Francis Sandy Theological Centre

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FSTC History

THE FRANCIS SANDY THEOLOGICAL CENTRE was formed in 1987 by the Native United Church congregations in Ontario and Quebec, the Division of Ministry Personnel and Education and the Division of Mission in Canada of the United Church of Canada.  The Centre is located on the property of The Five Oaks Centre near Paris, Ontario.  From this location, we seek to serve the educational needs of our network of Native congregations in southern Ontario and western Quebec.

The late Francis Sandy was an Ojibwa elder and lay pastoral minister from the Christian Island community.  Along with a number of elders and others from our area, Francis had a dream that all Native congregations in Ontario and Quebec would be served by Native ministers.

Since the Native Elders of the United Church of Canada first met in White Bear, Saskatchewan in 1980, the training of indigenous leadership in and for the Native Church has been a priority. The elders were aware, that while the Church had tried to  serve the needs of the Native Church, there was much frustration and disappointment among all concerned.  It was time for them to take charge of their own leadership.

Soon after White Bear meeting, the National Native Ministry Training Committee (TNM Cte) was formed to guide the visions of the elders into reality.  At the same time, the Saskatchewan Co-ordinating Committee for Native Ministry (now Plains Presbytery of the All Native Circle Conference) was developing a course of study for ministry in the Native Community.  Using this model as a basis, the TNM Cte did further work in this area.  At the 1984 MPE annual General Meeting, the Division approved a community-based model for the Native Ministry Training proposed by the TNM Cte. with support from the committee on Theological Education for Ministry.  This approval was granted for an experimental period of 5-7 years, with the expectation that, toward the end of that period, the TNM Cte. would make recommendations about final approval for the model.  The Division also approved the establishment of the Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre as a theological school, recognized by the United Church, the board of which was to be responsible for the training model.  Since 1984, there have been a number of pertinent developments.  In 1986, the MPE Division approved a similar community-based model for use in the Ontario/Quebec area, and recognized the Francis Sandy Theological Centre, as the co-ordinating centre for this model.  Both Native ministry centres elected boards, hired staff and developed facilities. 

By 1988, five students had completed and been ordained.  There were a total of sixteen students in the ordination stream program at both centres and a considerable number of lay people involved in the courses as well.

Response from the Diaconal Ministry committee and CTEM was supportive and a more detailed program proposal was prepared.

Consultation held in the April 1990, which consisted of MPE reps, centre staff, board members and students, all familiar with the community-based model, resulted in a decision to present to the appropriate bodies one model for Native Ministry Training incorporating a program for both ordained and diaconal candidates.

In 1992, in response to an identified need to have lay people who are gifted to provide ministry leadership, but who do not wish to be ordained or commissioned, recognized and available to serve the Native church, the Community-Based Model was adapted to include lay pastoral ministry preparation.

 Ministry with Native communities requires preparation that is culturally specific and therefore different from preparation for ministry in non-Native communities.

• The impact of the dominant culture and the effects of white racism, historically and currently, have resulted in social breakdown and economic stagnation in many Native communities.

• The traditional values and spirituality of Native people must be recognized and respected.

• It is urgent to have Native persons in respected positions of visible leadership in Native churches as soon as possible.

• Education that is culturally appropriate for Native people is rooted in the Native community.  Family and cultural support is indispensable to Native students during their educational programs.

• Community-based learning requires an action/reflection model which involves teachers, students and community members

• This model is designed to prepare Native people for Native ministry, but would also equip persons for service in the wider church.

• The Native ministry theological schools are committed to including: lay people and order of ministry; women and men; children and adults; the disabled; the wounded; and those recovering on the way to healing.

• One of the gifts to the wider church will be that of ongoing cross-cultural education.

• The ministry and gifts of lay people need to be held up and honoured.

• The church will be strengthened through the sharing of insight that comes by ordained, diaconal and lay person studying and working together.

• This model encourages ecumenical participation in preparation for ministry.

This educational model is a developing one.  Further changes would be under the oversight of The United Church of Canada, in consultation with the Council on Learning of the All Native Circle Conference.