Cranmer Theological House

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Admissions, Procedures, and Policies…

Application for Ecclesiastical Programs

Are we accredited?  Cranmer Theological House is not accredited by any secular accrediting organization, governmental agencies, or theological accrediting associations. We are accredited by the Theological Commission of the Reformed Episcopal Church, relying on our origination in 1873 for our legitimacy and on the integrity of the Reformed Episcopal Church.

Cranmer Theological House is a theological institute under the auspices of the Reformed Episcopal Diocese of Mid-America, the office and headquarters of which are located in Houston, TX. CTH does not directly offer or confer civil academic degrees on the authority of the State of Texas. Successful graduates of CTH are awarded the appropriate titles and licensure of their qualifications directly by the Reformed Episcopal Diocese of Mid-America under the direction of the Theological Commission of the REC.  Our credits are widely accepted by most institutions and denominations for ordination, but there is no guarantee of such. We currently have several graduates doing doctoral work both in the USA (Drew University) and in England (Lancaster, Durham, and Oxford), but our program is primarily designed for the pastoral ministry, not for academic pursuits.

Master of Arts in Religion (2 years): Applicants for the Theological Studies Program must hold a prior earned bachelor’s degree.  CTH will accept up to 45 credit hours for the M.A.R. candidacy from other approved institutions provided that the course work is comparable.

Master of Divinity (3 years): Applicants for the Master of Divinity degree must normally hold a prior earned Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) or its equivalent from an accredited or approved college or university.  In some cases, students over thirty without a prior bachelor’s degree may be awarded “life experience” as the basis for admission.  CTH will accept up to 90 credit hours for this degree as transfer credits from other approved institutions, provided that the course work is comparable.

Master of Theology (1-2 years): Applicants for the Th.M must already hold the M.Div. degree or, in some cases, the B.D. degree, or the nearest equivalent.  The program also assumes a graduate level of proficiency in the biblical languages, though a candidate may be admitted to the program on condition of further language study.  Under normal circumstances, no transfer credits shall apply.

Certificate in Anglican Studies (1 year): Applicants must already hold the M.Div. degree, or, in some cases, the B.D. degree, or the nearest equivalent.

Deadlines and Application Procedures

Application Requirements: Each application requires: (1) complete transcripts from all colleges and/or post-secondary schools attended; (2) three letters of reference including a pastor’s reference as specified on the admissions forms; (3) an autobiographical statement; (4) an on-campus interview (can be waived in some cases); (5) a non-refundable application fee of $50.

Students may apply at anytime throughout the year, and matriculate at the beginning of any course. However, early application and matriculation is strongly encouraged. A student applying for September should plan to complete his/her application by August 1 if possible.

Materials submitted by an applicant for admission purposes are not returnable to the applicant regardless of the admission decision.  Also note that CTH does not release copies of such materials to a third party without written consent of the original sender.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, gives enrolled students access to information contained in their student file for which they did not waive access. Applicants may waive the right to see reference letters and thereby assure complete confidentiality to the writers of their letters. This waiver is voluntary, and the recommendation form gives students the opportunity to state their choice.

Transfer Credit: Students transferring from other approved institutions of higher learning may be given appropriate credit for work done, as determined by the Academic Dean. Transfer credit may be accepted for comparable course work taken at an approved theological seminary or related graduate program in which the student has earned a grade of “B” or better. A written request for transfer credit should accompany the admission application.  Such credit is decided on an individual basis. All questions concerning the transferability of credit should be referred to the Academic Dean.

Audit Policy for Spouses: Spouses of students may audit any course free. If credit is desired, registration is required and the ordinary fees apply.

Independent Study: Any student who has demonstrated exceptional academic ability and responsibility may request an independent study, especially in the case of scheduling difficulties. Such a request is made to the appropriate instructor pending the approval of the Academic Dean.

Leave of Absence and Re-Admittance: Any student who takes a leave of absence may resume studies without reapplying, provided the leave is not longer than three years.

Orientation: Each school year begins with an orientation program that introduces new students to life at CTH and begins to integrate them into the institution’s community.

Length of Study: The length of study for any of the degree candidacies is ordinarily not to exceed seven years without special permission.

Non-discrimination Policy: CTH admits students regardless of sex, race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities of the school.  CTH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, or other programs.

Denominational Affiliation: There is no denominational “test” for admission to CTH.  Students from any faithful Christian fellowship are welcome. A variety of denominational affiliations enrich our institution family, and each is respected.

Deportment and Dress Code: Students and faculty are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner. While there is no set attire, students are expected to dress neatly when on campus. Students serving in chapel are expected to wear the appropriate attire as determined by the officiating minister. Normally speaking, only clergy (deacons, priests, and bishops) are permitted to wear full clerical attire, including clerical collar and pectoral cross. However, postulants for the ministry who provide clear evidence of permission from their respective ecclesiastical jurisdictions are encouraged to wear a “seminarian’s collar,” i.e., a regular clerical shirt or rabat along with a standard white collar that has been clearly marked with a thin vertical black line beneath the larynx. Evidence of such permission should be given to the Dean prior to wearing the attire.

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Tuition and Fees…

     Tuition costs are subject to change by the beginning of each academic year (September).  All tuition costs and fees must be paid before a student can graduate. 

Standard Tuition: Full-time residential tuition for all programs is currently $3500.00 per year, payable on a ten-month basis at $350.00 per month for ten months. In some cases, one can pay over a twelve month schedule. This price includes all regular course work, language courses, practicums and any additional directed studies that the student may wish to take. A full-time student is defined as a resident student enrolled in any given academic year in at least 6 core, directed study, or language courses, or one who enrolls during the course of the academic year and intends to assume a typical full-time schedule (tuition to be calculated pro rata).

Part-time Tuition: Part-time Theological Studies or Sacred Ministry students (less than 6 courses in an academic year) pay by the course. The cost is currently set at $450.00 per course, or $150.00 per credit for a 3-credit course.

“Thesis-Year” (Sacred Theology students only): In their second or “thesis” year, Sacred Theology students pay $475 upon the submission of a thesis proposal, and a continuance fee of $200 for each academic year thereafter until the completion of the program. CTH graduates pursuing the Thesis Option pay the initial $475 submission fee in the first year, and the $200 continuance fee after 18 months (and on each calendar year thereafter until the program is completed.)

Minimum Residency Requirement: The minimum residency requirement for a successful completion of the Theological Studies or Master of Divinity Programs is one year. The maximum amount of credit that may be obtained via directed or independent study may not exceed one third of the total number of credits needed to graduate.

Tuition Discounts: A 10% discount applies to any student who pays in advance for all course work in a given academic year, payable on the first day of the month in which the student begins classes. Otherwise tuition payments are due on the first day of each month.  A late fee of $3.00 per day will be assessed for payment after the first day of the month. If after two weeks the student has not paid, he/she will not be permitted to attend class. All outstanding fees and tuition must be brought current before a student is permitted to return to class.  No transcript will be sent to any school until all tuition and fees are paid.

Refund Policy: If for any reason a student does not finish any part of a course or ecclesiastical program, all or part of the remaining balance of paid tuition may, subject to certain conditions outlined below, be refunded. Any course in which a student may be currently enrolled at the time of withdrawal is subject to a partial refund (pro rata). A refund of the student’s tuition and fees will be given only after one or more of the following conditions are met:

•  The student officially resigns from the school by submitting a letter of resignation to the Academic Dean.

• Cranmer House expels, suspends, or otherwise cancels the student’s registration.

• The student (if paying by course) officially withdraws from one or more classes.

Refund Schedule:

• 100% of all applicable tuition and fees if one of the above actions occurs before the commencement of classes, or the applicable balance (see below) if the actions occur after the commencement of classes.

• 80% of the cost of any core or directed study course from after the commencement of that course up to a quarter of its specified lecture hours or contracted duration.

• 60% of the cost of any core or directed study course from after the quarter-point up to the halfway point of its specified lecture hours or contracted duration.

• 40% of the cost of any core or directed study course from the halfway point through to the three-quarter point of its specified lecture hours or contracted duration.

• No refund applies after the three-quarter point of the specified lecture hours or contracted duration of a course.

• All refunds are subject to a $25.00 administration charge.

Full-time students who have paid all or part of their annual or overall tuition in advance will be refunded any balance remaining of the uncompleted program provided that the above guidelines are met.

Other Fees:

(1)    Language Proficiency Exams: $75.00 per exam (if applicable).

(2)    Master of Theology Oral Exam Fee (viva voce):  $100.00.

(3)   Graduation Fee: $50.00.  Note: an additional fee will be required for the purchase of an academic hood.

Awards and Graduation…

      Cranmer Theological House is a theological institute under the auspices of the Reformed Episcopal Diocese of Mid-America, the office and headquarters of which are located in Katy, TX.  Successful graduates of CTH are awarded the appropriate titles and degrees of their qualifications directly by the Reformed Episcopal Diocese of Mid-America, depending upon the program of study completed (Certificate, M.A.R., M.Div., or Th.M.)

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Life at Cranmer House…

The City of Houston, Texas: Near the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and within an hour’s drive of the beach resort town of Galveston, Texas, the city of Houston offers all the amenities of life in the Southwest United States with a metropolitan flare.  With a population of over 4,000,000 including the surrounding suburbs, Houston is the fourth largest city in the USA.  As such it offers the finest shopping, recreation, and historical sites, along with a wide range of activities for the entire family.  Yet each neighborhood and subdivision still maintains the friendliness and feeling of a small, close-knit town or community.  The Greater Houston area represents a variety of cultures—Hispanic, Cajun, Southern, Southwestern, transplanted “Yankee,” and of course dyed-in-the-wool Texan—making for colorful history and many fine restaurants.  The area is suited for family life at a moderate cost of living.

Worship/Chapel: Chapel is held before our regular weekend classes.  Worship is a high priority at CTH.  Students and faculty value a worshipful and reverent atmosphere.  Our goal is to produce students who are fervent worshipers, adept worship leaders, and articulate teachers of the importance of worship.  Every opportunity is taken to foster a life of worship.  The historic Book of Common Prayer is the core of CTH’s Biblical worship of God.  Students participate in leading worship and preaching, under the guidance of the faculty.  Attendance is expected from all students except for serious cause.  Chapel is also part of Middler and Senior Liturgical Practice throughout the year.

Employment: Students are encouraged to seek outside employment if necessary to meet their personal and family financial needs.  However, the scheduling of classes and other school activities cannot be contingent on individual work schedules.  Also matters and agreements relating to outside employment are made between the student and his employer, and do not directly involve the school.

Spiritual Formation: While excellent academic performance is expected, we do not believe our students are successful unless they also exhibit spiritual growth.  Stimulating spiritual maturity in all students is the goal of Cranmer House life, the professors, and every course.  Our highest priority is to establish every student as a growing disciple of Christ.

Facilities:  At present, until a more permanent residence can be acquired in the Houston area, Cranmer Theological House is sharing the facilities with a Christian day school.

Other Library Privileges: It is highly recommended that students make ample use of the excellent theological collections located in the city of Houston, specifically the Doherty Library of St. Thomas University, the Cardinal Beren Library of St. Mary’s Seminary, and the library at Rice University.  In some cases lending privileges are obtainable, and instructions and directions are provided at student orientation.

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Course Descriptions

DEPARTMENT OF HOLY SCRIPTURE

Old Testament Division

OT 508 Old Testament Introduction: General survey of the canonical books of the Old Testament, with an overview and critique of the major critical theories in OT studies.  Special attention is paid to the historical reliability of the biblical texts and to the NT fulfillment.

OT 604 Pentateuch: Study of and introduction to the first five books of the Bible, tracing the Biblical theology of God’s covenant of grace as it unfolds in the lives of the Patriarchs and in these five books.  Special attention is given to the Genesis accounts of the creation and the fall and to the biblical covenants with Abraham and Moses.

OT 605 Historical Books (Joshua – Esther): Study of and introduction to the later historical books of the Old Testament.  Special consideration is given to the nature and purpose of the OT histories, the message of each book, and how each book contributes to the OT development of the coming of Messiah.

OT 701 Prophets (Isaiah – Malachi): Study of and introduction to prophetism in the Old Testament.  Special consideration is given to the examination of the texts of the major- and minor- Prophetical Books in light of their historical and sociological settings. Theological issues and principles of prophetic interpretation are also considered along with the application of these books to the Church and society of today.

OT 702 Poetic Books (Job – Song of Solomon): Study of and introduction to the unique style and role of poetry in the Hebrew canon, especially the books Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations.  Special consideration is given to the theological, devotional, and didactic significance of these books.

OT 703 Leviticus and Hebrews: This course brings together the Old Testament and New Testament emphasis on the tabernacle, offerings, sacrifices, sufficiency of the death of Christ, priesthood, and the one people of God.  It also gives an interpretive model for the unity of the Bible.

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New Testament Division

NT 502 New Testament Introduction: Introduction to the 27 canonical books of the New Testament along with a survey of the cultural background of the NT.  Special consideration is given to the study of the development and definition of the NT canon.  Recent studies and NT criticism in modern times are also considered along with the message of each book.

NT 503 Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John): Study of and introduction to the Gospels of the New Testament with reference to the Greek texts.  Special consideration is given to the origin of the Gospels, noting both early Church tradition and modern theories (Synoptic Problem), their styles and structure, and how they fit into the Bible as a whole.

NT 705 Catholic Epistles (James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude): Study of and introduction to those New Testament epistles addressed to the whole (or Catholic) Church in distinction from those sent to particular churches.  The background, contents, structure and theology of each epistle are introduced.  Special consideration is given to the theological importance of 1-3 John, the social setting and teaching of James, and the relationship between 1 and 2 Peter to each other and to the Epistle of Jude.

NT 706 Acts and Pauline Epistles (Acts to Philemon): Study of and introduction to the corpus of St. Paul’s epistles alongside their historical contexts set forth in the Book of Acts.  Special consideration is given to St. Paul’s use of the epistolary style, as well as the historical occasion, context and culture of behind each epistle.  The largest amount of time will be spent on the Book of Romans as a summary of Pauline thought and its historic importance in the Western Church.

Book of Revelation: (covered in Dogmatics III)

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Biblical Languages Division

BL 506, 507 Greek I, II: Introduction to the essentials of Greek vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. The goal is to bring each student to an elementary reading ability in simple Greek as well as a proficiency to use the tools available to the parish minister.

BL 509 Greek III – Advanced Greek: Practical introduction to the exegesis of the Greek New Testament with special attention to methodology and bibliography. The software program Bible Works is required. Prerequisite: Greek 1 & 2.

BL 604, 605 Hebrew I, II: Introduction to the essentials of Hebrew orthography, grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. The goal is to provide the student with the grammatical and lexical skills necessary to read the simpler sections of the Hebrew Scriptures along with a proficiency in the use of the essential tools.

BL 606 Hebrew III – Advanced Hebrew: Practical introduction to the exegesis of the Hebrew Old Testament, with special attention to methodology and bibliography. The software program Bible Works is required. Prerequisite: Hebrew 1 & 2.

Biblical Studies Division

BS 501 Bible Studies Method: This course is for those students who will not take Greek or Hebrew, and teaches the student how to do Bible study with limited access to Greek and Hebrew dictionaries, good commentaries, context, thought flow analysis, and more.

BS 502 Scripture and Hermeneutics: Introduction to the doctrine of Holy Scripture as the inspired, infallible Word of God with special attention to the general rules and principals of interpretation. The history of interpretation is also considered.

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DEPARTMENT OF CHURCH HISTORY

General History Division

CH 502 Patristic Church History: Introductory survey and analysis of the development of the early Christian Church covering the patristic era from the sub-apostolic age through the Ante-Nicene and Post-Nicene fathers.

CH 603 Medieval: Survey of the continuing development of the Church from the patristic period into the Middle Ages. Philosophical and theological controversies will also be examined, along with early reform movements in the years leading up to the Reformation.

CH 703 Reformation and Modern: Particular focus is placed on the life and work of Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and Cranmer, as well as events leading up to the Reformation.

AS 501 Anglicanism: In-depth examination of the origins and development of Christianity in Britain. Special attention will be given to the early British saints, Roman subjugation of the British Church, the English Reformers, the Elizabethan Settlement, Puritanism, Caroline Divinity, the Non-Jurors, Tractarianism, and modern controversies in the Anglican Communion.

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DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGY & WORSHIP

Dogmatic Theology Division

DT 505 Doctrines of God and Christ: Examination of the Scriptural, creedal, historical, theological, and pastoral issues of the Doctrines of God and Christ. Special consideration will be given to the Holy Trinity and the fundamental Christological definitions of the ecumenical councils, in view of developing an apologetic against the various heresies of the past (e.g., Docetism, Arianism, Nestorianism, etc.) along with their modern counterparts (e.g., Kenoticism, etc.)

DT 601 Doctrines of Man, Sin, and Salvation: Scriptural, creedal, historical, theological, and pastoral examination of the Doctrines of Man, Sin, and Salvation. Mankind as the image of God, the extent and meaning of the fall, vocation, predestination, atonement, faith, regeneration, justification, and glorification are the primary subjects of this course.

DT 704 Church, Sacraments, and Eschatology: Part One is an examination of the biblical language, imagery, and theology of the Church (i.e, Ecclesiology) laying the foundation for a consideration what has been described as the great “notes” or marks of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. Part Two presents the concerns of General Eschatology, namely the immortality of the soul, the intermediate state, the resurrection of the body, the second advent of Christ, eternal punishment, and the glory and rewards of heaven.

DT 602 Thirty-Nine Articles: An overview of the historic doctrinal formulary of the Church of England and its importance to the greater Anglican tradition, with primary emphasis on the interpretation of the Thirty-Nine Articles. Also, compares and contrasts the Articles with other Reformation confessions.

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Philosophy of Religion Division

PR 604 Introduction to Moral Theology: Introduction to the subject of moral theology – i.e., the Biblical, philosophical and historical approaches to ethics and morality in the Church. Special consideration will be given to an examination of the Ten Commandments.

PR 703 Christian Apologetics: Introduction to the history of and methodologies used in the defense of the Christian faith as practiced from the earliest days of Christianity to the present. Special consideration will be given to various Christian approaches such as Thomism, natural theology, presuppositionalism and so forth, as contrasted with rationalism, existentialism, empiricism, and logical positivism, etc. The goal of the course is to familiarize the student with the tools of logic to produce a balanced, rational apology for the Christian hope.

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Liturgical Studies Division

LS 502 Liturgics: Introduction to the nature and elements of Divine worship from a Biblical, theological, and historical perspective. Special consideration is given to the general principles of Divine worship drawn from the Old and New Testaments, along with a survey of liturgical theology and history up to the Book of Common Prayer.

LS 503, 504 505 Homiletics – 2 credits each: Practical introduction to the science and art of preaching and public speaking. Both classroom critique and video-taping will be used to evaluate a student’s style and effectiveness. Practicums will be done during chapels. This course is graded on a “Pass/Fail” basis.

LS 501, 601, 701 Liturgical Practice – 1 credit each: Mentored training and actual liturgical practice in conjunction with regular chapel services. Special emphasis will be given to learning and practicing lay reading and serving. Occasional special seminars may be scheduled.

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Pastoral Theology Division

PT 502 Spirituality: Survey of and introduction to various classical Christian works from the past with a focus on the spiritual life and well-being of pastors and other church leaders in the present. Special consideration will be given to seeking a balance between the place of the intellect, experience, this world, and the world to come with the goal to introduce students to an approach to ministry as spiritual director and not simply as program manager.

PT 602 Marriage and Family: Exploration of the Biblical, liturgical, and pastoral aspects of Holy Matrimony and the Christian family. Special consideration is given to the examination of the whole range of relational dynamics from engagement and pre-marital relationship, the service of Holy Matrimony, having and rearing children, the ethics of birth control, and spousal and parent/child relationships, and so forth.

PT 603 Evangelism & Mission: Introduction to the Biblical and theological basis for parochial outreach, evangelism and worldwide missions. Special consideration is given to the essential elements of evangelization and Christian initiation, involving not only the accurate proclamation of the Word, but also the acceptance of the Gospel claims entailing conversion, profession of faith, sacramental incorporation (Baptism, Confirmation), and admission to Eucharistic communion.

PT 704 Cure of Souls: Introduction to the content, skills, and responsibilities involved in a call to assume holy orders building upon the foundation of the “classical” sacramental economy. Other models of ministry will also be considered and contrasted with the classical approach in light of Scripture, theology, and history to show the unique role of the pastor in the care and nurturing of souls. This is the how-to-pastor course.

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