Origins of Atlantic School of Theology

Abstract

Atlantic School of Theology, an ecumenical school of theology and Christian ministry, founded in 1971 in Halifax, Nova Scotia is a unique institution in North America, if not in all the world. Founding parties were The Divinity Faculty of the University of King's College (Anglican Church of Canada), Holy Heart Theological Institute (The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Halifax) and Pine Hill Divinity Hall (United Church of Canada). Its origins were part of a particular response to local, national and international conditions.

In order to understand the origins of this institution and its uniqueness, it was necessary to examine early ecumenical endeavors in Halifax, including their societal roots and to trace the development of theological education in the three institutions including Holy Heart Seminary. It was also critical in understanding the origins of AST to examine the planning process for the school including both individual and institutional motivations.

By 1970 each institution was experiencing varying crises. Holy Heart Seminary had closed, the Divinity Faculty of King's was experiencing a shortage of professors and students, and Pine Hill's Principal of twenty-five years was retiring. A group of individuals building on early ecumenical cooperation took a determined approach to these crises. Through planning, dialogue, deliberate action and compromise over an intensive six-month period, the Atlantic School of Theology came into existence consummating a history of challenge and adaptation to change as well as ecumenical cooperation in each of the three traditions.