Ongoing Learning & Formation for Clergy and Lay Leaders

The Anglican Studies program provides courses for postulants seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church, as well as opportunities for continuing education and spiritual and vocational enrichment for clergy and lay leaders alike.

Description

The Iliff School of Theology has joined with the Episcopal Church in Colorado to provide a specific component of the MDiv degree designed to satisfy the canonical requirements for Postulants seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church. Ordinarily, students will have undergone a substantial process of discernment and will have approval of their Commission on Ministry and Bishop prior to enrolling.

Students seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church complete the MDiv degree, incorporating six or more Anglican Studies courses. Some of these may be taken as electives; some will fulfill core requirements of the MDiv Students.

Anglican students participate in a monthly hybrid (online/in person) peer reflection group with the Anglican Studies Director. On occasion, guests from outside Iliff join this group to discuss topics associated with the Episcopal Church and her mission. During Gathering Days (once per term) in person gatherings over a meal are organized.

Some courses offered under the auspices of the Anglican Studies Program are also open to non-degree students – including lay persons – seeking to enhance their ministries. Clergy pursuing continuing education opportunities also take courses in the Anglican Studies Program.  With Iliff changing over from the quarter system to the semester system in fall of 2025, curriculum changes are coming as well!  “Stay tuned” for new and upcoming opportunities.

All Anglican Studies courses and most of Iliff’s courses are offered on-line. For that reason, the Anglican Studies Program draws students from dioceses throughout the country. The Anglican Studies Program provides students unusual access and flexibility.

Anglican Studies Curriculum

Now in its 29th year, the Anglican Studies Program continues to evolve and innovate to serve more fully the needs of the Episcopal Church in Colorado and the needs of the broader Episcopal Church for quality, graduate theological education.

The Anglican Studies Program offers courses in the winter and spring terms, and, starting in Fall of 2025, will be offering courses in Fall and Spring semester terms. Standard Courses are typically taught in a three-year rotation.

Standard Courses:

• English Reformations**
• Anglican Spirituality**
• Anglican Liturgy**
• Polity of the Episcopal Church & the Anglican Communion**
• Contemporary Episcopal Ethics**
• Integrative Colloquium in Anglican Studies**

**Denotes a course that addresses the educational expectations outlined in the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church for those who would be ordained.

(Note: electives are not currently offered on a standard rotation, but we’re working on it!)

St. Bede’s Chapel

When an Episcopal worship service takes place in the Iliff Chapel it is transformed into St. Bede’s Episcopal Chapel, a congregation officially recognized by the Episcopal Church in Colorado. Join the Rev. Dr. Austin Leininger, the head of Iliff’s Anglican Studies Program, along with Iliff’s Episcopal students to celebrate the Eucharist. For information about upcoming services, visit the Gathering Days Anglican Liturgy web page.

For More Information

Visit the Iliff School of Theology Website or reach out to the Rev. Dr. Austin Leininger.