CONTACT: Prof. Dr. Herman J. Selderhuis [email protected] (for TUA); Prof. Dr. Adriaan C. Neele [email protected] (for PRTS)

For immediate release: September 15, 2017

 Apeldoorn / Grand Rapids—The Theological University Apeldoorn (“TUA”) and Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (“PRTS”) today announced a strategic partnership of the establishment of a Puritan Research Center. This strategic partnership exemplifies the vision of the strengthening and sharing of resources in the service of the academy and church internationally.

The faculty of TUA and the faculty dedicated to the doctorate program of PRTS will support and share the responsibilities of supervising, coordination, and examining a researcher’s work towards a PhD degree. A double degree will be offered to students admitted in the joint program.

The joint doctorate program will serve as a research, education, and publications program for Biblical Studies and Historical Theology, and develop links with the academic community in Europe and United States.

Joel R. Beeke, President of PRTS comments, “We trust that, by God’s grace, this joint doctorate program, which stresses both solid Reformed academic training and vital piety, will serve the church and the academy in unprecedented ways, strengthening the Reformed community worldwide.”

Herman J. Selderhuis, Rector of TUA, “This joint PhD program will offer new opportunities for students and faculty exchange, share a joint vision based on the authority of God’s Word, and strive to combine the Reformation and the Reformed confessions with the realities of church and society in the 21st century.”

Since 1894, the Theological University of Apeldoorn has been fulfilling its historical mission to educate ministers for the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk in the Netherlands (The daughter denomination in North America is called the Free Reformed Churches). The university has developed into an institute for theological studies and research, which also benefits those outside this denomination, both in the Netherlands and abroad. The philosophy of the university is based on the authority of God’s Word, and the university strives to combine the Reformation and the Reformed confession with the realities of church and society in the 21st century. The university numbers more than 125 students, in addition to three professors, two assistant professors, thirteen lecturers, and a support staff of seven.

Founded in 1995, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary is now an accredited educational institution for granting the MA, MDiv, ThM, and PhD degrees. Its mission is to prepare students worldwide to serve Christ and His church through biblical, experiential, and practical ministry. The seminary numbers close to 150 students, has ten professors, twenty globally renowned scholars as adjunct faculty, and a support staff of twelve.