TAMILNADU THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary (TTS) is an ecumenical seminary located in Madurai, South India. It was inaugurated in 1969 through the merging of the Tamilnadu Theological College at Thirumaraiyur (Church of South India) and the Gurusala at Tranquebar (Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church and Arcot Lutheran Church), representing the first fruit of ecumenical talks between the CSI and Lutheran Churches in Tamil Nadu. TTS is affiliated with the Senate of Serampore College/University and Madurai Kamaraj University, offering programs including Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Theology, Doctor of Theology, Bachelor of Christian Studies, and diploma courses in German language and Ambedkar studies. The seminary emphasizes threefold formation—Personal, Theological, and Ministerial—and practical theological education through centers like the Social Analysis Centre, Communication Centre, and Dalit Resource Centre, as well as programs supporting the poor, women, prisoners, and the aged. Community life is central to TTS, with daily worship, communal meals, and close staff-student relationships fostering a family-like atmosphere. The seminary trains pastors primarily for Tamil churches but also welcomes students from other states and countries. Rev. Dr. Margaret Kalaiselvi currently serves as Principal, and TTS celebrated its 50th Seminary Day on 28 October 2018.