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Extramural study requires devotion and ongoing dedication. This is so much easier to sustain when you enjoy the process, like a favourite hobby, and when you don't feel alone. After nearly 20 years providing academic correspondence courses in theology, we have learned how to make home study more collegiate, more supportive and more successful for you.
That's why our distance tutors keep in contact with course participants during the whole course process... with ongoing help, comments and encouragement.
About Us
EIDTS (the Ecumenical Institute of Distance Thelological Studies) offers distance and dispersed study programmes at tertiary level to adult learners throughout New Zealand. It allows people to work in their own home, in their own time, and at their own pace.
The main qualification offered by EIDTS is the LTh (Licentiate of Theology). This qualification is a pathway of part-time candidates for ministry.
Other qualifications are also offered, based on the courses that make up the LTh, and these are listed on the Courses section of this web site.
History
The Ecumenical Institute of Distance Theological Studies was founded in 1993 to provide the Licentiate in Theology (LTh) and the Scholar in Theology (STh) diplomas by distance learning.
Prior to 1968 the Licentiate in Theology (LTh) and the Scholar in Theology (STh) diplomas were offered through the St John’s Theological College in Auckland as part of the ministry training programme of the Anglican and Methodist Churches in New Zealand.
In 1968 the Joint Board of Theological Studies was established by the five churches then involved in negotiations for Church Union. The LTh was the agreed syllabus for theological studies approved by those churches.
In 1992 the Joint Board of Theological Studies was dissolved and at the beginning of 1993 the Ecumenical Board of Theological Studies was formed with its administration based in Christchurch. The Board which exercises oversight of the programme consists of two representatives from each of the Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches and the Salvation Army, along with one representative from the Churches Education Commission, and a member with particular interests and involvement in distance education.
It is the Ecumenical Board that has the oversight and governance of EIDTS and its work in distance theological education. The Ecumenical Board is registered as a private training provider by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989 and its subsequent amendments.
EIDTS is a member of the New Zealand Association of Theological Schools (NZATS) and of the Christian Theological and Ministries Education Society (CTMES).
