Seminary celebrates Global Diploma graduation in Rwanda
On May 28, Erskine Theological Seminary celebrated with the first 26 graduates from the Runda, Rwanda cohort of the Global Diploma in Theology and Christian Leadership program.
“It was a beautiful day,” says Erskine’s Director of Global Theological Education, Martha Margaret Cotten ’97, ’20 (Sem.).
The graduation was held at the Chris Hotel in the Runda sector of Kamonyi District in Rwanda’s Southern Province. The Runda Global Diploma cohort is one of three in Rwanda, with the other two in Bugesera and Nyabihu. In December 2024, members of the Nyabihu cohort became the first students in the world to graduate from Erskine’s Global Diploma program
Sam Cotten ’95, an adjunct professor in the Global Diploma program, served as commencement speaker for the Runda ceremony. ARP General Synod Moderator David Walkup, along with World Witness Executive Director Alex Pettett, were also in attendance.
Martha Margaret spoke to the candidates briefly, encouraging them to read their Bibles every day. “It’s really simple encouragement that all of us need. If you do nothing else, just open the Word every day,” she said.
Other dignitaries on hand included a Rwandan government official and Dr. Normal Paul Desire, board chair for Reach the Children of Rwanda, International (RCRI), the Global Diploma program’s national partner. Mfabakuze Callixte, a representative for the Erskine Global Diploma alumni, was also present.
“We also had a traditional dance troupe that was awesome,” Martha Margaret says.
Wearing bells on their ankles, stomping their feet in a gesture evoking the planting of crops, and moving their arms in a manner symbolically representing Rwanda’s famous Inyambo longhorn cattle, the dancers performed for the large crowd on hand.
The audience included Global Diploma alumni from Nyabihu, as well as friends and families of those graduating.
“It was wonderful to celebrate God’s faithfulness with the graduates!” Martha Margaret says.
About the Global Diploma Program:
The impetus for the Global Diploma program came in 2018 when the Rwandan government passed a law requiring educational credentials for leaders of churches. Erskine Theological Seminary and World Witness, the foreign missions agency of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, recognized an opportunity to reach communities in Rwanda and other areas with limited access to theological education.
The global diploma program is designed for students in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The Global Diploma program is funded by the John and Sarah Ellen Carson Scholarship & Global Theological Education Initiative, named for Erskine’s late President Emeritus Dr. John L. Carson and his wife Sarah Ellen. After completing their service at Erskine, the Carsons worked together in several countries on the continent of Africa. They helped to launch the Mobile Theological Training Team (MT3), now incorporated into the SEED Ministry of World Witness.
Would you like to contribute to the Global Diploma program? See the path below:
