United Theological College (UTC) is an ecumenical Protestant seminary committed to forming and equipping church and religious leaders, academics, and other change-makers to contribute to transformation and healing in society. Grounded in the Theology of the Cross, UTC prepares its students to encourage the Church’s active engagement with the challenges facing their communities.
UTC offers life-affirming theological education that confronts injustice—particularly gender and environmental injustice—and fosters inclusion across faiths, ethnicities, and social contexts. Through contextually grounded teaching and practical formation, students are encouraged to connect theological reflection with action and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
Founded in 1954 as Epworth Theological College, UTC has grown into a vibrant, close-knit ecumenical community. Six mainline denominations actively participate in the College: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ), the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ), the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ), the United Methodist Church (UMC), and the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA).
UTC places particular emphasis on pastoral formation and leadership development, serving the Church in Zimbabwe and the wider African diaspora. Its programmes also prepare religious leaders, scholars, educators, and practitioners to respond to spiritual and mental health needs, gender injustice, environmental degradation, governance challenges, social marginalisation, and other forms of injustice. Students are equipped to engage these concerns through authentic, contextually relevant theological discourse that inspires meaningful change.
At the heart of UTC’s approach is praxis: the ongoing relationship between theological reflection and faithful action. Its programmes encourage students to interpret Christian theology in conversation with the realities of contemporary life and put their learning into practice. Grounded in Christian ethics, values, and a commitment to the common good, UTC seeks to nurture thoughtful, conscientious leaders who serve their communities and work toward the flourishing of all.
Our Governing Values
THEOLOGY OF THE CROSS AS A MOTIVATING FORCE
Our institution is driven by faith and the Theology of the Cross, which inspires courage, strength, and determination to advocate for individuals and communities facing threats, marginalisation, or poverty. We believe that faith is essential in promoting life and hope for the future.
ECUMENICAL APPROACH
Our institution is committed to ecumenical cooperation with other churches and organisations. We recognise the value of shared faith, mission, and experience in addressing humanity’s major challenges, such as peace, justice, and the integrity of creation.
AGENCY AND SOLIDARITY
We acknowledge that people are capable of making decisions and taking action. We prioritise meaningful participation and increased autonomy for vulnerable groups, ensuring that privileged groups share their power and resources.
CREATION’S INTEGRITY
We are committed to sustainable development that benefits all individuals and the environment. This requires taking responsibility for our lifestyles and impact on nature, climate, and the environment.
HUMAN RIGHTS
We take a stand for human rights and dignity, recognising that every individual is created in the image of God with inherent rights. We reject discrimination, promote the rights of all genders and strive for equal access to all human rights.
ACCOUNTABILITY
The protection, respect, and fulfilment of human rights requires all actors to be held accountable for their actions. We believe people’s ability to demand accountability is essential for human rights-based work in democratic societies.
What We Do
United Theological College is committed to advancing community transformation by preparing faith leaders through contextual theological education grounded in a Theology of the Cross. Our work promotes justice, peace, and ecological responsibility across Zimbabwe and beyond.
We provide inclusive, high‑quality education for people of all genders seeking theological and academic growth, whether clergy or laity, within Zimbabwe, the Southern African region, and the wider global community. As an ecumenical institution, we value diverse needs and worship traditions.
We affirm that individuals and communities can be renewed through rigorous learning and the shared witness of the ecumenical church. Our mission responds to the pressing challenges of our context, including persistent poverty, disease, marginality, and tribal and racial conflict.
Five Focus Areas That Anchor Our Theologies Of The Cross
- Faith & Learning
- Eco-stewardship, Livelihoods & Climate Justice
- Peace, Democracy & Conflict Resolution, Management & Transformation.
- Humanitarian Action & Social Cohesion
- Gender Justice/Equality & Health