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Welcome New Students to Consortium Schools!

I find nothing more exciting than new beginnings.   As you begin your theological studies, I hope you feel the same way.   One of the exciting things about the Consortium is that each time you study at a different school, or attend a Consortium event with students, that feeling is renewed.

Check out the Courses available to you in the coming year at our website www.washtheocon.org under "courses"...   Come to know each of the schools--by tradition, location, and unique course scheduling.  Several specialize in evening and weekend courses (like Howard, Leland, Richmond-VU, and CBS in Maryland) and most are beginning to offer more alternative and online courses to fit your busy schedules.

Also learn about stellar professors--by visiting school websites, and checking course descriptions on our website...  

To get a feel for Consortium learning and communities, join us for the Opening Prayer Service and visit to religious study houses for dinner on September 13, beginning at 4:30 at Catholic University.  See "upcoming events" on the website for a description!

Blessings on this new beginning.  May you constantly be renewed by the Spirit in new discoveries that enrich your faith and vocation this year!

To find SUMMER COURSES on WTC website: go to "Courses," (on left) "Search Courses" and hit the SUMMER 2012 button. There you will find over 10 courses in Pastoral areas, 6 in Religious education, 6 in Music and Arts, and some exciting offerings in Bible, Theology, Preaching, and History. (over 40 in all!)

Highlights include:

* Theology of Martin Luther King
* Biblical Storytelling
* Jewish Thought and Theology
* "Whose Revolution" using art, music, and theology of the Reformation
* "Missional Evangelism" or "Emergent Gatherings"
* Technologies for Vital Mnistries
* Outdoor Ministry

And much, much more. Questions? Talk with registrar or give us a call...

ALL the Search categories are currently working (yay!), and Fall 2012 courses fully posted (but for one school).

Consortium Student Survey Open to 3/26

We have over 200 students throughout the Consortium who have responded to the Student Survey so far.   This feedback helps us evaluate existing programs and plan for streamlining and planning new initiatives for our Planning Process for the next few years.   If you are a current student, please chime in at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WTCStudents2012

We especially encourage students who have participated in a Consortium course, cross-registered, or taken part in Consortium events to share impressions and hopes for the future.

How we serve student learning during your seminary years is at the heart of our mission and programs.

Courses up and Running for Fall 2012

Students have been sharing with us that Course Registration would happen more often for them if the process were clearer, and the courses up and available early enough. 

I am happy to share that 90% of our Fall 2012 courses at member schools are now posted on the web:   http://www.washtheocon.org/ (just click on courses and search by category).

Evening courses are offered regularly at Howard, John Leland, Virginia Union, and increasingly at Wesley.

A few online courses are also registered for next fall.

Please find a course that suits your schedule and subject interest, or call me if you need help or guidance (202-832-7675).

Courses that qualify for our Certificate Programs (in Ecumenical studies or Muslim Christian studies) are searchable--and we will have more information available on the website and on campuses soon.

Upcoming Ecumenist Dinner March 22

We are delighted this year to have Michael Kinnamon join us for the annual Ecumenist Dinner, to be held March 22 at 6:30 at St. Paul's College. 

Michael will share personal reflections on new ways to articulate the ecumenical calling and vision--with special implications for teaching and learning in seminaries and parishes.  As churches become more absorbed with internal issues, we at the Consortium are convinced that trumpeting the ecumenical vision is more important than ever.

The Dinner brings faculty, committed students and judicatory ecumenists together who teach and study ecumenism throughout the Consortium institutions.   If you are interested in joining us, please contact Larry at lgolemon@washtheocon.org !

Annual Al-Alwani Lecture Success

On February 13,  Dr. Waleed El-Ansary of Xavier University lead off the third annual Al-Alwani lecture for the Washington Consortium. Waleed challenged the full house to consider how self-serving economic theory had become, without further grounding in philosophy and spiritual principles.   He drew upon the Small is Beautiful economist, EF Schumacher to critique the utilitarian and anti-green nature of economists, and reviewed Muslim principles on economic life--which serve broader human interests, the planet, and God.   It was a stunning presentation--soon available on our website!

Dr. Rich Jones from the Consortium followed with a stirring and person-centered account about economic life, work and human fulfillment.   It was a wonderful "micro" complement to the "macro" presentation of Dr. El-Ansary.

We were delighted to partner with the El-Hibri Charitable Foundation who hosted this event at their beautiful center in D.C. for this year.  The crowd of 70 or more came from area religious leaders, faculty, students, and public policy personnel from a wide range of Christian and Muslim communities.   Many thanks to the Heritage Trust for making this annual lectureship possible!

Brad Gregory visits Consortium with "Unintended Reformation"

Brad Gregory of Notre Dame is a very smart guy. With one book, he has upended the paradigm of understanding the Reformation by analyzing it as the seedbed of the Enlightenment and contemporary secularization.

Dr. Gregory gave a preview of his new book at Virginia Seminary with Consortium history colleagues earlier this month. He argues that the Reformers tried to continue the medieval ideal of a society united by religion, but because of doctrinal differences, shifting ecclesiologies, the growing independence of science, the philosophical mediation of religious difference, and the gains of "the goods life" of production and consumption (nice pun!), the Reformers actually laid the groundwork for modern/postmodern secular society.

The problem is, this is largely a bad thing in Gregory's view, and when asked about his downward view of history (as opposed to the upward narrative of progress) he admits that he has developed a critical eye. He especially targeted modern consumerism and its feeding of egoism at the expense of the social good. The Protestant Spirit and Capitalism are no longer such a happy couple for the globe today! The presentation was insightful and passionate, however, and Gregory does find hope in the renewal of civic-minded, intellectually substantive religion in some quarters.

The book is so well documented and argued, and with such eloquence, that I highly recommend everyone read it! The Unintended Reformation: How a Religious Revolution Secularized Society (Harvard Press). Kudos to Jonathan Gray and VTS for bringing Gregory to us!

Muslim and Christian Views on Jobs and Meaning of Work--Feb 13

Friends of Muslim-Christian relations will gather next Monday, 4:00-6:00 at the El Hibri Charitable Foundation (1420 16th Street NW, DC--a few blocks east of Dupont Circle). Dr. Waleed El-Ansary, an expert in Muslim Economics form Xavier University, and Dr. Richard Jones, director of Muslim-Christian studies for the Washington Theological Consortium, will present distinct views on "Good Work and Good Works":  the importance of work and its meaning in the eyes of God.

Join us for this wonderful opportunity to network with Muslim and Christian neighbors who care about building bridges, hear inspiring presentations, and enjoy a hearty reception afterward!   Please RSVP   wtc@washtheocon.org

Ecumenism Lives at Figel Address

For those who think Ecumenism is waning, they should have been with us last Thursday night at the Washington Theological Union. A truly ecumenical community of 70 plus gathered for the Prayer Service for Christian Unity at Washington Theological Union, followed by the Consortium Ecumenism Award and Figel address, given by Dr. Margaret O'Gara of the University of St. Michael's College in Toronto. Students from the Consortium Student Board planned and beautifully lead the Prayer Service, which featured a wonderful homily by Fr. James Gardiner of the Graymoor Friars, who founded the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity over 100 years ago. During the service, two students were recognized for completing the Certificate in Ecumenism: Amy Feira of Luther Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, and Desiree Kameka, of Wesley Theological Seminary.
Dr. O'Gara gave an outstanding address, which focused on the mutual gifts received by churches who are involved in bilateral dialogues, which she framed as "Dialogues of Transformation." This theologically rich and well documented account of how various communions: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Mennonite, Anglican and Disciples--have corrected misunderstandings, exchanged gifts, and explored new forms of mission and authority was inspiring and hope-giving. Dr. O'Gara decades of personal experience and scholarship were apparent, and requisite for getting past significant impasses--like misunderstandings of Eucharistic tradition or understandings of grace--and forging new levels of understanding and at times consensus. The address will be available on the WTC website soon. Our thanks to Jack Figel who makes all this possible!

Certificate in Ecumenism and Annual Ecumenism Award

Next Thursday, Feb. 2 the Consortium will honor two students who have received the Certificate in Ecumenism--after 12 or more hours of course work in Ecumenical studies, theology, and history.  These students, Amy Feira of Gettysburg Seminary and  Desiree Kameka of Wesley have developed skills in interpretation, dialogue, and active organization that will enable them to engage multiple Christian churches around our unity in Christ and various interfaith communities around deeper dialogue and understanding.  This takes place at the Prayer Service for Christian Unity, 5:30 p.m., Feb 2. at the Washington Theological Union (5 minute walk from Takoma Park Metro).  We encourage all Consortium students to attend!

In addition, the Consortium will honor Dr. Margaret O'Gara, of the University of St. Michael's College in Toronto, with its annual Ecumenism Award after the service.   She is a noted theologian and ecumenist, and will offer an address on the "Dialogue of Transformation" which highlights ecumenical encounters that have changed people and communities.  She has been involved in numerous Ecumenical dialogues and bi-lateral conversations between the Catholic Church and various Christian communities.   We encourage Consortium faculty and friends to attend this auspicious evening!       

Tribute to the Paulists and the WTU

I had the privilege of preaching at the Prayer Service to celebrate the Paulist charism during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, at the Washington Theological Union.    I loved sitting and praying next to Fr. Hurley--once co-chair of the Student Board a few years back, and worshipping with the Paulists, WTU staff, and lay supporters.   I want to share the tail end of my homily--a reflection on I Cor 12.

"While Paul focuses on spiritual gifts given to individuals in service and leadership, could it be that such gifts are imparted to communities as well? Perhaps the Corinthians were torn asunder, not because they elevated ecstatic tongues above all other gifts, but because they failed to identify this gift as their charism to offer the wider church? We Protestants often miss this communal dimension of the Spirit’s gift-giving, and so the importance to all of us in the WTU’s current celebration of the “charisms” of each religious community it is associated with. The Paulists, might I venture to say, exemplify the Pauline gifts of Wisdom, Prophecy, and Healing in their distinct charisms of Evangelization, Ecumenism, and Reconciliation.


Both the Paulists and WTU were founding members of the Washington Theological Consortium. Their gathering of the charisms and distinct apostolates of the various religious study houses has made unique contributions to theological education in the region: strong missional elements, various traditions of spiritual formation, deep ecumenical commitments, and a strongly interdisciplinary approach to intellectual and pastoral formation that the larger, guild-driven institutions often miss. Both communities have contributed significant leadership to deepening ecumenical learning and relations in the region.

So friends, when you are called to step up and lead, for the sake of the larger body, step up with the guiding passion and gift of your life, given to you by God. The men and women of the WTU have done this for decades, and will continue to do so in their own changing ministries; so too have and will the Paulists. Thanks be to God for their gifts and forms of leadership offered for us all—in the Lord’s name."

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity


How often, when you pray, do you pray for things “hoped for” but not yet fully manifest? Okay, many of us pray for “world peace” or “ending hunger” but I mean concrete, visible things that have yet to be realized in full?

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an occasion to pray for just that: the full manifestation of church unity as directed by Christ in John 17:23: “that they may be one.” Founded by Graymoor Franciscan in 1908 and adopted by multiple church traditions and denominations by mid-century, this week focuses on praying for the unity that God wills for us in his Son. For those interested in the history: Catherine Clifford’s A Century of Prayer for Christian Unity is a fine read.

There are many events in the D.C. area to commemorate this week:

January 17, 7 pm: the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land w/ Fr. John Crossin of the USCCB
Franciscan Monastery Week of Prayer Christian Unity

January 18, 6:30 pm:. Washington Theological Union with the Paulist Fathers and Dr. Larry Golemon of the WTC, Washington Theological Union Events

January 19, 5:15 pm: Theological College at Catholic University with Dr. David McAllister-Wilson of Wesley Seminary: CUA Week of Prayer Christian Unity

All Week: the Cathedral of St. Mathew and the Archdiocese of Washington Archdiocese Washington Week of Prayer Christian Unity .

January 24, 7:30 pm:  Virginia LARCUM at St. Christopher Episcopal Church, Springfield, VA, with Bishops from Episcopal, Lutheran, and Catholic Dioceses.
Virginia LARCUM Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

February 2, 5:30 pm: The Student Board of the Washington Theological Consortium prayer service at WTU, and the Ecumenical Award and Figel address by Dr. Margaret O’Gara, University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto.
Consortium Week of Prayer Christian Unity and Figel Address

Above all, take time out in your own prayer to help the churches fully manifest the unity we have in Christ, especially for this world torn asunder.

New Frontiers in Online Learning

Consortium schools, faculties, and members have a unique opportunity this Friday, December 2 to hear from a national expert in online-learning for seminaries and churches:  Dr. Mary Hess of Luther Seminary in St. Paul.  

Dr. Hess will lead a day-long seminar at Virginia Theological Seminary (3737 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, VA), exploring the opportunities and challenges of developing online courses, religious education outreach, and other learning opportunities in this digital age. The event includes lunch, and costs only $20 for Consortium faculty, members and staff.  For more information, see:  http://www.washtheocon.org/Mary%20Hess%20at%20VTS.pdf and to register, visit:  http://www.vts.edu/icfl/registration.

Consortium school faculty, staff, and will be invited to share lunch together, toward forming an "online learning group" to gather best practices and models to help schools move forward in this developing world of theological education.

500th Anniversary for Human Rights

A remarkable symposium takes place in the Washington area the first weekend of December (2-4).  It is the 500th Anniversary of Human Rights, marking the day that the Dominican friar, Fr. Antonio de Montesinos, preached a sermon in support of indigenous rights in the Spanish empires of Latin America.   That sermon reached courts in Spain, and helped change the course of native people's legal  status and spiritual standing, by offering more protections amidst the often destructive age of the Conquistadors.  

This event explores numerous topics, including the history and religious roots of human rights, universal and indigenous rights, modern genocide, human trafficking, rights and the Arab spring, and much more.   Events include scholarly presentations and discussion, cultural events, films and a religious celebration at St. Michael's Cathedral on Sunday.   Consortium members and friends are encouraged to attend, as we are co-sponsoring the event, and some of our schools (including the Dominican House) are involved in the program.

For more information, see http://humanrights500.org/ .

  



Make Dialogue part of your Religious Way of Life

I have been reflecting on Dr. Leonard Swidler's presentation at this year's Tachmindji event, where he called on us to "make dialogue part of our religious ways of life." In Christian communities, this means at a minimum following Jesus' example of engaging "others" beyond his cadre of disciples with his vision of the kingdom. Jesus can be seen to engage in a kind of dialogue, in his usual modes of teaching, healing, or doing miracles, as he always engages persons where they are, and often commends their faith. But there are moments of deeper discussion, even Socratic dialogue as well, as with Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3) or Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4). Here Jesus engages in dialogue to inquire into the other person's mind and worldview, making connections and issuing challenges to awaken them to God's kingdom in their midst.

Dr. Swidler reminds us that dialogue may be part of the fabric of the cosmos itself, and for Christians we affirm a communication and divine dance in the three persons of the Godhead. And with other traditions, including Judaism and Islam, we Christians envision God as one of prophecy and Revelation, whereby God is always reaching out to his people with divine wisdom, law and blessings. If God's mode of engagement is one of self-communication and building relations, then indeed God is a dialogical Being.

I find many seminarians and religious folk today are eager to engage in genuine dialogue with others, either to share more deeply their vision of God and the universe, or learn from others and perhaps be transformed by their faith. Serious people of faith are moving beyond the smorgasbord approach to having a taste of this religion or that, and seeking to find deeper points of shared inquiry, belief, or practice. They are also eager to face stark differences between Christian communities, and between the world religions--with honesty and with respect. Here at the Consortium, we believe such depth encounters--around commonalities and differences--is the way to build and sustain genuine dialogue over time.

I invite students, alumni, and lay leaders to utilize the schools of the Consortium to build dialogue into their religious way of life. I encourage seminarians and lay folk to consider the two Certificate programs the Consortium schools offer (http://www.washtheocon.org/Certificate%20Courses.htm): one in Ecumenism--focusing on intra-Christian relations, the other in Muslim-Christian studies What is unique about our approach to each is combining strong academic study with the practices of dialogue and shared inquiry--usually with Christians from other traditions in the room, or with Christian and Muslim students studying and learning together. Learning about Ecumenical or Interfaith dialogue today is not enough to adopt Dr. Swidler's challenge--practicing the art of dialogue is essential.

   

Cross-Registration for Winter and Spring 2012

The Consortium offers over 300 courses per semester for cross-registration by students in members schools.   There are few opportunities like this in the entire country!

Imagine taking a a few days or a week in January for courses in "Drama for Ministry"  or "Mosque Leaders and Church Leaders in Dialogue" at Wesley; a course in "Pentecostalism"  or  "Theology of Martin Luther King" at Lutheran-Gettysburg;   an interdisciplinary seminar on "Sacrifice and Christian Faith" or "Spiritual Direction" at VTS;   "Faith in the City" or "Prophetic Proclamation" at Virginia Union in Richmond;    "Leading Small Groups" or "Substance Abuse Counseling" at Capital Bible in Lanham, MD;   "Covenant Theology" or  a seminar on "Hebrews-Revelation" at Reformed in McLean, VA;   or "Global Perspectives of Mission" at John Leland in Arlington, VA.   Some of these schools offer low-cost housing for such intensives, so contact them!

In the Spring Semester, courses for cross-registration cover the fundamental areas of Church History, Theology, Scripture, Classical Languages, Pastoral and Practical Theology, Homiletics and more.  Some distinct perspectives include "Global Church History" at Leland; "Feminist and Womanist Biblical Interpretation" at Howard, "Papists, Heretics, and Idolaters in the Reformation"  at VTS;  "Reform of Teresa of Avila" at WTU; "Divine Violence in Jewish, Christian and Islamic Traditions" at Wesley; "Ecology and Religion in Interfaith Perspective" at Lutheran-Gettysburg; "Africa's Contributions to the Christian Church" at Virginia Union in Richmond; "Liturgy and Time" at the Pontifical Faculty, Dominican House; "The Writing of Church History" at Catholic University; or "Pastoral and Social Ethics" at Reformed.  

A range of courses also qualify for the two Certificate Programs of the Consortium:  12 unit course concentrations that allow focused expertise and credentialing.  For the Certificate in Ecumenism, consider "An Ecumenical View of Jesus" at Lutheran-Gettysburg; "Midrash"  with a rabbinical scholar at VTS; "The Trinity in Classical and Contemporary Theology" at Wesley; "Aquinas and the Fathers" at the Dominican House (PFIC); or "Patristic Theology" at Catholic University.   Electives are available in Anglican, Wesleyan, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed traditions.  For the Certificate in Muslim-Christian Studies, consider "Modern Islam and Its History" at Howard, "Prophethood in the Qur'an and the Bible" at VTS;  "Introduction to Islam" at Dominican, or "Religion in America" at Lutheran-Gettysburg.

To Cross register:   search the Consortium website (http://www.washtheocon.org/cgi/courses ), check with your advisor about a course that interests you, and register through your school's registrar.   Make sure you track the start and end dates of each school (as these vary)   at: http://www.washtheocon.org/academic.html.

Finally, remember this:  Gettysburg is just over an hour from most Consortium Schools (consider how often you commute an hour in D.C. traffic!);  VU in Richmond is easily accessible by Amtrak; and crossing the Potomac River from D.C. to Northern Virginia does not cause brain damage!  The experience of each school and its courses is well worth the trip.

Do We Have a Better Story?

I've been reflecting on those who are ".In Search of a Bettery Story" as Melissa Wiginton shared with us at the WTC Faculty Convocation at Howard, September 26.  She focused on younger, "emerging adults" of the millenial generation, and the great paradox of their being on the one hand, resourceful "tinkerers" who can pastiche, rethink and reconfigure almost any framework of knowledge (or faith)... and on the other hand a virtually saturated generation who basically "flip through the channels" of life experience.   Some Howard students took Ms. Wiginton on, stressing the innovation, creativity, and passion of this generation--with which she agreed, but she claimed they still seek "a better story" than what the world of immersions and experiences is offering.  I think of the Wallstreet and DC Mall villages of protest that are arising--knowing quickly what to say "no" too, but still struggling to offer the world a clear and positive challenge.

There have been days when the Christian churches have saddled up to the young, being energized by their commitment to world missions (in 19th century), or their marches against war and for civil rights (20th century).  Perhaps supportive adults hoped the churches themselves would catch the fire of their visions for faith, peace, and human dignity.  As one who grew up at the tail end of the activist days, I was encouraged by Robert McAfee Brown and others toward passionate social engagement, but without being invited to ground myself in a living and reforming tradition, from which to stand with and for others. Perhaps standing for or against aspects of the world requires a deep sense of belonging to a spiritual house that will not easily be shaken by every world tremor, but is agile enough to move and adapt at the same time.

How then do theological schools, congregations,  and spiritual institutes engage and entrust a younger generation to help 're-tradition' the expressions of faith, as Diana Bass invites us to do?   Can we offer a "Better Story" to youth than what the world is offering, while inviting young students and believers to help shape the next chapter?   To do so would require profound ecumenical thinking and resourcefulness that authorizes a rising generation to think and pray in bold new ways.

New Students at VU in Richmond
This past weekend, I had the privilege of joing the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University for their new student opening service and orientation.  We had real church there, with a stirring message from Dean Kinney, praising God in prayer and song, and brief introductions from the faculty.   Graciously, STVU offered me a chance to address challenges in Ecumenical learning today, and to introduce the Consortium.

I met and spoke with a number of  students and faculty through a followup "table fair" with other organizations.   Students were very interested in the use of other libraries, Consortium courses in special areas, certificate programs and the chance to take courses closer to home (as many commute). Above all, they sought to learn and grow professionally and spiritually wherever God lead them--in part echoing Dr. Kinney's message of following "invitation," "preparation" and "destination" in being called to a new place.

STVU students are spirited, smart, and very real in their devotion to the Lord's calling.   I found myself renewed and challenged in my own sense of vocation and walk with Jesus. 

Consortium Students Today 

This past week students came from many of the Consortium schools to attend the Student Ecumenical Prayer service and orientation at Catholic University and surrounding religious study houses.

There was a lost bus, a lost friar, and some last minute arrangements, but the prayer service offered a great unity of song, prayer, and preaching (which I was honored to do and enjoyed).   A bit of Greek around the variations of "oikos" in Ephesians 2 for the newly initiated among the Lutherans and Episcopalians and Catholics was great fun.  

Above all I am struck by how students seek a chance to pray and learn together.   Students imbarked for over 20 religious study houses among Dominicans, Franciscans, Whit Friars, Sulpicians, the De Salle house, the Maronite seminary, and more.   A special thanks to the Benedictines, Paulists and Theological College for taking in extra guests!  Students reported great table fellowship, deep conversations about call and ministry, and in some cases opportunities to pray Compline.  

I heard call stories of moving from Phd's in physics to a call for orders in one Catholic  community, strong "external calls" from home congregations and college peers among a Lutheran brother, and the nurture and spiritual growth of a cradle Episcopalian that finally lead to seminary.   This was but a taste of the evening.

Entering students are already primed for international, cross cultural, and interdenominational encounters when they arrive--many with their own ecumenical narratives (or those of famlies), and brimming with skills to network, collaborate, and learn across all kinds of boundaries....   I wonder, to what degree are their schools equally primed?

Meeting New Students

In the last two weeks, I have had the joy of meeting new students in most of the Consortium Schools. Already I see that today's students are often ecumenically shaped just as they are socially networked. I have visited them:

*  at a retreat for Leland students (with the largest entering class ever);

*  at the orientation for Howard students (committed, inquisitive, and ready);

*  at the orientation for Dominican House students (15 student brothers, and 30 plus others);

*  at a patio reception for Wesley students (large, diverse, and multi-talented group);

*  at the orientation for WTU students (men and women, religious and lay ready for study);

*  at the orientation for Catholic University STSR students (academic, pastoral, pontifical and other degree students)

One thing I ask each of the student groups is whether or not we live in a "post-ecumenical age," and to test that claim by recounting their own ecumenical narratives. Quickly, by conversing with a partner, most students realize they have been influenced by a variety of traditions of Christianity (sometimes within their own tradition--as Catholic, Baptists, and others come in many forms), and often through the influence of Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, or Orthodox mentors and family members. We live in ecumenical streams, so I encourage students to continue to swim in that current, in a more intentional way through their studies.

The Consortium is here to aid that journey--through cross registration, borrowing and research at other libraries, through student events and conversation, and more! For those who "get the bug" of Ecumenical or interfaith studies, we also offer Certificates in Ecumenism and Muslim-Christian studies, that help concentrate course work in these fields. Welcome to all the new students--not only to your school, the Consortium family, but the Lord's work of building relationship that promote unity and understanding.

Making the Rounds: Howard University and Catholic University

Howard School of Divinity

I had the privilege of meeting with Dean Alton Pollard at Howard recently, to learn of the school's unique mission and vision for theological studies. It strikes me as a theological lighthouse, that spreads its beam as a vision for the Black and American churches. Increasingly, Howard is embracing inter-disciplinary modes of teaching and research as it shapes theological scholars and ministers. This move is in line with its tradition as one of the earliest Historic Black Colleges and Universities, as these schools evolved to integrate the scholarship of race, culture, and social transformation into the formation of new leadership for church and society. Howard has a strong teaching and research faculty, covering the historic fields of Bible, Theology, History, and Practical theology--but also branching out into the psychology and sociology of religion, African-American history and culture, Muslim studies, and more. Recently, the school was granted the okay to begin a PhD program, which makes it the second one among the Consortium schools. While there, I met several faculty members, Ron Hopson in psychology of religion (and Interim Assistant Dean), Zainab Alwani in Muslim studies, Michael Newheart in New Testament, and a number of committed and gifted staff members. Howard is a great place to study alongside the Black church traditions, but also an outstanding place to engage a new and growing form of interdisciplinary theological thinking. It is only a 15 minute walk from the Brookland-CUA Metro on the Red Line, and it has plenty of parking.


CUA's School of Theology and Religious Studies

Recently, I met with the Interim Dean, Fr. Mark Morozowich and the new Associate Dean for Seminary/Ministry students, Monsignor Stephen Rossetti. From them, I learned of Catholic University's multiple academic, pastoral, and pontifical degree programs. CU's STSR strikes me as an intellectual and spiritual dynamo, whose overall mission is to balance academic integrity, theological formation, and pastoral studies. The only Catholic university founded and operated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, it has a distinct legacy of providing intellectual and theological leadership for the entire American Church. CU's course offerings are vast--in bible, theology, history, pastoral theology, ecumenical studies, religious studies methods, world religions, and more--and its professors are leaders in their fields. While Catholic in perspective, the resources in bibliographies and syllabi are highly ecumenical, and the student body includes a variety of Christian traditions. I also learned that CU plans to add more courses in pastoral theology, spirituality, and related fields over the coming years. I have had the chance to meet several dynamic faculty members, including Charles Jones in world religions (and also Assistant Dean for Academics), Fr. Paul McPartlan in Systematics, Michael Root in Ecumenical Theology and Dialogue, and Pim Valkenburg in World Religions and Muslim-Christian dialogue. CU's STSR is housed in Caldwell Hall, not far from the Basilica, and only a 5-7 minute walk from the Brookland-CUA Metro on the Red Line.

Making the Rounds:   From Gettsyburg to Richmond

Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg

Recently I visited Michael Cooper White, the president of the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg. Along the way I met helpful staff in admissions, the registrar’s office, and Dr. Leonard Hummel in practical theology. LTSG is like a beacon of the gospel in an embattled world, sitting squarely on Confederate ridge at the Gettysburg Battlefield, but always witnessing to the grace-filled freedom of the gospel for all people. LTSG is the oldest of the Lutheran Seminaries in the U.S. and a founding member of the Consortium. By its strong resources and leadership, it is helping reshape theological education. The seminary has a strong library, research and teaching faculty, and a new partnership with Luther Seminary in St. Paul around online education. In addition it has partnered with state, federal and local funds and agencies to redesign the historic Schmucker Hall into a three-story Battlefield Museum, which will highlight many of the cultural and religious dimensions of Gettysburg and the Civil War, which National Park museums fear to touch. Luther offers strong courses in Biblical languages, Scripture, theology, history and practical theology, with some distinctive offerings in inter-religious dialogue, religion and science, theology and the environment, and more. LTSG offers a number of block courses, including some Saturday intensives, so that Consortium students can spend a day or an evening coming to Gettysburg for study and for respite from the busy D.C. urban environment. They even have affordable overnight housing, if needed. The campus is only 90 minutes from northern Virginia and most of D.C.

Virginia Union University, Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology


I also had the privilege of visiting with Dean John Kinney and his staff recently at Virginia Union’s School of Theology. It strikes me as a household of freedom, with its student-oriented learning, flexible curriculum, and heritage of emancipation. VU is one of the oldest, historic Black universities in the country, founded by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society, and it has long pioneered in cultivating African-American ministers, scholars, and faculty. The Proctor School of Theology offers a traditional, weekday curriculum and a non-traditional curriculum—with numerous evening, weekend, and block courses for commuters. For example, a student can go to Richmond for a Friday evening or Saturday schedule and take courses in the Bible, Church Administration, Advanced Homiletics, History of Christianity, and more. The school believes in face-to-face theological learning, and emphasizes the use of students’ personal, vocational, and faith narratives as a resource for theological education, alongside Scripture and theological classics. As the leading professional school of the university, the Proctor School of Theology is a strong presence in the rest of the school, and it draws from the university library, research staff, and other departments. While historically African American and Baptist, VU students come from numerous denominations, cultural, and racial backgrounds—making for a rich and diverse learning environment. Richmond is less than a two hour car or train ride from D.C., and the VU campus is only three miles from the Main Street Amtrak station in Richmond.

Making the Rounds:   Wesley and the Dominican House of Studies

Wesley Theological Seminary

I met recently with President David McAllister-Wilson and learned about Wesley’s many programs and adaptive culture. It strikes me as a flotilla of ships navigating changing waters in theological education and ministry. Wesley weathered the recession well, and has moved to offer a “beyond residency” model of theological education, with block and some night courses, a January term, and increased hybrid learning with online components. It opened a new center for urban and public square education at Mt. Vernon Square in the heart of D.C., and has a large and innovative DMin program with various tracks. The student body is an ecumenical microcosm, drawing from over two dozen denominations, and the faculty is large, scholarly, and experienced in a variety of fields beyond the standard “core”: including sociology, religion and the arts, and ecumenics. Wesley also offers a strong continuing education programs and resources through the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. Located right next to American University, Wesley is less than a 10 minute bus ride from Tenleytown Metro, and has parking (but sign in!).

Dominican House of Studies

Because the WTC offices are located at the Dominican House of Studies, I have met a variety of faculty members and staff, including Fr. Corbett in moral theology, Fr. Ryan in O. T., and the new librarian, Fr. Ruiz. I also had a wonderful visit with Dean Fr. O'Donnel to learn more about the school and its mission. The Dominican House strikes me as a sacred hermitage, with spiritual formation and theological learning go hand in hand. It is the oldest of the WTC’s Catholic institutions (1834), and it moved to D. C. during the formative years of Catholic University. The Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at DHOS offers a strong program in philosophy and theology, including traditional strengths in patristics, moral theology, Scripture, canon law, sacramental theology, and more, with a specialization in Thomistic studies. The faculty edit and are regular contributors to The Thomist journal, and they author numerous other publications. In their flowing white robes, they are also the best dressed of all the WTC faculty! The Dominican House has a splendid new academic center and library, with a gracious and welcoming staff. It offers various theological and ecclesiastical degrees. It is a 5 minute walk from the Brookland-CUA Metro stop, on the Red line.

Making the Rounds:  Leland and VTS
I am busy meeting institutional heads and representatives of each of the WTC schools.  This week, I want to share some highlights of these visits, and begin to capture a sense of the unique mission and gifts of each of these schools.  I offer them to students and faculty of the WTC, as an invitation for you to learn from these centers of learning, ministry, and scholarship.

John Leland Center: Last week, I had an energetic meeting with President Mark Olson. Leland strikes me as a gourmet food-court for seminarians, pastors, church-workers and lay people to pursue quality theological education.  It is one of the newest and most creative of the consortium schools by offering non-traditional course schedules, Masters and diploma programs--specializing in evening courses (with 2 hour blocks, so one can get in 2 classes per evening), and satellite programs in Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads, Roanoke, and elsewhere. Leland serves a variety of Baptist and other evangelical students, and its new Master in Christian Leadership is especially focused on those preparing for ministries beyond the senior pastor. Leland has a solid core library, a wonderfully helpful staff, and a newly remodeled center (by Sept 1) in Clarendon, right across from the Clarendon Orange line. The faculty blends scholarship and ministerial experience in their teaching, and they are very international. The educators here are adaptive and entrepreneurial in response to the changing leadership needs of congregations, transformations of higher education, and our fast-paced society.

Virginia Theological Seminary:  I also met last week with Tim Sedgwick, academic Dean at VTS, which is an interesting counterpoint to Leland. It strikes me as a residential cathedral of theological learning.   VTS is the oldest of the consortium schools (1823) and it remains focused on theological formation and education, largely for Episcopalians and students from the global Anglican Communion. Its library is large and carefully developed to cover a range of Christian (and some interfaith) traditions. VTS offers a number of block courses in 3 hour periods, and some non-traditional course schedules in evenings, summers, and its January term.  VTS continues a long tradition of case study teaching in the DMin.   The faculty is dedicated to strong scholarship, classroom teaching, and wider church service--including a number of ecumenical and bilateral dialogues. VTS has also been a leader in bringing Muslim-Christian studies to theological education, through grant work, guest professors, and opportunities for Dr. Richard Jones, now at the WTC, to continue teaching in that area.   It also has unique opportunities for lay education, through regular lectures and the  Evening School.VTS is only a 10 minute DASH ride from the King Street Yellow Line, just beyond National Airport.

Meeting people in the Consortium network is a lesson in how "relational ecumenism" works, and it is a true joy. As I meet institution heads and board members,  I am often asked "what is your vision of the Consortium?"   I usually share something like this:

There are two views of the Consortium's mission:   one as a service organization to enhance ecumenical teaching and learning of the theological schools; the other as an advocate for a wider vision of ecumenism for the churches and the public. Organizationally, the heads and deans of theological schools are guardians of the first vision, and the consortium board is the guardian of the second.   MY VISION is to find where the two understandings overlap, and to enhance the "sweet spots" between them.   I am convinced that the public vision can inspire and help shape theological teaching and learning, and the needs of seminarians, faculty, and religious leaders can keep the former grounded and focused.

If this view is on target (and I welcome comments...), it makes the WTC a unique setting within which ecumenism for today can be reshaped and redefined.  

I recently finished teaching a course in "Theological Reflection of Ministry/Leadership" for the graduate certificate program in Imam Education by Hartford Seminary and the International Institute of Islamic Thought (Fairfax). The course focused on case studies and theological reflection around the leadership among Imams and other community leaders in various Muslim communities in the Virginia- D.C.-Baltimore region. Not only was I exposed to gifted leaders in the Muslim community, but I was moved by how much we have to learn from each other in the practices of religious leadership. I also learned that they took me more seriously as a Christian pastor and scholar, than some neutral outside educator.

Yesterday, I learned more about the Muslim-Christian Studies program of the Consortium from Dr. Richard Jones, who holds the Al-Alwani Chair and directs that program. Rich just finished a summer intensive at the Graduate School for Islamic and Social Sciences, which had strong participation. Great news that the first Certificate holder comes from the John Leland Center (David Tompkinson), and other students have finished the Certificate from Wesley and the GSISS. These students complete a rigorous set of courses in Bible and/or Qu'ran, introduction to Christianity and/or Islam, required seminars in interreligious dialogue and practical issues of collaboration, and more. They are preparing to enter a world and a society where religious caricatures and bigotry are now a cottage industry, and the need for educated religious leaders in interfaith dialogue and research is paramount.

I applaud these students, and the various faculty--from Wesley, Howard, Catholic U, VTS, Lutheran in Gettysburg, and the Dominican House --who contribute courses toward this work. I invite all member schools to consider more opportunities for Dr. Jones and invited Islamic scholars to teach (usually with Muslim students in the course) on their campuses!

First week on the job, I am learning the ropes of the Consortium office, and spending final days facilitating the DMin case study process at Virginia Theological Seminary.   I am struck by how resourceful theological students and pastors are at resourcing their own ministry, and how cross-denominational their searches are--for models of ministry, theological frameworks, and ways to link social thought to Christian practice.  This kind of ecumenical learning, on the ground, is one of the hopes for strengthening theological education and the ecumenical movement.  

Many thanks to Fr. Crossin, Clyde Taylor, and Marguerite Connolly and others at the Consortium for their hours of orienting me to the vital mission of this organization, and its many schools and associates!

Crossin Farewell--Friends: As readers of this blog know, I am coming to the end of my time as executive director of the Consortium. I expect that my successor will be named in May. There are a few activities that I will be pursuing in the next month--before I leave on May 31st. I think that now is time to end my blogging. The Consortium website www.washtheocon.org will be announcing the new director and other important matters. I have enjoyed sharing my musing over coffee during the last several years. In closing let me encourage you in your efforts for Christian Unity and Christian-Muslim Dialogue. Peace, John

Meeting with Folks---Friends: A major part of my day has been devoted to meeting with folks related to the Consortium. This has been taking place for 13 years. Now I am making my 'final rounds' as executive director, saying some good-by's. I will finish on May 31st. Peace, John