In September 2000 Messianic Bible Institute-Yeshiva received letters from both the Virginia Council of Higher Education and the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities. These letters expressed concern over a few statements which were on this web site about accreditation, which they felt were mis-leading statements.

MBI Yeshiva immediately audited these statements and agreed there was need for correction. The corrections have been made. In our view the few statements in question were transcription oversights without intent to mis-lead.

In one instance the phrase was used, "We are on track to receive the highest accreditation for distance education." That has been changed to, "It is our goal to receive the highest accreditation for distance education." We also mis-spoke about the accreditation of such schools as Harvard, Yale and Yeshiva University. These schools are now accredited. We intended to refer to their beginnings and not to their present state, but the reference to their beginnings was inadvertantly omitted.

Without arrogance MBI Yeshiva views itself somewhat in the position as these schools and others as they were upon their creation. Messianic Judaism is a new field to most. MBI Yeshiva is a pioneer in Messianic Jewish education. Messianic Jewish education is unique among academia. It is non-secular, so we cannot be accredited by secular agencies. We are quite different from traditional Christian and Jewish schools, and that precludes us from accreditation through their agencies. It may be that secular, Christian and Jewish establishments all disagree with the faith of Messianic Judaism. This puts us in a difficult situation, but in good company. The early founders of religious faith and religious schools in this nation came here for the freedom to establish their institutions according to their own conscience. On this freedom we also stand.

With few resources MBI Yeshiva is endeavoring to comply with every academic necessity. We will continue to be accountable without compromising our faith. In our present condition we cannot know every law of every state or every country concerning their educational standard. Therefore, we do not claim to offer any certification or accreditation beyond a Messianic Jewish education.

As the leading academic institution of Messianic Judaism, MBI Yeshiva does not know who else can set the standard for our curriculum. Yet, we will continue to attempt to update the quality of our education.

Work is under way, with MBI Yeshiva involvement, to set forth an Accrediting Commission for Messianic Judaism. This is will be made up of the member institutions, which will establish standards for curriculum and knowledge transmission.

We welcome you to watch us carefully in the germination of this process. Our goal is to be the best conveyors of Messianic Jewish faith we can be.

Official Board
Messianic Bible Institute-Yeshiva