CIPP@MTSO facilitates development of Clinical Pastoral Education in the Philippines

By Christie R. House

At their April 8-10 joint meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, the United Methodist boards of directors for both Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry (HEM) approved a proposal that would connect the Methodist Spiritual Health Center of Mary Johnston Hospital in Manila with Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programming and certification of the Center for Integrative Pastoral Practice (CIPP), a former HEM program, now hosted and administered by Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

In 2025, MTSO was selected as the new academic home of the CIPP, a CPE program that HEM operated since 2018. It is a vital component in the preparation of future chaplains, spiritual care providers and pastoral counselors, integrating theological knowledge with practical clinical training. It is fully accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education Inc (ACPE).

Working with MTSO President Jay Rundell and CIPP@MTSO Director Jeffrey Holman, Mary Johnston Hospital created a three-year plan to develop its current CPE into an accredited full complement satellite regional CPE Hub with the CIPP under Global Ministries and HEM. This would be the first such hub of the United Methodist Church outside the U.S.

The proposal and grant request were presented for approval by the joint executive committee of the two agencies and developed with Dr. Glenn Roy V. Paraso, the hospital’s executive director.

“CIPP@MTSO seeks to provide accessible, accredited clinical pastoral education to UMC clergy and aspirants throughout the world,” noted Jeffrey Holman. “When Glenn Roy came to our campus and we discussed possibilities, we imagined the potential to provide spiritual health to patients, staff and communities around Mary Johnston. I am overjoyed that the church has answered the need and believe the program we create at Mary Johnston will be the pilot leading us into building additional ACPE programs abroad.”

In the proposal, Paraso described society’s panic during the COVID-19 pandemic and the hospital’s response as “a physical and spiritual challenge.” The hospital staff and the United Methodist Church realized the need for pastoral counseling as part of health ministries and created the first United Methodist Spiritual Health Center in the Philippines. Mary Johnston Hospital is the only tertiary (highest level in a 3-level system) United Methodist health facility in the country. It was founded 120 years ago by a missionary doctor, Dr. Rebecca Parrish from Indiana, sent by the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Paraso called this venture, anchored in the church, a “faith opportunity to partner in a saints-equipping initiative.”

A grant for $538,310 for three years will enable the hospital to develop an accredited CPE hub that can conduct course work, admit students, and develop related curriculums for both clergy and laity. In time the hospital plans to develop regional satellite facilities, to provide CPE training for both medical personnel and guidance counselors.

“The creation of this first CPE center outside the United States to be located at the Mary Johnston Hospital in the Philippines is a cause for celebration,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and HEM. “This vital work, equipping spiritual leaders with the care practices they need for ministry, is a collaboration among our agencies, MTSO and MJH, and one that will benefit the people of the Philippines and the United Methodist Church for years to come.”

Christie R. House is a consultant writer and editor for the General Board of Global Ministries, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio provides theological education and leadership in pursuit of a just, sustainable and generative world. In addition to the Master of Divinity degree, the school offers master’s degrees in public theology, social justice and theological studies, along with a Doctor of Ministry degree.

CONTACT:

Danny Russell, communications director
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322