BTI Consortium Certificate Programs

The BTI Consortium awards two certificates in participation with BTI Consortium Member schools; the Religion and Conflict Transformation Certificate (RCT), and the International Mission and Ecumenism Certificate (IME). Both programs are awarded in addition or as a supplement to a full degree granted from BTI Consortium member schools. They are only available to students at member schools who have met the criteria. Our certificates draw on the collective strengths of our schools and the depths of experience and expertise of faculty. Both certificate programs are accessible to all BTI Consortium students and are ultimately awarded by the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium. These certificates are meant as organized opportunities for the expansion of learning in addition to a degree already in process. The certificates on their own are not an accredited degree option. 

Religion and Conflict Transformation

The Certificate in Religion and Conflict Transformation is awarded by the BTI Consortium in recognition of courses taken in Religion and Conflict Transformation at Consortium Member schools. The award is determined by the Director of The Tom Porter Religion and Conflict Transformation Program (in collaboration with each student’s Member school’s faculty representative) and awarded by the Director of the BTI Consortium. The Certificate is not a degree but an acknowledgement of a student's interests, efforts and focus within their program. For more information, contact the RCT office or Dr. Judith Oleson.

Procedures:

• Inform your academic advisor at your school of your interest in obtaining the RCT /BTI Consortium certificate.
• Register with the RCT program hosted at Boston University School of Theology. This enables you to receive information on events and invitation to RCT gatherings.
• Review the approved course list for the RCT certificate including the one required core course, listed below.  If you would like to submit an alternative course for approval, contact The Tom Porter RCT office at rct@bu.edu.
• Submit the BTI Consortium Certificate application as soon as possible, before March 1st in the Spring Semester that you plan to graduate. Contact the RCT office for Fall graduation information.
• Submit a final, integrative paper by April 1st in the Spring Semester you plan to graduate.
• For a Fall Semester graduation, contact the Tom Porter RCT office to determine if you will participate in a Capstone Seminar the Spring before, or Spring after your graduation.

Requirements:

• Be enrolled at a BTI Consortium Member school, either for a degree or for continuing education.
• Take core course “TS 805 The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation: Creating a Culture of JustPeace” at Boston University School of Theology, (offered Fall Semester only)  or its equivalent with approval of the RCT Director at BUSTH. Students from other BTI Member schools will cross-register for this course through the BTI Consortium system.
• Take three additional courses that focus on religion and conflict transformation, or take two courses plus do an internship /field education placement.
• Attend the annual RCT Fall Retreat at BUSTH (every year you are in the program)
• Write an integrative paper, 10-12 pp that summarizes and reflects upon your learning and experience and understanding of religion and conflict transformation and how this will serve you in your vocation.
• Attend the half day Capstone Seminar in April of the year you graduate to present your paper, where you will receive your certificate from the BTI and participate in a celebratory lunch.

2020 Graduates of the Religion & Conflict Transformation Certificate Program

International Mission and Ecumenism

The BTI Consortium Certificate in International Mission and Ecumenism is awarded by the BTI Consortium in recognition of courses taken in Mission and Ecumenism at BTI schools. The award is determined by a committee of faculty from BTI Consortium Member schools.  The Certificate is not a degree but an acknowledgement of a student's interests, efforts and focus within their program. For more information, contact Fr. Luke Veronis (Holy Cross), Dana Robert (BU), Meg Guider (BC) or Todd Johnson (GCTS).

Procedures: 

• Meet with a BTI Consortium Mission and Ecumenism advisor from your school.
• Submit an application form as soon as possible, and certainly before your last semester.
• Complete the extracurricular assignments by April 1st, for spring graduation.

Requirements:

• Be enrolled at a BTI Consortium Member school, either for a degree or for continuing education.
• Take one course in World or Global Christianity or its equivalent.
• Take four additional courses that explore mission and/or ecumenism, comparative theology or interfaith relations.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the field, through involvement in a ministry, activity, or organization beyond one’s own tradition or denomination.
• Write an integrative paper, 5-10pp.

2020 Graduates of the International Mission and Ecumenism

Sangil Song (Boston University School of Theology)

2020 Costas Consultation Paper Competition Winners

The Orlando E. Costas Consultation on Mission hosts an annual gathering on  a variety of topics regarding international mission and ecumenism. Students applying for the BTI Consortium IMEC certificate are awarded their certificates at that time and prizes for outstanding student essays in World Christianity and Mission are given, including a small cash award.

First Place (Tie)

Laurel Anne Marshall, Boston College - Theology Department, PhD Student, "Base Ecclesial Communities in El Salvador: Committed to being the People of God"

Morgan Crago, Boston University School of Theology, Ph D Student, "Uncovering the Ambiguous Relationship between Presbyterians and Early Pentecostal Groups in Brazil, 1910s-1930s"

Third Place

Michael Hahn, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, MDiv Student, "Redefining Christian Flourishing Through the Lens of Latin American Liberation”