The Rt. Rev. Daniel Morse of the Reformed Episcopal Church recently appointed the Rev. Dr. Douglas B. Mills to be the new Dean of Cummins Theological Seminary External Studies Program. According to the Rt. Rev. Royal U. Grote Jr., bishop of the Diocese of Mid America, " The design of this program is clear: a reformed school of theology returning to the roots of historical Christianity, built on the requirements for ordination in the Anglican tradition. The external studies program seeks to ground the student in the teaching of the Holy Scripture, as that teaching has been interpreted by the early Church Fathers and the English Reformers, and as that teaching has been given flesh within the liturgical tradition of the historic Church."

Dr. Mills, the program’s new dean holds a Masters Degree in Theology and a Ph.D. in the area of Pastoral Ministries. He is rector of Christ Covenant Reformed Episcopal Church in Sevierville, Tennessee as well as Headmaster of Covenant Christian Academy, also located in Tennessee. Dr. Mills has been in the pastorate for over twenty-five years and headmaster of a Christian academy for over seventeen. According to the program’s catalog, Dr. Mills pledges to maintain an extension program based upon the word of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit and recorded in the Bible. He also assures students that he will do his best to give the necessary support and encouragement needed to complete the program.

Cummins Seminary is accredited by the Commission of Theological Education of the Reformed Episcopal Church and is approved by the Commission of Higher Education in the State of South Carolina. This program is an affordable way for students to earn a quality seminary education without having to leave their home or church. It is also a program which could not come at a better time for those of the Anglican tradition who desire to further their studies through an institution which has not surrendered to the attacks which have recently come against the church. More information about Cummins Theological Seminary External Studies Division may be found by visiting their new website at http://www.ctsstudies.org.