Decisions

WHY SAINT THOMAS OLD CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY?

  1. Authority of Scriptures. We concentrate on mastering God's Word, learning to understand its meaning and to apply its teaching. We believe in Scriptural inerrancy.
  2. Holistic We emphasize not only academic excellence but also personal spiritual growth - the dynamic of the Holy Spirit to make us like Jesus in our daily living.
  3. Availability We offer external study, independent study by extension to students anywhere in the world, at all levels, at a reasonable fee. In areas where there are insufficient students and faculty, small group classes and seminars are organized.
  4. Personal We believe in personal and individualized programs where a student my study material of interest and concern to them.
  5. Flexible We design a curriculum to your particular needs and such can be scheduled into your current life setting. A faculty advisor is assigned each student to guide you through your degree program. Personal contact by telephone is most frequent.
  6. Inter-Denominational We welcome students of all sincere Christian denominations and will assist your preparation for ministry.
  7. Integrated Biblical and Theological studies are put into the context of the student's home, church and ministry for immediate application.
  8. Educationally Sound Our education philosophy is built upon academic ministry and life application. Courses are designed to be relevant by enforcing integration of information to the students life situation

Invitation

We invite you to pray about your choice of a Seminary and your call to Ministry. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of the faculty. If you choose St Thomas Old Catholic Theological Seminary, we promise you a spirit filled, life enriching experience. If you choose otherwise may God bless you in your studies and ministry till we meet again!

Our Belief's
Taken from the Canon Law of the Charismatic Old Catholic Church(COCC) 2020)

1. We believe in The Holy Trinity.
2.We believe that Jesus is the Christ and our Personal Savior.
3. We believe in the three ancient creeds of the Church:  the Nicene-Constantinople Creed, Apostles Creed and Athanasian Creed.
4. We believe in the inerrancy and Divine Inspiration of Holy Scriptures.                              
5. We believe in and hold valid Apostolic Succession.
6. We believe in the seven sacraments of the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction), Reconciliation (Confession and Absolution), Marriage, and Holy Orders.
7. We believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
8. We believe that Holy Orders should be open to both men and women.            
9. We believe that celibacy of those in Holy Orders is a personal decision.
10. We believe and accept the doctrines of the seven initial Church Ecumenical Councils.
11. We believe and appreciate the wisdom and guidance of the Early Church Fathers, from Ignatius of Antioch c. 35 AD through John of Damascus 749 AD.
12. We appreciate the wisdom and guidance of the founding Fathers of the Old Catholic Movement as expressed in historic documents of the Old Catholic Churches of Europe particularly the Declaration of Utrecht and The Fourteen Theses of the Old Catholic Church at Bonn.
13. We believe that Holy Matrimony is celebrated as directed by Jesus, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? (Matthew 19:4-5 NABRE)
14. We believe that all life is created by God at conception (cf. Psalm 139: 15-16) and that abortion and euthanasia is the taking of human life.
15. We believe in the One Holy catholic (universal) and Apostolic Church.
16. We believe in the sanctity of marriage. We also believe that Jesus forgives those who have been divorced or remarried Therefore they may be offered the sacraments of the church. (cf. Luke 12: 8-10)
17. We believe that family planning is a personal decision between a husband and wife.
18. We believe and follow Sacred Scripture in all matters.