History

OUR HISTORY

In the year 2000, Bishop Mouneer Anis embraced the vision of establishing the Alexandria School of Theology (AST), marking a historic initiative. Following his ordination as the Bishop of the Diocese of Egypt, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa, he resolved to create this theological institution to facilitate the training of men and women for service within the diocese. Previously, the diocese had sent its ordained servants to Episcopal/Anglican theological colleges outside Egypt or to theological institutes supervised by other Christian denominations. This incurred significant expenses and failed to reflect the distinctive nuances of Middle Eastern Anglican thought.

AST draws its vision from the historical roots of the Christian Theological School, once known as the Catechetical School in Alexandria, Egypt. Established to train seekers, believers, and new penitents in the foundations of the Christian faith, this school was led by notable figures such as St. Clement of Alexandria, St. Origen, and many others who played instrumental roles in spreading the Gospel in and around Egypt.

In 2002, Bishop Mouneer sought counsel from esteemed bishops of the Episcopal/Anglican Church, including His Eminence Bishop Iraj Mottahedeh of Iran, Bishop Alexander Malik of Pakistan, Archbishop Dr. Yong Ping Chang of Singapore, Archbishop Dr. Rowan Williams from England, Bishop Robert Duncan from the United States, Bishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon from Nigeria, and Bishop Dr. Kenneth Craig from England.

In 2003, the diocese commissioned a working group to formulate a plan for establishing the AST. The team devised an implementation plan proposing the establishment of two branches, one in Alexandria and the other in Cairo, to provide extensive access to theological training.

In 2004, Bishop Mouneer convened a conference to deliberate on the future of theological education in Egypt. The conference, attended by theologians from various countries, featured notable individuals such as the Reverend Canon Colin Chapman, the Reverend Andrew Wheeler, the Reverend Dr. Michael Green, the Reverend Dr. Robert Doyle, and the Reverend Emad Azmi, who assumed the position of dean during the school’s inaugural years.

The Cairo campus officially opened on October 25th, 2005, at the Cathedral of All Saints in Zamalek, coinciding with the Third Conference for the Global South. The Alexandria campus commenced operations on May 23rd, 2006, at the Church of St. Mark in Mansheya Square, under the patronage of Bishop Dr. George Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury. This branch initially welcomed around 40 students from diverse Christian backgrounds.

In 2009, the school celebrated its first batch of graduates at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Mansheya. His Eminence Bishop Mouneer Anis delivered the commencement speech. On February 1st, 2009, he inaugurated St. Mark’s Church to be a Pro-Cathedral in Alexandria, with the presence of Archbishop Dr. Rowan Williams and the archbishops of the Episcopal/Anglican Church.

In 2010, the school held its second graduation ceremony at All Saints Cathedral in Cairo, attended by Bishop John Sentamu, Archbishop of York. This year also marked the commencement of a Master’s program in Biblical Studies in collaboration with Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia.

At the ceremony for the fourth batch of graduates in 2011 at All Saints Cathedral, Bishop George Carey, the school’s patron and former Archbishop of Canterbury, delivered the address.

In August 2013, Dr. Reverend Sami Shehata, Dean of St. Mark’s Pro-Cathedral in Alexandria, assumed the role of Dean of the Alexandria School of Theology. Holding a Diploma in Theology from the University of Wales, a Master’s Degree in Missional Studies, and a Doctorate Degree from the University of Birmingham, UK, Dr. Shehata brought a wealth of theological expertise to the institution.

AST laid the foundation stone in the same year for two additional colleges: Saint Frumentius Theological School in Ethiopia, under the supervision of Bishop Dr. Grant LeMarquand, and Saint Cyprian Theological School in Tunisia, under the supervision of Bishop Dr. Bill A. Musk. Both schools embarked on fundraising, building campaigns, book collection drives, and teaching and administrative staff recruitment. Tunisia’s first theological studies program commenced in 2017, awarding a diploma.

In 2015, the school initiated a two-year master’s program in theological sciences in partnership with Trinity School for Ministry (TSM) in Pennsylvania.

As part of the school’s efforts to obtain academic accreditation and after starting the accreditation steps from the Middle East and North Africa Association for Theological Education (MENATE), the college obtained membership in the association in 2018, and the accreditation steps for the academic degrees offered by the college are being implemented.

Starting in 2020, AST introduced a Master of Theology (ThM) program in partnership with the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (PRTS) in the United States. This program, approved by the ATS Association of Theological Schools in the USA and Canada, solidifies the school’s commitment to academic excellence.

In August 2020, the Diocese of Egypt and North Africa expanded to include the Horn of Africa, making it the forty-first Province of the Anglican Communion of Churches. Consequently, the Alexandria School of Theology became a provincial institution serving more than ten countries.

Today, at the AST, we aspire to emulate the excellence of Alexandria’s first religious education school. Despite the two millennia that have passed since its establishment, the commandment given by our Lord Jesus Christ to His apostles regarding the discipleship of all nations remains unchanged. Our fervent prayer is that the Alexandria School of Theology continues to be a vessel in the hands of God, disseminating the message of the Gospel far and wide.