A Brief History
Cranmer Theological House (CTH) is a traditional Anglican school of ministry, under the auspices of the Diocese of Mid-America of the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC). The REC’s third official seminary, CTH was founded in September 1994 primarily in response to the REC’s rapid expansion west of the Mississippi River. At the same time, CTH Trustees wished to continue the longstanding REC tradition of training quality church leaders from a wide variety of faithful Christian walks. CTH draws on a wealth of experience and spiritual formation in the education of laypersons and those preparing for Holy Orders.
CTH is governed by a board of trustees, chaired by the Bishop of the Diocese, and operated by the Seminary Dean, faculty, and administrative staff. Along with CTH’s two sister seminaries—Reformed Episcopal Seminary, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and Cummins Theological Seminary, Summerville, South Carolina—the REC seminaries continue over a century of quality theological education.
Behind Our Name
CTH took for its name the justly revered martyr of the English Reformation: Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury and Tudor Primate of All England. Although faced with what seemed like insurmountable obstacles to restore the Faith for his times, he became the pre-eminent leader of reform of the late Medieval Western Church in England. Primarily known for his liturgical skills that crafted The Book of Common Prayer as well as the guiding hand affording substance and weight to the historic Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, more than anything, Archbishop Cranmer personified dedication, scholarship, and courage in trying times. Such a powerful witness is certainly commended to CTH’s faculty and students.
Those who criticize Cranmer today would do well to recall contemporary testimony which said that he “…after long and most grievous straight imprisoning and cruel handling, most constantly and willingly suffered Martyrdom for the true testimony of Christ.” Such inspiration precisely stresses the constancy in confession symbolized on CTH’s seal by a steady hand thrust into the flames.
