A Degree Congregation to admit the Reverend Innocent Ekpeluchi as a Queen’s College graduate to the Bachelor of Theology in Discipleship and Ministry was held this evening (Sunday) at St Andrew Abu Dhabi—the second such Congregation to be held in the Gulf Archdeaconry.

Bishop Sean presented the degree to Revd Innocent at a ceremony held after evening service, joined by St Andrew parish priest the Reverend Dr David Jarratt and Fr Innocent’s family.

Innocent began his BTh in 2018—combining the demands of ministry and family with the sustained engagement and reflection required to achieve a degree through part-time study.

“Inspired by his faith and driven by a commitment to learning, Fr Innocent has already made a notable academic contribution to Ministry in the Diocese through his final dissertation,” said Bishop Sean—”work that was particularly commended by the examiners, exploring how incarnationally informed faith contributes to the enrichment of humanity in the dignity of work; and the way in which mission can flourish within the conditions of a particular culture—one in which constraints become possibilities.” 

Bishop Sean described these as “core values of ministry—to respect the individual lives and experiences of those we meet; to learn from them; and to continue to grow in our service to God”.

Bishop Sean also thanked Innocent’s family for the support and sacrifices made to enable Innocent to pursue his studies. 

This was the fifth graduation ceremony to be held for students enrolled in the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf partnership programme with Queen’s—a college established in 1841 in Newfoundland, Canada.

Fr Innocent was ordained priest by Bishop Sean at Christ Church Jebel Ali in October 2024.

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