Introduction: Sophia Divinity School is one
of the first seminaries to be established in the independent
movement. It is the Seminary of the Catholic Apostolic Church of
Antioch, headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is a
non-accredited institution, operating legally with exemptions in
the states of New Mexico and Washington. All courses are offered
through home study.
Sophia Divinity School, founded in 1958, is a pioneering
seminary program. Archbishop Herman Adrian Spruit, founder of the
Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch, was co-founder of the
divinity school. He wrote: "An educational program initiated by
the Church of Antioch must not be only a school, but a movement in
spirit that goes beyond the reason of the academy. It must nurture
the roots of life with balanced rations of mysticism."
Sophia Divinity School educates Independent Catholic
clergy. It also enriches the spiritual life of students, enhances
their appreciation of the great spiritual traditions of the world,
and promotes global awareness of our human family as a spiritual
fellowship.
Description of the Program: In keeping with
the standards of professional education in theology, the
theological program of Sophia Divinity School offers a first
professional degree in theology designed for individuals who wish
to seek the priesthood or ministry within the Church of Antioch or
other independent jurisdictions. Candidates from jurisdictions
other than the Church of Antioch must have their local bishop's
approval before registering with the school.
Prerequisites: Candidates are required to
have a level of academic achievement and prior life experience
which demonstrates potential for successful completion of a
program of priestly formation and for the professional practice of
religion.
Requirements: Candidates study for a first
professional degree in theology, generally a bachelor's or
master's degree in divinity, although exceptional candidates who
have little or no college experience will be considered for
admission to study at the associate's degree level. Credit is
awarded for prior theological education and/or life experience
based upon evaluation of a personal inventory, which all
candidates are asked to complete. Priestly formation is supervised
by the school in consultation with regional mentors assigned to
the student.
Candidates for the priesthood complete 35 courses (the
equivalent of 70 semester credit hours or 105 quarter credit
hours) in the following core areas: biblical and historic
research, comparative religions and traditions, ethics, history,
liturgy, metaphysics, mysticism, pastoral studies, practicum,
spirituality, sacred art and architecture, and theological and
religious studies.
Degrees Awarded: The Master of Divinity (M.
Div.) degree is an advanced professional degree awarded to
seminarians prior to ordination to the priesthood. All candidates
for this degree must already have as a minimum a bachelor's degree
from a regionally accredited college or university.
The Bachelor of Divinity (B. Div.) degree is the primary
professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to
the priesthood. All candidates for this degree must already have
as a minimum an associate's degree, or the equivalent, from a
regionally accredited college or university.
The Associate of Divinity (A. Div.) degree is a
foundational professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to
ordination to the priesthood. Its purpose is to give the requisite
training for the professional practice of the ministry for those
who do not already possess an associate's degree, or equivalent,
from a regionally accredited college or university.
Spiritual Enrichment/Continuing Education:
The Spiritual Enrichment Program is for people who wish to deepen
their spiritual lives. They need not be affiliated with the Church
of Antioch or feel a call to the priesthood. A Certificate of
Spiritual Enrichment will be awarded to those who complete ten
courses.
Description of Program: While this seminary
once appeared to be one of the shining lights of the movement,
their link has gone down. Sanctus was functioning primarily as a
continuing education institute for people in the Independent
Catholic movement. In addition, they provided a structure within
which individuals could work out individual learning programs that
might have assisted them with their religious formation. For a
more information and an update, you may try contacting Fr. Jim
Waters.
