaborations, students enrolled in these programs will have new academic and community outreach opportunities. The United Centre for Theological Studies and the Global College can further enhance a cooperative relationship with programs offered through the Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), and especially the Conflict Resolution and International Studies programs offered through Menno Simons College, which is also located inside 520 Portage Avenue. The opportunities to collaboratively offer students and the general public lectures and other outreach programs on matters of global citizenship, faith, ethics and public policy from academic, ecumenical, interfaith and intercultural perspectives are numerous and exciting.
Approximately 11 faculty and staff members from UWinnipeg’s Theology and Global College will make the move into the renovated space at 520 Portage Avenue during the summer months.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
