(LWI) - What are the most important ecumenical agreements between Lutherans and other Christian communions over the past half century? How are churches on the different continents putting those agreements into practice in their local contexts? How can leaders and local communities learn from the ecumenical experiences of those in other parts of the globe?
All these questions will be up for discussion at an online study course offered by the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg from 10 to 14 October 2022. The course, to be held in English, is designed for pastors with parish experience or for students with advanced knowledge of Lutheran theology.
The goal of the week-long course is to equip participants with knowledge of the principle ecumenical agreements between the Lutheran World Federation and its dialogue partners, mainly in the Catholic, Mennonite, Orthodox and Pentecostal churches. Students will also be asked to discuss relations with other Christians in their respective countries with the aim of developing pathways for further rapprochement at local and national level.
This course is an incredible opportunity to enter more profoundly into the journey towards ecclesial communion.
– Prof. Dr Dirk Lange, LWF Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations and acting director of the Strasbourg Institute
A third objective of the course, which is open to a maximum of 20 participants, is to allow students from a wide variety of cultural and religious contexts to engage in “intense transcultural dialogue about ecumenical theology and practice.” Organizers hope that these in-depth conversations will serve to strengthen and build relations between churches within the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).
LWF’s Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations and acting director of the Strasbourg Institute, Prof. Dr Dirk Lange, said: “The LWF has committed itself to the ecumenical way towards ecclesial communion. To move forward on that journey, encouraging local ecumenical initiatives and strengthening connections between these initiatives and global dialogues, is critical. This course is an incredible opportunity to enter more profoundly into this dynamic.”
Participants must have the endorsement of their church leadership and apply using the form below before 31 August 2022. Students will receive five lectures in both video and written format that they are expected to study in advance and their participation is required for all five days of online tuition. The cost of the program is €100 and participants will receive a certificate at the conclusion of the course.
LWF/P. Hitchen
