Pune, May 3, 2010: Shekhar Singh, a leader in the Hindustani Covenant Church (HCC), has been appointed principal (president) of Union Biblical Seminary, considered one of the leading theological education institutions in the country.

The school was officially constituted as a seminary in 1953 as a joint endeavor of 11 mission and church groups. It offers bachelor and master degrees in divinity and theology.

Singh is a professor of practical theology at the seminary. He has held the posts of dean of academic affairs, officiating principal, and head of the Christian Ministry Department over the past 25 years.

Singh has served as a senior consultant, trainer, and counselor for the HCC. The denomination's moderator (president) Steven David praised Singh's work.

"Shekhar Singh is not only academically qualified, but he is also a dedicated, devout person, which the seminary needs in its leadership,” David said. “He will strengthen the academic standards of the seminary and also give strength to practical theology through his years of experience in the church. He has been respected for his biblical teaching, and we are very proud of him. We believe that this honor will glorify God."

Singh was one of the featured speakers at the Department of World Mission conference prior to the Midwinter Conference in 2009. He taught on holistic development from a biblical foundation and a practical perspective from his ministry in the Hindustani Covenant Church. He also spoke during the All Asia Covenant Missionary Retreat in 2009 in Thailand on "integral development."

“We have learned a great deal about healthy mission and compassion through the teaching of Dr. Sing," said World Mission Executive Minister Curt Peterson. “Dr. Singh is a sound, evangelical theologian and a humble, faithful servant of Christ in the church.”

Singh assumed his new responsibilities on May 1, 2010. (Christian Today)