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Vision
In the Spirit, we are called to be faithful and discerning disciples
of Jesus Christ, witnessing to the living God.
Mission
Vancouver
School of Theology is an institution of theological education, inspiring its
community:
" To engage issues of truth, justice and spiritual
growth,
" To develop ministries in the service of Jesus Christ, and
" To
partner with First Nations and the global aboriginal
community.
Values
As a community of faith, we value:
"
Biblical and theological learning,
" An integrated life of mature Christian
spirituality and discerning ethics,
" Denominational commitment, ecumenical
action and interfaith engagement,
" Diversity of cultures and the dignity of
individuals,
" Learning undertaken with diligence and an open
mind.
Goals
- Learning: Provide a stimulating theological learning
environment, with exceptional opportunities for the formation of the whole
people of God
- Scholarship: Maintain excellence in scholarship in the
disciplines of theological studies
- People: Sustain an outstanding community
of students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of Canada
-
Spiritual Life: Continue to open ourselves to the presence of the Spirit in all
aspects of the life of the School
- Partnerships: Strengthen the School s
relationships with its supporting denominations and with churches and other
theological institiutions and churches of the Pacific
- Rim, and reinforce
its enduring partnership with Aboriginal peoples
History
Vancouver
School of Theology has been part of theological education in British Columbia
for over 100 years a rich, pioneering tradition upon which to build. We are a
direct descendent of a number of denominational institutions founded in
Vancouver over the years.
The Anglican Church s college, Anglican
Theological College (ATC) moved into the Chancellor Building on the University
of British Columbia campus in Point Grey, Vancouver in 1927. This building,
which in recent years provided student residences and a home for the H.R.
MacMillan Theological Library, was demolished in 2007 as part of VST s land
development and Iona Building renovation.
Also in 1927, Ryerson College,
Westminster Hall, and the Congregational College of British Columbia were
amalgamated to form the United Church s Union College of British Columbia,
housed in the west wing of the Iona Building, constructed that year. In the
1930s, the tower section was added.
Throughout the 1960s, Union College
and ATC held joint classes in several disciplines and began exploring the idea
of a new ecumenical theological centre serving the Pacific Northwest.
Out
of this exploration, Vancouver School of Theology was formed in 1971.
The
1970s and early 80s were exciting years of growth, with students coming from
many denominations. With the affiliation of St. Andrew s Hall, the Presbyterian
Church in Canada officially became associated with VST.
The School
established its partnership with First Nations more than 25 years ago, and
offers the innovative Native Ministries Degree Program by extension, reaching
out to distant parts of Canada and the western U.S.A. From the mid-1990s through
2008 VST offered the Canadian Studies Certificate Program co-sponsored with
Shizuoka Eiwa College in Japan.
Today, the School is developing new
courses and programs that explore a re-imagined Christianity that actively
engages the world. As well, VST has established Iona Pacific: Inter-Religious
Centre. Iona Pacific creates a platform from which VST can engage multiple
voices and faiths, and sits alongside the core work of the School. |
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