When discussing accreditation in the United States, it is important that the concept of accreditation, not be confused with the authority to operate. The authority to operate an educational entity in the U.S. is granted by each of the states individually.

The U.S. is a federal republic, and the federal government possesses only specific limited powers, with all others reserved to the states (pursuant to the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution).

Therefore, the authority of the U.S. Department of Education does not extend to authorizing schools to operate, to enroll students, or to award degrees. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) is not responsible for accreditation of institutions, nor is the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), [2] a non-governmental organization.

However, both recognize reputable accrediting agencies for institutions of higher education and provide guidelines as well as resources and relevant data.

Cambridge Theological Seminary International Seminary is a Theologically Accredited Biblical Seminary

We are fully accredited by the INTERNATIONAL AGENCY of INDEPENDENT ACCREDITATION of INSTITUTIONS CHRISTIAN: (IAIA)

We wish to be explicitly clear that because of absolute command of Scripture to "Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, and I will receive you, thus saith the Lord! II Cor 5:117-22

Some related Scriptures are Mk.12:17; Ja. 4:4; II Cor. 6:14, the IAIA has chosen not to seek endorsement by either the EAES or COPA, but is a rapidly growing and respected network of nearly 200 schools on the cutting edge of the Cause of Christ."

Throughout history there has always been some religious confusion,,, and there is some controversy over the subject of accreditation today, but the following may clarify the issue:

* There is secular education and there is religious education.

* Secular schools seek secular accreditation, and sacred schools receive sacred accreditation - each by their own peers.

* Religious institutions need no secular accreditation because they offer no secular degrees.

* Secular accreditation associations in turn are recognized by governmental agencies. They trace their authority back up to the capitol of a country, like Washington, D.C.

* Religious accrediting associations are recognized by the Church of Jesus Christ, which has no supreme central office on earth. Our authority is derived from Heaven.

* Civil and religious interests are different and have separate realms of jurisdiction.

* The state is not superior to the Church. The Church need not wait for approval from the secular world.

* Civil agencies should not be dictating standards of Christian education, any more than a police officer should be directing the worship of God.

* Theological Seminaries should not be accredited by accrediting associations that are "recognized" by an agency of the federal government.

* Such entanglement is contrary to the Biblical & Constitutional principle of "Separation of Church and State", indicated by Christ when he said, "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:7.

* What business does a Christian educator have, going to the world of unbelievers for recognition and acknowledgment as II Cor. 6:14 says, "Be not equally yoked together with unbelievers: For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?"

* As a theologically accredited Biblical seminary, we are not required, by the U.S. Dept. of Education or any other agency, to have regional accreditation nor are we subject to governmental or secular oversight.

* As such, our educational programs are not required to qualify our students for either governmental or secular certification.

* However, legally, the degrees we seek are classified as theologically accredited and state authorized as exempt, which fully qualifies all degrees from Cambridge Theological Seminary Affiliates to be recorded professionally both on your resume and in personal employment records. You can be proud of the legitimacy of your Degrees from Cambridge Theological Seminary.

* Our parent ministry is registered with the Government of the United States with a Federal EIN number.

* We are considerate of and obedient to all of the laws set by our government, as a Christ centered Church with a Biblical Education Ministry, our ultimate authority is God and as such we choose to remain free in our rights to teach degree programs based on the word of God as found in His Holy Bible.

* However, Because of our legal position based on the U.S. Constitution, NO outside agency has any authority over the Church of Jesus Christ in educational content, regarding our right to teach Bible based educational programs leading to the award of appropriate certificates and Biblical degrees.

[I] The word "Degree" is a scriptural Word in I Tim 3.10-13, used then, with exactly the same meaning as today. (Also over 20 uses in Psalms & OT)

[II] The word "Doctor" is a scriptural Word in I Tim 3.10-13, used then, with exactly the same meaning as today: a Doctor of the Law. Luk 2.46, 5.17, Acts 5.34

[III] The word "Master" is a scriptural Word in I Tim 3.10-13, used then, with exactly the same meaning as today: a Master Teacher. Luk 2.46, 5.17, Acts 5.34

More On Accreditation

In the United States, accreditation of universities and seminaries is a voluntary process with accreditation granted by private, non-governmental agencies. Governmental agencies never provide theological accreditation.

Additionally, there is no national standard for educational accreditation, and the educational world is currently re-examining criteria for accreditation, focusing less on institutional inputs and more on educational outcomes.

There is no such requirement as Federal or State accreditation of a religious institution, because the civil government has no authority to regulate religious teachings or which certificates or religious degrees upon completion of such education may be issued.

This is a matter of separation of Church and State. Politicians and civil authorities must never be allowed to officially endorse or disapprove directly or indirectly the beliefs and practices of churches or their schools. A casual survey of Church history shows that such linkage with "Caesar" eventually leads to infringement upon conscience, bondage, and corruption.

Therefore, to be accredited by any agency, which in turn is controlled by the U.S. Department of Education, would to some degree be a compromise of the separation principle and constitute a violation of the Church's sovereignty. [Source: Dr. Paul Richardson]

The Apostle Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone that believes." (Romans 1:16a)

IMPORTANT: The United States Department of Education does NOT accredit any College, University, Seminary or any Education Program. Here is a quote from the U.S. Department of Education's Web Page:

IMPORTANT: The United States Department of Education does NOT accredit any College, University, Seminary or any Education Program. Here is a quote from the U.S. Department of Education's Web Page:

WHAT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DOES NOT DO

Under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Nothing specific is said about education in the Constitution; therefore it falls outside federal authority.

In creating the Department of Education, Congress made clear its intention that the secretary of education and other Department officials be prohibited from exercising "any direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution, school, or school system."

The establishment of schools and colleges, the development of curricula, the setting of requirements for enrollment and graduation -- these are responsibilities handled by the various states and communities, as well as by public and private organizations of all kinds, not by the U.S. Department of Education."

The Facts Concerning Regional Accreditation

Our board of advisors has chosen not to apply for regional accreditation for the following reasons:

Reasons:

* Regional Accreditation is a "Voluntary Process" that is not required of religious institutions.

* A regionally accredited degree is required for public school teachers in all states, and for some state and federal employment situations. It is our opinion, that the vast majority of ministry related employers do not require that a minister or religious worker have a degree from a regionally accredited school.

* Ministers and Religious workers do not need a degree from a regionally accredited school unless regional accreditation of the school is required by their Church Board or as a requirement of ordination by the particular religious denomination.

* Individuals in today's world have sufficient information resource to evaluate programs, schools and universities without depending on the "opinions" of accrediting associations.

* Regional Accrediting Association does NOT guarantee the quality of a school, its programs or acceptability of the Degree by any other school or employer.

Regional Accrediting Associations:

* Do not require regionally accredited schools to accept transfer students from other regionally accredited schools and are not required to accept transfer students from schools that are not regionally accredited

* Try to dictate hiring practices

* Attempt to influence guidelines for faculty selection

* Presume to influence curriculum. Such practices clearly interfere with Academic Freedom

* Regional Accrediting Associations' policies have not kept up with technology for the modern trend of Web Based Distance Education

And the authorities said, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching, in the name of this man Jesus, behold now you have filled all of Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring the blood of Jesus upon us." But Peter and the Apostles answered and said, "We must serve God rather than men." (Acts 5: 28-29)

"And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2)

Job Placement and community programs

Concerning job placement and community programs, Cambridge Theological Seminary, like most online degree programs, does not offer community referral or placement services for employment. We are a worldwide online educational program through which it would be geographically and logistically too expensive to offer such programs.

By eliminating major expenses, we are able to provide quality educational online Degree programs at a fraction of the expense when compared to other more extravagant, yet geographically limited, institutional education programs at traditional universities, colleges, seminaries and bible colleges.

Ministry Opportunities

Licensing

Any prospective student should understand that Theological Seminary has no authority through their advanced online degree programs, to grant licenses. Ministry related vocations are not subject to governmental licensing.

However if you are choosing a career path that requires a government license you should address appropriate agencies governing licensing in your state or county of residence concerning requirements for licensing or professional certification. Such licensing is not provided by theologically accredited seminaries and can only be granted by the appropriate government agency.

All CTS Satellite Seminary Degree Programs are intended to prepare students for Ministry Avocations.

All races and nationalities are fully welcome at all CTS Theological Seminary.

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