wfn.org | Andover Newton Theological School opens talks with CRCDS

["Gregg D. Brekke" <BrekkeG@ucc.org>]

Andover Newton Theological School opens talks with CRCDS
By Staff Reports

Andover Newton Theological School announced this afternoon that its Board o f Trustees has approved initiating discussions with the leadership of Colga te Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS) located in Rochester, N.Y.

The discussions will explore the feasibility of combining the resources of  these two historic institutions in a manner which will maximize efficiency,  sustain their legacies and advance a common educational mission.

Nick Carter, president of Andover Newton and a graduate of CRCDS, acknowled ged that although the process to bring these two institutions together will  require discussion and negotiations. "Andover Newton and CRCDS are natural  partners. What motivates us is the conviction that our respective institut ions, students, alumni and communities they serve would be enriched by the  combined resources of these two outstanding schools of theology," he said.

Citing the many benefits of a partnership, Carter said, "The distinctive ch aracter of both institutions would be preserved and strengthened, expansion  of the breadth and depth of the curriculums would yield instructional vita lity and excellence, and significant administrative efficiencies would be r ealized with all students having access to a world class education and prep aration for ministry in an ecumenical and denominationally diverse environm ent."

In expressing his enthusiasm regarding the possible partnership, Carter wen t on to say, "As a result of the rich history and pioneering spirit which h as characterized both Andover Newton and CRCDS, this joint venture may ushe r in a new model for graduate theological education. What is being announce d today places both institutions on the path of discovery and opportunity."

The CRCDS Board's decision was also driven by a commitment to strengthen an d expand the school's educational mission and act in accord with the school 's heritage.

"Today the landscape of theological education is marked with unprecedented  change," said Eugene C. Bay, president of CRCDS. "In entering these talks,  our shared goal is that both of our institutions become more agile, vibrant  and better able to prepare transformative leaders for the new horizons of  ministry in the 21st century."

Andover Newton Theological Seminary is one of the seven historically relate d seminaries of the United Church of Christ.

UCC President and General Minister, the Rev. John H. Thomas, said the propo sed negotiations are an exciting development in education, mission and acti vism for the UCC, Andover Newton and Colgate Rochester Crozer.

"Nick Carter is an outstanding leader and I am confident that a new relatio nship he will help to craft between these two schools will strengthen the f inancial position and enlarge the programmatic vision of Andover Newton," s aid Thomas. "The important place of Andover Newton in the establishment of  the world mission movement in the 19th century, and Colgate Rochester Croze r's historic relationship to the Social Gospel at the dawn of the 20th cent ury, create wonderful synergies for a 21st century church deeply committed  to global partnerships and to a progressive theological voice for justice a nd peace."

Should a partnership is established; the schools would have a combined endo wment of approximately $40 million and an enrollment of 450 students. Andov er Newton and CRCDS are both accredited by the Association of Theological S chools.