FAQ
No. Many students arrive as aspirants or postulants, already sponsored by a bishop. The director of Anglican Studies does support Anglican/Episcopal students who find themselves – once at Duke Divinity School – discerning a vocation to the ordained ministry (as, indeed, also to other spheres). These students are then encouraged to proceed with the usual processes of discernment, linked to a parish and diocese, whether in North Carolina or elsewhere.
Does the Certificate in Anglican Studies replace the requirement for an ‘Anglican Year’ at an Episcopal Church seminary?
The focus of all the activities of the AEHS is vocational, aiming to equip people to be wise, faithful and fruitful servants of Jesus Christ in every aspect of their ministry – whether that be ordained or lay, in a parish or in the academy, in North America or elsewhere in the Anglican Communion. The particular ‘requirements’ for ordination are determined by a sponsoring bishop in liaison with the diocesan Commission on Ministry: not by Duke Divinity School. These are tailored to individual circumstances; in many cases it is agreed that requirements are met at Duke Divinity School, but not in all cases. The director of Anglican Studies is happy to liaise with the relevant personnel in an aspirant’s diocese on these matters, where appropriate.
Where does the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies fit in the currently complex climate of Anglicanism in North America?
The AEHS functions under the auspices of Duke Divinity School. It aims to serve the Anglican and Episcopal world, locally, nationally and globally, chiefly through the nurturing and training of future leaders and theologians. Founded at a painful time for Anglicanism in North America and finding itself with a divergent range of views and commitments among its students, it is committed to maintaining conversation and communion at the local level even where differing Anglican institutional affiliations are represented.
How do I apply to the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies?
You do not apply directly to the AEHS, but to Duke Divinity School. Those who are enrolled in a degree course or special programs of Duke Divinity School are welcome to become involved in the activities and opportunities of the AEHS. There is no formal membership: indeed participants of other denominations are often interested to learn about the Anglican tradition, and this is possible aside from those who commit more formally to the various Anglican programs.
What scholarships are available to Anglicans/Episcopalians at Duke?
There are a range of fellowships and scholarships at Duke Divinity School, open to applicants of any denomination. Some students find support through sponsoring churches and other external funds and foundations to which candidates may apply.
What sort of Field Education is available?
The AEHS enjoys warm relationships with many local Anglican/Episcopal parishes – as well as some ‘teaching’ congregations elsewhere around the United States – where students may serve as field education interns. Through Duke Hospital as well several other local healthcare providers, there is opportunity for CPE as well as further specialization in the area of Theology and Medicine. Additionally, Duke University offers an opportunity to focus on chaplaincy ministry, through the work of Duke Chapel, the Duke Episcopal Center and many other religious life organizations. Those preparing for the ordained ministry through the M.Div. and Anglican Certificate programs are especially encouraged to take advantage of field education opportunities in other provinces of the Anglican Communion: Duke Divinity School offers a wealth of international links and pilgrimage opportunities, from Canterbury to Khartoum.