Christian ethics, as
guiding principles of Christian praxis both for individuals and
churches, have been a driving force for ecumenism as well as its
obstacle.
In the first half of the course, we
will follow the historical development of ecumenical social ethics,
particularly in relation to the “Life and Work” stream, which has been
both expressive and formative of the WCC-led ecumenical movement. We
will then examine three major areas of such ethics, namely, justice,
peace and ecology.
In the second half, acknowledging the fact that
ethical issues have increasingly been divisive topics for churches in
recent years, we will consider Protestant-Roman Catholic divergences,
Orthodox positions, as well as a future prospect for ecumenical
Christian ethics.
Among divided Christian traditions, Christian history has often seemed
to provide painful memories, justification for mutual enmity, and cause
for greater division. This study of history, however challenging at
times, has also been considered to be a potential means for greater
solidarity among Christians across traditions within contemporary
ecumenical dialogue. Christian history is, at a certain point, the
shared heritage of all who claim the name ‘Christian.’ Within this
course, students will consider this new and fascinating project of
reconsidering Christian history within an Ecumenical context, where
Christians from across traditions are encouraged to explore the depths
of their common heritage as well as to be open considering the
possibilities of mutual forgiveness and understanding.
Ecumenical dialogue requires a methodology to move from disagreement to
consensus. The aim of this methodology is to allow participants to avoid
the pitfalls of terminological confusion and to understand how to move
from initial convergence to practical agreements. Ecumenical methods
also include the understanding of ecumenical guidelines and the ‘art’ of
drafting joint statements. This is a multi-disciplinary course whose
objective is to provide practical and innovative perspectives for all
those interested in ecumenical progress, both locally and through formal
institutional mechanisms.
Ecumenical theology focuses on God’s will for unity among Christians.
This course encourages students to develop an ecumenical perspective on
their theological convictions and Christian worldviews and introduces
students to various issues and approaches in the field of ecumenical
theology, with a view to helping them elucidate their own approaches to
ecumenism. The course begins with an exploration of biblical and
theological rationales for ecumenical engagement. There follows a brief
survey of the history of ecumenism in its various forms, both nationally
and globally. Specific theological issues are then addressed, including
the development of ecumenical relationships at the local level, reading
the Bible ecumenically, ecumenical thinking on ecclesiology, and the
relationship between ecumenism and theologies of mission.
Within the context of Catholic-Orthodox Ecumenical dialogue, the
‘Eastern Catholic Churches’ provide a unique and essential role within
this relationship. In this course, students will become acquainted with
the unique and turbulent history of the Eastern Catholic Churches
through the origination of the “Uniate” concept of the 16-17th
centuries; development of the Eastern Catholic ecclesial, theological,
and cultural identities amid Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox
influences; 20th century totalitarian persecution and suppression; and
recent emergence and role within contemporary Ecumenism. Join Fr. Dr.
Iwan Dacko, priest of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, president of
the Institute of Ecumenical Studies and member of the Joint
International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic
and the Orthodox Churches, and Mr. Taras Kureylets, theological doctoral
candidate at the Pontificia Università di San Tommaso (Angelicum -
Rome), for an engaging look at this history, tradition, and identity of
faith.
This course will give an overview of the history, theology and spiritual
life of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. It will look at some issues of
theological controversy between East and West (e.g. Filioque) and some
areas of doctrine and practice traditionally distinctive of Eastern
Christianity (e.g. theology of the icon), as well as areas of theology
and church life that show especial vitality today. Through a variety of
readings, including some patristic and liturgical texts, it will try to
convey the connections between spiritual life and worship, theology, and
the response of the Church to the world.