{"id":62845,"date":"2021-01-06T16:32:55","date_gmt":"2021-01-07T00:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/soulofamerica.com\/?page_id=62845"},"modified":"2022-09-19T14:22:15","modified_gmt":"2022-09-19T21:22:15","slug":"interdenominational-theological-center","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.soulofamerica.com\/black-colleges\/interdenominational-theological-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Interdenominational Theological Center"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Interdenominational

Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

Interdenominational Theological Center<\/h2>\n
<\/div>\n

History<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) was founded in 1958 as a Christian, ecumenical, graduate professional school of theology. It is one of the most significant ventures in theological education in America. <\/p>\n

It was chartered through the efforts of four denominational seminaries: Baptist School of Theology (then Morehouse School of Religion), Gammon Theological Seminary, Turner Theological Seminary, and Phillips School of Theology. They came together as one ecumenical cluster and were later joined by Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, Charles H. Mason Theological Seminary, and the Absalom Jones Theological Institute. <\/p>\n

Though its founding was prompted by the special needs of African Americans, ITC proudly welcomes students of all racial backgrounds. The ITC welcomes persons across faiths expressing an interest in theological preparation for service in the Church and accepts students with connections to denominations beyond its affiliate seminary denominations through the Harry V. and Selma T. Richardson Ecumenical Fellowship, named in tribute to its founding president.<\/p>\n

During its short history, by HBCU standards, the institution has grown under the administration of eight presidents. Dr. Harry V. Richardson served as the first president of the Interdenominational Theological Center from 1959 to 1968. Dr. Oswald P. Bronson served as president from 1968 to 1975. <\/p>\n

Dr. Grant S. Shockley became president in January of 1976 and served until the end of December 1979. Dr. James Deotis Roberts became president in August 1980 and served until April 1983. <\/p>\n

Dr. James H. Costen became president in December 1983 and served through June 1997. Dr. Robert Michael Franklin became president in July 1997 and served until June 2002. <\/p>\n

Dr. Oliver Haney, Jr. served as Interim President for one year. Dr. Michael A. Battle was appointed president in September 2003 and served for six years, until August 2009. Dr. Thomas Cole was Interim President during the 2009-2010 academic year. In September 2010, Dr. Ronald E. Peters became ITC\u2019s eighth president.<\/p>\n

Academic Merit<\/strong><\/p>\n

The ITC is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers these Degree Programs:<\/p>\n

Master of Divinity
\nMaster of Arts in Christian Education
\nDoctor of Ministry
\nDoctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling<\/p>\n