| Reformed Episcopal Seminary | |
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Heritage and Purpose |
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The Reformed Episcopal Seminary continues a tradition that began in
1887, when it was founded as The Theological Seminary of the Reformed
Episcopal Church. The
Reformed Episcopal Church was established in 1873 by evangelical
Episcopalians in response to developments in the Protestant Episcopal
Church of that day. By 1877, the necessity of providing formal
theological education for future Reformed Episcopal clergy led to a
number of experiments in providing ministry training. On
March 6,1886 Harriet S. Benson, a Philadelphia Reformed Episcopalian,
proposed to create a trust to build and administer a denominational
seminary and a massive new church in West Philadelphia. Miss Benson's
trust was unanimously received by the General Council of the Reformed
Episcopal Church. The cornerstone of the Seminary building was
laid in
October 1886, and the Seminary was opened for its first classes in
September 1887. Throughout its fruitful history, the Reformed Episcopal Seminary has distinguished itself as Evangelical, proclaiming Jesus Christ as Savior
and Lord; Catholic,
affirming the faith of the apostles as expressed through the early creeds and liturgy; Reformed,
holding the English Reformation doctrines of
the primacy of Scripture and justification by grace
through faith; Ecumenical,
welcoming students from a variety of
church groups and backgrounds; Episcopal, adhering to the three-fold ordained ministry of deacons, presbyters and bishops as received through the Church of England.. |
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