The Acts of Convention

Resolved, That this General Convention hereby records the following as its present conviction concerning the preparation for ordained ministry in this Church and the role of its accredited theological seminaries:

1. That these seminary communities represent a unique combination of intellectual vigor, of informed opportunities for shared reflection which bring together differing perspectives and backgrounds for theological formulations, and of a community setting for liturgical life and for priestly and diaconal formation;
2. That such a setting, as described above, possesses manifest advantages for the preparation for full-time stipendiary service in the ordained ministry;
3. That preparation for ordination to the special ministries provided under Title III, Canon 8 and 10, Section 10, may take place in diocesan programs;
4. That assistance by these seminaries and special diocesan programs to each other should be seen as an opportunity for a wider service to the Church in the area of theological education, and that these seminaries and programs should seek and welcome this mutual assistance;
5. That these seminaries must continue to be regarded as essential centers for theological reflection and for spiritual development for the whole Church;

and be it further

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the Board for Theological Education bring together various agencies concerned with theological education of the Church at all levels to develop strategies for greater coordination and planning.