Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College

The BTESSC is a participating member in the World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions ==History==

Serampore was the only means of validating evangelical theological training in India until 1978. The Union Biblical Seminary, Poona was constituted in 1953 as an evangelical theological college at B.Th. and B.D. levels. It was accredited by the Board of Theological Education of the National Council of Churches in India in 1964 which was formed in 1955 to bring together the unaffiliated Bible schools and seminaries. UBS was affiliated to Serampore in 1973 at B.D. level. After a series of joint consultations with Serampore, the Board of Theological Education of NCCI decided in favour of the formation of one national structure for Theological Education in India. When Serampore accepted the proposal, a joint structure was formed in July 1975 as the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College. ==Its functions==

The functions of the Board as given in the Constitution of the BTESSC (revised and adopted on 3–4 February 1994 portray its mandatory role in the promotion of theological education in the country, viz., • Reflection and pioneering on new methods and style in theological education in relation to the need of the country and of the Churches • Production of theological literature in general especially in regional languages • Promotion of the welfare of theological teachers and students • Development of ecumenical cooperation among theological institutions and their libraries • Promotion of relationship between Churches, Theological institutions and study centres • Any other issues related to theological education • The Board shall recommend names of persons to be considered by the Senate for nomination to be appointed as Senators. In matters of theological education, the BTESSC acts as an "advisory body" of the Senate of Serampore College (University) and the Senate is its voice. ==Administration==

• Chairperson - The Rev. Zacharias Mar Aprem • Secretary – Vacant • Treasurer – The Rev. Akumarthi Samuel ==Notable persons associated with BTESSC==

• C. L. Furtado, CSI, • H. S. Wilson, CSI, • Daniel D. Chetti, CBCNC, • T. M. Emmanuel, CBCNC ==References==