Explore HBCU – Interdenominational Theological Center
The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is a Christian Africentric ecumenical consortium of historically black seminaries and fellowships in Atlanta, Georgia.
Background
In 1958, the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) was founded as a joint venture between four seminaries: the United Methodist-affiliated Gammon Theological Seminary, Turner Theological Seminary (African Methodist Episcopal), Phillips School of Theology (Christian Methodist Episcopal), and the Baptist-affiliated Morehouse School of Religion. Working closely with each other, Theologian Harry V. Richardson and Baptist Minister Benjamin Mays helped to spearhead the consolidation of the institutions, as well as to secure academic and financial support—namely that of the Sealantic Fund which was founded to support theological education by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
The ITC’s collaborative structure was designed with the mission to come together and form one school of theology, in cooperation, as an ecumenical cluster. Today, the ITC Seminaries comprises the Gammon Theological Seminary: United Methodist, the Morehouse School of Religion: Baptist, the Turner Theological Seminary: African Methodist Episcopal, the Phillips School of Theology: Christian Methodist Episcopal, the Charles H. Mason Theological Seminary: Church of God in Christ, and the Richardson: Ecumenical Fellowship.
Programs & Opportunities
The Interdenominational Theological Center offers a specialized school of focus, offering graduate areas of study, in addition to a certificate in theology. Degree specialities include: a Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religion and Education, Master of Arts in Liturgical Arts and Culture, and a Doctor of Ministry—offered both online and in-person.
Learn more about the degrees offered by the ITC here.
Alumni Affairs
The ITC strives to educate students committed to justice and peace through a “liberating and transforming spirituality.” As such, students become leaders in global and local communities. Some notable alumni include, but are not limited to:
- Lydia Meredith is an author, community organizer, LGBTQ and human rights activist, and entrepreneur who obtained a Master’s in Christian Education from the Morehouse School of Religion.
- Alfred Lloyd Norris is a retired Bishop of the United Methodist Church, also distinguished as a Methodist/United Methodist Pastor and President of a United Methodist Seminary, who received a Master’s of Divinity from Gammon Theological Seminary.
- Sharma Lewis was the first African American woman to be elected as bishop in the UMC’s Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference. She graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary with honors.
Financial Information
According to the most recent financial aid data available for the 2021-2022 school year, courses at ITC cost $847 per credit hour. ITC provides a baseline tuition scholarship for all students taking nine or more hours at a $14,000 flat rate tuition.
The Office of Financial Aid at the Interdenominational Theological Center ensures that all qualified students who seek to complete their education at the ITC can obtain the proper financial aid resources to do so.
Conclusion
The Interdenominational Theological Center’s mission is heavily steeped in preparing scholars from across the U.S. and the world for Christian ministry and public service. Students go on to help advance God’s mission of love, justice, and restoration in the world.
Sources:
- https://www.itc.edu/about/
- https://digitalexhibits.auctr.edu/exhibits/show/ourstory/itc
- https://digitalexhibits.auctr.edu/exhibits/show/itc_history/key/mays
- https://digitalexhibits.auctr.edu/exhibits/show/itc_history/presidents/richardson
- https://uncf.org/member-colleges/interdenominational-theological-center
- https://michiganchronicle.com/2017/05/01/the-gay-preachers-wife/
- https://prabook.com/web/alfred_lloyd.norris/244649
- https://vaumc.org/bishop/
- https://www.itc.edu/admissions/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/
- https://www.itc.edu/admissions/financial-aid/financial-aid-mission/
Pictures:
- ITC Logo: https://www.itc.edu/
- ITC Students Past: https://www.itc.edu/about/history/
- ITC Students Present: https://hbcucampaignfund.org/tag/interdenominational-theological-center/
- ITC Plaque: https://www.itc.edu/news/video-replay-redeveloping-toward-the-beloved-community/