A theological education centre housed in a former parish church, dedicated to training church leaders from Africa, Asia and Latin America.
At a glance
The Oxford Centre for Mission Studies occupies the converted SS Philip and James Parish Church on Woodstock Road. Founded in 1983 by Reverend Vinay Samuel, it operates as a registered charity providing advanced theological education to leaders from the non-Western world.
History
Established in 1983, OCMS emerged from the vision of mission theologians representing Africa, Asia and Latin America. The centre was founded to address a specific educational need: preparing church leaders from non-Western contexts for advanced study and research in mission theology and practice.
What you see
The centre is housed in the former SS Philip and James Parish Church, a Victorian-era building on Oxford’s Woodstock Road opposite Leckford Road. The converted church building serves both as administrative and educational space for the organisation.
Cultural significance
OCMS represents an important intersection of theological education and global mission work. By bringing church leaders from the Global South to Oxford for advanced study, it facilitates dialogue between non-Western Christian traditions and established academic theology. The centre’s emphasis on mission theology reflects evolving understandings of Christianity’s role in the modern world.
Key facts
- Founded: 1983 by Rev. Vinay Samuel
- Location: SS Philip and James Parish Church, Woodstock Road, Oxford
- Coordinates: 51.76°N, 1.26°W
- Degrees offered: Masters, MPhil and PhD (validated by Middlesex University)
- Status: Registered charity with association to University of Oxford through Bodleian Libraries
Practical information & getting there
The centre is located on Woodstock Road in north Oxford. For enquiries about programmes, admission or visiting, contact OCMS directly through their website or University of Oxford networks. Many supervisory staff are drawn from Oxford faculty members.
Sources & resources
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