THE Caribbean Conference of Churches (CCC), in collaboration with the Faculty of Theology, Huron University College and the University of Western Ontario, will this June be offering a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree as of June this year.

The degree, said a CCC statement, will afford students the unique opportunity to explore advanced theological studies from a Caribbean perspective and so gain a deeper, more meaningful insight into the work of various Christian communities as they relate to the realities and challenges of the region.

The MTS, which is one of the programmes of the CCC’s Regional Ecumenical Institute (REI), is a two-year programme targeting ordained and lay persons in church leadership or ministry, or anyone who may have a genuine interest in pursuing theological studies.

“It provides such individuals with the opportunity to engage in advanced study in an interactive learning environment, that incorporates constructive dialogue, reading and research,” said the CCC.

“The MTS degree, in fulfilling this constitutional requirement, will see a cadre of Caribbean scholars delivering the various courses from a Caribbean perspective, through the use of relevant and appropriate methodologies.

Such methodologies will enable students to envision a way forward by drawing on lessons from our rich history and religious heritage in a constructive and proactive manner in order to influence the present and future quality of life of persons in the region.

“Indeed, this first cohort will be part of an experience that is transformational in nature for the student and the church community which he or she serves and in a manner that will allow each to contribute to enhancing the quality of ecumenism throughout the region,” said Gerard Granado, general secretary of the CCC.