13/11/2025
Are you aware of GSOCTS' Euro–Afri Educational Partnership?
Good Shepherd Old Catholic Theological Seminary participates in the Charismatic Old Catholic Church’s Euro–Afri educational partnership in collaboration with the European Center for Peace and Development (ECPD), affiliated with the United Nations Peace University.
What it means in practical, academic, and opportunity terms for our seminary programs and students:
1. Academic Recognition & Credibility
Our seminary’s degrees — while ecclesiastical — now stand under a broader international academic umbrella.
Because the Charismatic Old Catholic Church (COCC) has a cooperative exchange with the European Center for Peace and Development (ECPD) (affiliated with the United Nations Peace University), this means:
Our seminary’s programs and transcripts can be acknowledged within that educational framework.
Students gain assurance that their training meets a recognized international academic and theological standard, not an isolated or purely local one.
In short: our degrees carry more academic and global credibility within Old Catholic and ecumenical circles.
2. Global Academic Network
The Euro–Afri partnership connects our seminary to a network of seminaries, theological schools, and peace-development institutions in Europe and Africa.
This can lead to:
Shared online courses or guest lecturers from European partner schools.
Opportunities for African students to pursue advanced studies or short courses through European theological centers.
Faculty exchanges or shared research opportunities related to theology, peace, and development.
Our seminary has become a bridge between Africa and Europe in the Old Catholic academic tradition.
3. Expanded Program Relevance
Because the ECPD and UN Peace University emphasize peace, leadership, and human development, our seminary can:
Gradually integrate peace and development studies into our theology and pastoral programs.
Introduce new courses like Theology of Peace and Reconciliation, Faith and Human Development, or Church Leadership in Conflict Transformation.
This adds value and relevance to our degrees, especially for students who wish to work in ministry, NGO, or interfaith contexts.
4. Enhanced Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates can now reference their formation as part of an internationally cooperative theological program linked to a UN-affiliated institution.
This opens doors for:
Broader ecumenical recognition.
Potential credit transfers or postgraduate admission at European partner institutions.
Networking with clergy, educators, and faith leaders beyond Africa.
5. Institutional Growth & Reputation
Our seminary becomes part of the official COCC education network, not just a local seminary.
This improves institutional reputation, increases student trust, and makes it easier to seek future collaborations or grants (especially those supporting cross-continental education and peace work).
This partnership means our programs gain international academic respect, our students gain global connection and recognition, and our seminary’s mission expands beyond Africa into a worldwide educational and spiritual collaboration.
Explore our Academic Programs and apply today:
sites.google.com/view/goodshepherdseminary/academic-programs