Course

Cooperation and Conflict: Ecumenism as vision and praxis

The world faces many challenges in inter-group relations. In this situation, many churches have a long experience of cooperation and bridge-building, both on a local and an international level. Many of them have experienced conflicts and have sometimes found ways to reconciliation. This course, which takes place in an ecumenical environment at University College Stockholm, focuses on ecumenical relations in the ecumenical field of today. The course provides local and global perspectives on the challenges and possible ways to collaboration. Special weight is given to mission and evangelization in a multi-religious world, as well as to the praxis and guiding visions of inter-church cooperation. Receptive Ecumenism as a method and research field is explored, as well as feminist perspectives on ecclesiology. The course involves studying conflicts and tensions in and between church communities, in Sweden and internationally. Moreover, the course elucidates the ecumenical field with regard to climate change and globalization. The course also includes an integrated field study assignment comprising the equivalent of 7,5 credits of study conducted in a context where international relations are exercised in the Christian community.

At the end of the course the student is expected to:

  • demonstrate advanced knowledge of the development of the ecumenical movement, show far-reaching insight into the role of ecumenism in the worldwide ecclesial landscape
  • show the ability to analyze, with a high degree of independence and informed by the reading and findings of a relevant student-conducted field study, such aims, objectives, and practices that influence inter-church relationships and the churches’ external relations
  • show the ability to reflect critically on opportunities and obstacles in the building of ecumenical relationships and display an in-depth understanding of the different challenges which the ecumenical movement faces today.

Buck, Jennifer M, 2016. Reframing the House. Constructive Feminist Global Ecclesiology for the Western Evangelical Church. Eugene: Pickwick Publications (196 p).

Clapsis, Emmanuel, 2000. Orthodoxy in Conversation. Orthodox Ecumenical Engagements. Genève: WCC Publications (236 p).

Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World Recommendations for Conduct. https://www.oikoumene.org/sites/default/files/Document/ChristianWitness_recommendations.pdf. (7 p).

Education for Peace in a Multi-Religious World A Christian Perspective. Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue World Council of Churches https://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/publications/EducationforPeace_booklet_nocropsFINALweb.pdf (20 p).

Enns, Fernando Mosher, Annette (eds.), 2013. Just Peace: Ecumenical, Intercultural, and Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Eugene: Pickwick Publications (216 p).

Folding, Matthew (ed), 2017. Engage: A Theological Field Education Toolkit. Explorations in Theological Field Education. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. (180p)

Frost, Carrie Frederick, 2019. Maternal Body: A Theology of Incarnation from the Christian East. Mahwah: Paulist Press (107 s).

Kinnamon, Michael, Cope, Brian (eds), 1997. The Ecumenical Movement. An Anthology of Basic Texts and Voices. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (by selection 100 p).

Kinnamon, Michael, 2014. Can a Renewal Movement be Renewed? Questions for the Future of Ecumenism Grand Rapids: Eerdmans (167 p).

Merriam, Sharan B, Tisdell, Elisabeth J, 2015. Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation 4th Edition. John Wiley & Sons (368 p)

Moving in the Spirit: Report of the World Council of Churches Conference on World Mission and Evangelism 8-13 March 2018 Arusha, Tanzania Edited by Risto Jukko and Jooseop Keum https://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/publications/MovingintheSpirit.pdf
(by selection 100 p).

Pizzey, Antonia, 2019. Receptive Ecumenism and the Renewal of the Church. Leiden: Brill (251 p).

Swinton, John, Mowat, Harriet, 2016. Practical Theology and Qualitative Research – second edition. SCM press (320p).

Sensing, Tim, 2011. Qualitative Research: A Multi-Methods Approach to Projects for Doctor of Ministry Theses. Wipf & Stock Publishers (300 p)

The Church. Towards a Common Vision. Faith and Order Paper No. 214  https://www.oikoumene.org/sites/default/files/Document/The_Church_Towards_a_common_vision.pdf (60 p).

Thiessen, Gesa Elsbeth (eds.), 2011. Ecumenical Ecclesiology. Unity, Diversity and Otherness in a Fragmented World. London: T&T Clark (262 s).

Thomas, Gabrielle, 2021. For the Good of the Church. Unity, Theology, and Women. London, SCM Press. (256 p.)

Together Towards Life. Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes
https://www.oikoumene.org/sites/default/files/Document/Together_towards_Life.pdf (40 p).

The schedule is available at the latest one month before the course starts. We do not recommend that you print the schedule as some changes may happen.

Open the Schedule

Sara Gehlin

Teol. dr, Senior lecturer, Head of subject

sara.gehlin@ehs.se

Grades

A = Excellent, B = Very good, C = Good, D = Satisfactory, E = Sufficient, Fx = Insufficient, F = Insufficient

Examination Format

  • Papers
  • Seminars
  • Take-home examination
  • Written examination

A Bachelor's degree in Theology (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen) from an internationally recognized university. In addition, at least 15 credits at the master’s level within church history or systematic theology. Proficiency in English by means of an internationally recognized test, e. g. TOEFL, IELTS or the equivalent.

  • Completion of a course requires a minimum of 80% attendance at lectures and 100% attendance at seminars/group work and other assignments. Absence beyond that can be compensated by supplementing assignment(s) if the instructor finds it possible. In case of an absence of 50% or more, the course is considered as interrupted, even if assignments have been completed.
  • Students have the opportunity to take the exam according to the original course syllabus within two years after the course. If there are special reasons, such a re-examination can also take place later. Normally, teaching is not given according to an older syllabus. The possibility of exemption shall be decided by the president or vice president.
  • If a student due to disability has a decision from the EHS on special pedagogical support, the examiner shall, if necessary, adapt the examination and conduct the examination in an alternative way.

Established by Subject Representative College at Enskilda Högskolan Stockholm on June 21, 2021.