United Theological College, Bangalore

United Theological College (UTC) is a seminary founded in 1910[2] situated in the southern city of Bangalore in the state of Karnataka in South India and affiliated to the nation's first[3] University, the Senate of Serampore College (University) {a University under Section 2 (f) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956[4]}[5]with degree-granting authority validated by a Danish Charter and ratified by the Government of West Bengal.

United Theological College, Bangalore
Motto
SICUT FILIUS HOMINIS NON VENIT MINISTRARI SED MINISTRARE ET DARE ANIMAM SUAM REDEMPTIONEM PRO MULTIS
Motto in English
Even as the Son of man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a redemption for many.
TypeSeminary
Established1910 (1910)
AffiliationSenate of Serampore College (University)
Serampore – 712201
West Bengal
DirectorThe Right Reverend P. K. Samuel, CSI
PrincipalThe Rev. Ch. Vasantha Rao, CSI, Dr. Theol. (Hamburg)[1]
Academic staff
10+
Location
63, Miller's Road, Benson Town, Bengaluru 560 042, Telephone: 091 080 23333438
,
Karnataka
,
India

12°59′45″N 77°35′56″E
Websitehttp://www.utc.edu.in/

Currently,[6] the principalship is held by the Old Testament Scholar, The Rev. Ch. Vasantha Rao, CSI, Dr. Theol. (Hamburg), an alma mater[7] of this institution and an acknowledged lead in Old Testament studies and Biblical Hebrew language, having been groomed by the Old Testament Scholar, Victor Premasagar, CSI, throughout his Spiritual formation period, beginning with his graduate[8] and post-graduate studies,[9] well into his doctoral studies.[10] Vasantha Rao is also known for his continuing association with the fully ecumenical[11] Society for Biblical Studies in India (SBSI) right from the New millennium to the Golden Jubilee conclave held in 2012, where he was elected President, at the Ecumenical Christian Centre, Whitefield and continues to steer the Society.[12]

Succession of Old Testament Faculty

Visiting OT Faculty from overseas Universities

The College

Since 1976, it has been granted the status of an autonomous[15] college under the University. The college has welcomed world leaders. Mahatma Gandhi visited it in 1927 and declared, To live the gospel is the most effective way…I can say that the life of service and uttermost simplicity is the best preaching. India Post released a centenary commemorative stamp in honor of the United Theological College (UTC) on 8 July 2011.

Motto

UTC's motto comes from Matthew 20:28 in the Vulgate: SICUT FILIUS HOMINIS NON VENIT MINISTRARI SED MINISTRARE ET DARE ANIMAM SUAM REDEMPTIONEM PRO MULTIS which translates as "Even as the Son of man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a redemption for many".[16] It is sometimes condensed to Not to be Served but to Serve. In the University emblem the motto is in Greek (not in Latin): οὐ... διακονηθῆναι ἀλλὰ διακονῆσαι

Courses offered

The UTC was granted autonomy in the year 1976 by the Senate of Serampore College (University). The following are the courses offered by the College:[17]

Exchange programs

The UTC has exchange programs with the Theological Faculty of the University of Basel Switzerland[18] and the Divinity School of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.[19] It has a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Edinburgh wherein a post-graduate student can study a semester in Bengaluru.

Publications
Bangalore Seminary (1843) From the 'Evangelical Magazine and Missionary Chronicle: Vol XXI' (p.193). The London Mission Seminary was established early 19th Century, located at the beginning of Mission Road. This has since been demolished and the land is part of the Mitralaya School Campus
United Theological College on a 2011 stamp of India

Campus life

The college had been a recipient of prizes from the Mysore Horticultural Society, Bengaluru for well-maintained gardens and lawns. Good environment for study purpose.

Library

The college has a massive library including 200-year-old palm leaf manuscripts. The United States Embassy awarded a grant for preservation of these rare palm leaf manuscripts in 2006.[22]

Present Faculty
Present Faculty at the United Theological College with subjects taught[23]
Faculty Name Gen
der		 Domicile Highest
Degree		 Alma Mater University
Discipline: Old Testament
The Rev. D. J. Muthunayagom, CSI M Tamil Nadu D.Th. Missions Academy,
Hamburg (Germany)/
SATHRI, Bangalore		 Serampore
The Rev. K. Jesurathnam, STBC M Andhra Pradesh Ph.D. New College,
Edinburgh (Scotland)		 Edinburgh
The Rev. J. R. John Samuel Raj, CSI M Kerala Dr. Theol. Missions Academy,
Hamburg (Germany)		Hamburg
Discipline: New Testament
The Rev. J. G. Muthuraj, CSI M Tamil Nadu Ph.D. University of Durham,
Durham (England)		 Durham
The Rev. J. Jeyakumar, MCI M Tamil Nadu M.Th. UTC, Bangalore Serampore
The Rev. C. I. David Joy, CSI M Kerala Ph.D University of Birmingham,
Birmingham (England)		 Birmingham
The Rev. Dexter S. Maben, CSI M Karnataka Dr. Theol. Theological Seminary Bethel
(Kirchliche Hochschule Bethel),
Bielefeld (Germany)		 Bethel
Discipline: Theology and Ethics
The Rev. R. Sahayadhas, IELC M Tamil Nadu D.Th. UTC, Bangalore Serampore
The Rev. George Zachariah, MMTSC M Kerala Ph. D Lutheran School of Theology,
Chicago (United States)		 LSTC
The Rev. Allan Samuel Palanna, CSI M Karnataka Ph.D University of Kent,
Canterbury (England)		 Kent
The Rev. Mervin Shinoj Boas, CSI M Kerala Ph. D Lutheran School of Theology,
Chicago (United States)		 LSTC
Discipline: History of Christianity
The Fr. M. O. John, MOSC M Kerala D. D. University of Vienna,
Vienna (Austria)[24]		 Vienna
Discipline: Mission and Ecumenicism
The Sr. Rani Joseph Mary Sruthi, SND F Karnataka Ph.D. Pontifical Urban University,
Rome (Italy)		 Urban
The Rev. Gudrun Löwner, EKD F Germany Ph.D. Heidelberg University,
Heidelberg (Germany)		 Heidelberg
Discipline: Christian Ministry
Dr. Nalini ArlesLaity F Karnataka Ph.D. New College,
Edinburgh (Scotland)		 Edinburgh
Dr. Joseph GeorgeLaity M Kerala Th.D. Candler School of Theology,
Atlanta (United States)		 Emory
The Rev. Santosh S. Kumar, CSI M Kerala D.Th. Melbourne College of Divinity,
Melbourne (Australia)		 Divinity
Discipline: Women's Studies
Dr. Lalrinawmi RalteLaity F Mizoram D.Min.,
D.Th.		 Episcopal Divinity School,
Cambridge (United States)/
SATHRI, Bangalore		 Serampore
Discipline: Communication
The Fr. Jerry Kurian, MJSOC M Kerala M.Th. UTC, Bangalore Serampore
Discipline: English
Ms. Geetha BasappaLaity F Karnataka M.A.

Succession of Administrators

Academic administrators who have led the seminary have been designated Principal.[25]

YearsNameAcademic credentials
1910–1911The Rev. ✝James Mathers, LMS,[26] OBE,[27]B. D.[28][29]
1911–1924The Rev. ✝L. P. Larsen,[29] DMS,[30]M.A.,[28][31]
1924–1930The Rev. ✝D. S. Herrick, ABCFMM.A.,[32]
1930–1931The Rev. ✝W. J. T. Small, WMMSM.A. (Cantab.),[33]
1931–1936The Rev. ✝W. H. Thorp, WMMSB.A. (London),[34]
1936–1937The Rev. ✝George Parker,[35] LMSB. D.
1937–1954The Rev. ✝M. H. Harrison, ABCFMTh.M. (Andover),[13]
1954–1983The Rev. ✝J. R. Chandran, CSIS.T.M. (Union),
1983–1993The Rev. E. C. John, CSIDr. Theol. (Heidelberg),
1993–2000The Rev. Gnana Robinson, CSIDr. Theol. (Hamburg),
2000–2008The Rev. O. V. Jathanna, CSIDr. Theol. (Basel),[36][37]
2008–2009The Rev. S. I. Selvanayagam, CSID. Th. (Serampore),[38]
2009–2017The Rev. J. R. Samuel Raj, CSIDr. Theol. (Hamburg)[1]
2017–The Rev. Ch. Vasantha Rao, CSI[39]Dr. Theol. (Hamburg)[1]

Notable people
Metropolitan Mar Aprem Mooken specialized in History of Christianity
Father V. C. Samuel a specialist in Christology
Pastor Lynn de Silva who struck parallels between Christianity and Buddhism and devised Lynn de Silva's theology
Notable alumni with course undertaken and years of study
Name Course Years Congre-
gation		 Domicile
Hospet Sumitra B.D. 1910–13 CSI Andhra Pradesh
Premaka Gurushantha B.D. 1912–16 CSI Karnataka
Juhanon Mar Thoma B.D. 1917–22 MMTSC Kerala
Emani Sambayya B.D. 1928–32 CNI Andhra Pradesh
D. T. Niles B.D. 1929–34 CMC Sri Lanka
H. D. L. Abraham B.D. 1934–37 CSI Karnataka
P. Solomon B.D. 1936–40 CSI Telangana
A. E. Inbanathan B.D. 1939–43 CSI Tamil Nadu
C. Arangaden B.D. 1940–44 CSI Kerala
B. G. Prasada Rao B.D. 1941–45 CSI Telangana
M.Th. 1953–56
S. J. Samartha B.D. 1941–45 CSI Karnataka
B. Prabhudass B.D. 1941–45 CSI Telangana
M.Th. 1951–52
J. R. Chandran B.D. 1941–44 CSI Tamil Nadu
M.Th. 1944–45
K. Devasahayam M.Th. 1942–43 AELC Andhra Pradesh
Philipose Mar Chrysostom B.D. 1943–46 MMTSC Kerala
Lynn de Silva B.D. 1943–47 CMC Sri Lanka
Solomon Doraiswamy B.D. 1944–46 CSI Tamil Nadu
Alexander Mar Thoma B.D. 1945–48 MMTSC Kerala
D. J. Ambalavanar B.D. 1945–50 CSI Sri Lanka
B. E. Devaraj Special
course		 1946–47 CNI Andhra Pradesh
Gaddala Solomon B.D. 1949–52 STBC Andhra Pradesh
Refresher course in
Hebrew language		 1972–73
N. D. Ananda Rao Samuel B.D. 1950–53 CSI Andhra Pradesh
V. C. Samuel B.D. 1950–53 MOSC Kerala
Victor Premasagar B.D. 1950–54 CSI Telangana
E. C. John B.D. 1951–54 CSI Kerala
G. B. Devasahayam B.D. 1952–56 CSI Telangana
K. E. Swamidass B.D. 1952–56 CSI Telangana
C. D. Jathanna B.D. 1952–55 CSI Karnataka
Samuel Amirtham B.D. 1953–56 CSI Kerala
Joseph Mar Thoma B.D. 1953–57 MMTSC Kerala
John Philipose B.D. 1955–58 CSI Kerala
K. V. Mathew M.Th. (OT) 1957–58 MMTSC Kerala
Gnana Robinson B.D. 1957–60 CSI Tamil Nadu
M.Th. (OT) 1961–63
D. P. Shettian B.D. 1960–61 CSI Karnataka
R. Yesurathnam B.D. 1963–67 CSI Telangana
M.Th. 1969–72
D.Th. 1978–82
G. T. Abraham B.D. 1962–66 CSI Andhra Pradesh
C. L. Furtado B.D. 1962–64 CSI Karnataka
Arvind P Nirmal B.D 1962- 65 CNI Maharashtra
Kallarakkal Abraham George M.Th. (OT) 1963–65 MOSC Kerala
Wesley Ariarajah B.D. 1963–66 MCSL Sri Lanka
Mar Aprem Mooken M.Th. 1964–66 ACE Kerala
B. P. Sugandhar B.D. 1964–68 CSI Telangana
Philipose Mar Eusebius B.D. 1964–66 MMTSC Kerala
R. S. Sugirtharajah B.D. 1965–69 MCSL Sri Lanka
M.Th. (NT) 1973–75
S. John Theodore B.D. 1966–70 CSI Telangana
M.Th. (OT) 1972–74
H. S. Wilson B.D. 1967–70 CSI Karnataka
Basil Rebera B.D. 1967–71 Laity Sri Lanka
M.Th. (OT) 1971–73
Elizabeth Paul B.D. 1967–74 CSI Tamil Nadu
Timotheas Hembrom B.D. 1968–70 NELC Jharkhand
M.Th. (OT) 1971–73
D. I. Hans B.D. 1968–71 CSI Karnataka
M.Th. 1977–79
P. J. Lawrence B.D. 1968–71 CSI Andhra Pradesh
J. Paul Rajashekar B.D. 1968–71 IELC Tamil Nadu
J. W. Gladstone B.D. 1969–72 CSI Kerala
M.Th. 1972–74
D. W. Jesudoss M.Th. 1970–71 TELC Tamil Nadu
Sydney Salins B.D. 1970–74 CSI Karnataka
M.Th. (NT) 1980–82
D. Dhanaraj B.D. 1970–74 CSI Tamil Nadu
M.Th. (OT) 1976–78
D. S. Satyaranjan M.Th. (NT) 1971–73 IPC Andhra Pradesh
G. Babu Rao[40] M.Th. (OT) 1971–73[7] CBCNC Andhra Pradesh
Doctoral
studies		 1980–82[41]
Nitoy Achumi M.Th. (OT) 1971–73 NBCC Nagaland
Christopher Asir B.D. 1971–75 CSI Tamil Nadu
John Sadananda B.D. 1972–74 CSI Karnataka
P. Surya Prakash B.D. 1972–76 CSI Telangana
M.Th. (NT) 1980–82
D. N. Premnath B.D. 1973–77 CSI Andhra Pradesh
M. Mani Chacko B.D. 1975–79 CSI Kerala
M.Th. (OT) 1981–83
K. David Udayakumar B.D. 1977–81 SALC Andhra Pradesh
M.Th. (NT) 1982–85
Ravela Joseph M.Th. 1978–80 STBC Andhra Pradesh
Doctoral
studies		 1983–84
G. Devakadasham M.Th. 1979–81 CSI Tamil Nadu
G. D. V. Prasad M.Th. (OT) 1979–81 CSI Andhra Pradesh
Roger Gaikwad M.Th. 1981 MCI
PCI		 Maharashtra
G. Dyvasirvadam M.Th. 1982–84 CSI Andhra Pradesh
Doctoral
studies		 1992
Evangeline Anderson-Rajkumar B.D. 1983–87 ALC Tamil Nadu
D.Th. 1992–97
K. Reuben Mark B.D. 1984–88 CSI Telangana
M.Th. 1992–94
Ch. Victor Moses M.Th. (OT) 1986–88 AELC Andhra Pradesh
Annie Watson B.D. 1987–91 CSI Karnataka
B. D. Prasada Rao M.Th. 1987–89 CSI Andhra Pradesh
H. R. Cabral M.Th. 1988–90 CSI Karnataka
D.Th. 1992–97
Jonadob Nathaniel M.Th. (NT) 1988–90 CSI Tamil Nadu
Daniel Sadananda M.Th. (NT) 1988–90 CSI Karnataka
A. C. Solomon Raj B.D. 1988–92 CSI Telangana
M.Th. 1998-01

Further reading
  • K. M. Hiwale (Compiled) (1998). "Directory of the United Theological College 1910–1997". Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

References
  1. Johann Anselm Steiger (Edited), 500 Jahre Theologie in Hamburg: Hamburg als Zentrum christlicher Theologie und Kultur zwischen Tradition und Zukunft, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, 2005, pp.449, 470, 477.
  2. Vijaya Kumar, Ecumenical Cooperation of the Missions in Karnataka (India), 1834–1989: A Historical Analysis of the Evangelistic Strategy of the Missions, ISPCK, New Delhi, 2005, pp.99–105.
  3. Sankar Ray, The Hindu (Business Line), 11 April 2008 Almost a century later, the charter was endorsed officially under the Bengal Govt Act IV of 1918. Internet, accessed 30 November 2008.
  4. "UGC Act-1956" (PDF). mhrd.gov.in/. Secretary, University Grants Commission. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  5. The Senate of Serampore College (University) is a University within the meaning of Section 2 (f) of the UGC Act, 1956 under which a University means a University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act, and includes any such institution as may, in consultation with the University concerned, be recoginsed by the Commission in accordance with the regulations made in this behalf under this Act. The UGC took the opinion that the Senate fell under the purview of Section 2 (f) of the said Act since The Serampore College Act, 1918 was passed by the Government of West Bengal.
  6. With effect from 29 September 2017
  7. K. M. Hiwale (Compiled), Directory of the United Theological College 1910–1997, Bangalore, 1998.
  8. Ch. Vasantha Rao, Jathara: A Festival of Christian Witness, CSI-Medak Diocese/ISPCK/CISRS, Secunderabad/New Delhi/Bangalore, 2008.
  9. Ch. Vasantha Rao, Let the Mother Bird Go: Preservation Motif in Pentateuch, ISPCK, New Delhi, 2007.
  10. Ch. Vasantha Rao, Animal Rights and Animal Laws in the Bible: The Daily Practice of Reverence for Life, Edwin Mellen Press, Lewiston, 2013.
  11. Fully ecumenical, that is, Catholics, Orthodox, Protestant, and the New and Indigenous Church Societies.
  12. Chilkuri Vasantha Rao, President SBSI Inaugurates North East Chapter in Shillong 15.11.13.
  13. The Missionary Herald at Home and Abroad, Volume 133, Missionary herald, 1937, p.315.
  14. Serampore College.
  15. O. V. Jathanna, Principal's Report 2007-2008, Saplings, United Theological College, Benson Town, Bengaluru. p. 2
  16. Latin Vulgate
  17. College Handbook 2008–2009.
  18. University of Basel. Internet, accessed 16 September 2008
  19. Postgraduate Exchange with UTC, Bengaluru. Divinity School, University of Edinburgh. Internet, accessed 16 September 2008.
  20. Publications. utcbangalore.in
  21. Kingsbury, F; Phillips, GE (1921). Hymns of the Tamil Saivite Saints (1921) (PDF). Oxford University Press. p. 132. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  22. Protecting Historic Treasures Accessed 16 September 2008.
  23. UTC Faculty Directory. utc.edu.in
  24. Malankara Association. yimg.com
  25. To Serve Not to be Served 1910–1985, United Theological College, Bangalore, 1985, p.57. Cited in Merithung Tüngoe, Administrators, Missionaries and a World Turned Upside Down, ETC/ISPCK, Jorhat/New Delhi, 2000, p.78.
  26. Brian Stanley, The World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh 1910, William B. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, 2009, p.215.
  27. The Expository Times, Volume 32, 1920, p.189.
  28. George Oommen, The Radical Founding Vision, 1910–11 in Bangalore Theological Forum Centenary Issue: Journeying with Jesus: The continuing theological legacy of the United Theological College, 1910–2010, Volume XLII, Number 2, 8 July 2010, pp.11–12.
  29. Vijaya Kumar, Ecumenical Cooperation of the Missions in Karnataka (India), 1834–1989: A Historical Analysis of the Evangelistic Strategy of the Missions, ISPCK, New Delhi, 2005, p.102.
  30. Henriette Bugge, Mission and Tamil Society: Social and Religious Change in South India (1840–1900), Curzon Press, Richmond, 1994, p.69.
  31. University of Calcutta Calendar 1926, p.483.
  32. Angus Stewart Woodburne, Psychological Tests of Mental Abilities, Superintendent, Government Press, 1924, p.93.
  33. Richmond College, Galle, W. J. T. Small
  34. Minutes of Several Conversations – Yearly Conference of the People Called Methodists, Volume 152, 1895, p.538.
  35. Annual Report – American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, Volumes 126–132, 1936, p.13.
  36. O. V. Jathanna, The decisiveness of the Christ-event and the universality of Christianity in a world of religious plurality: with special reference to Hendrik Kraemer and Alfred George Hogg as well as to William Ernest Hocking and Pandipeddi Chenchiah, Peter Lang, Frankfurt, 1981.
  37. National Council of Churches Review, Volume 120, 2000, p. 873
  38. Senate of Serampore College (University), List of the Recipient of the Degree of Doctor of Theology.
  39. UTC Bangalore, Latest News
  40. G. Babu Rao, Wisdom Tradition and the Indian Parallels with special reference to Telugu Literature in Reflections on Theology Today: Papers presented by the ACTC Faculty during the academic year 1988–1989 on Theology and Mission and Ministry of the Church, ACTC, Hyderabad, 1990.
  41. G. Babu Rao, Content Analysis of Theological Syllabi – Old Testament in Religion and Society, Volume 32, 1985.
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