Summerschool: Old Catholic Theology in Its Ecumenical Context

O L D C A T HO L I C T HE O L O G Y I N I T S ECUMENICAL CONTEXT PROGRAMME 1 July 2023– 7 July 2023 OUD-KATHOLIEK SEMINARIE Dear visitor! I’m very glad that you’re interested in our summer school in Old Catholic theology. Since 2012 we have been inviting students to Utrecht to explore Old Catholic theology together. More than a course, the experience has been an experience of fellowship for all participants, students and professors alike. Because of the success of the now classical introductory course Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context we will continue to offer it. It is a unique opportunity to acquaint yourself with the basic tenets and key voices in Old Catholic theology. WELCOME If you want to go beyond the basics, then the advanced course is the right choice for you. For 2023 we’ve chosen a brand-new focus: In search of being Church in Communion. Here we will be building on the success of the advanced course as it was offered first in 2021. Of course, you can also choose to combine both courses in one ‘track’ – two weeks of full immersion in Old Catholic theology! This even comes with a discount on your course fee. Prof. Dr. Peter-Ben Smit Course director We’re delighted that the faculty of the Old Catholic Seminary at Utrecht University is again offering its time and talent for the summer schools. They include some of the best and brightest minds in Old Catholic theology, such as The Very Rev. Dr. Mattijs Ploeger, dean of the Seminary, who will be lecturing on liturgy and systematic theology and The Rt. Rev. Dr. Dick Schoon, Bishop of Haarlem, who will lecture on church history. Also, we’re honoured that Prof. Dr. Andreas Krebs, a theologian with a strong interest in queer and ecological approaches, will visit us again from the Old Catholic Institute of Bonn University. Participants will be introduced to the praxis and spirituality of the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands by The Rev. Jutta Eilander–van Maaren MA, lecturer in practical theology at the Seminary. Last but certainly not least, excursions are also included into both courses, for instance to St. Gertrud’s Cathedral, seat of the Archbishop of Utrecht; to the leading museum of religious art and history in the Netherlands, the Catharijneconvent; to the hidden history of (Old) Catholicism in Amsterdam during its suppression, and to the medieval cathedral of Utrecht, the Dom Church. As course director, I’d be very happy to be able to welcome you to join us in Utrecht in 2023. This is your chance to be part of a unique community of learners in Old Catholic theology. While you connect with participants from all over the globe, you will engage intensively with Old Catholic systematic theology, liturgy, history, spirituality, ecumenical relations, canon law, and praxis. If you ask yourself: is this for me? the answer is probably: yes, it is! Courses are suitable for theologians, clergy and interested lay persons alike. Please get in touch with Ms. Rieneke Brand, at [email protected] should you have any questions. Oh, and before I forget, there’s one final piece of good news: despite the rise in prices all over the world, we’ve decided to keep our course fee the same! With every good wish, Prof. Dr. Peter-Ben Smit, course director P.S. Given the positive feedback on the ‘in person’ experience of 2022, we will continue to teach our classes physically in 2023. As participants in 2022 told us, this provides by far the best conditions for creating an intense community of learners and a direct encounter with the Dutch context. 2 P RO G R A M M E D E S C R I P T I O N This course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as reflected in the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: The History of Old Catholicism, Spirituality, Ecumenism, Canon Law and Ecclesiology, Liturgy, and Systematic Theology. Students will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology from the faculty at the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht. The course also includes an exploration of religious art in cooperation with the main Dutch museum on this topic, Museum Catharijneconvent. Participants will also engage with Old Catholic liturgy and church music by attending Mass in St. Gertrud’s Cathedral. The excursion to Amsterdam, where the participants will tour sites of (Old) Catholic history will be offered again this year. Besides lectures and excursions, it will also be possible to participate in social activities, in which you can learn from the knowledge and backgrounds of your fellow students and have a good time together as well. At the end of the course, students will have a broad overview of major topics and themes in Old Catholic theology and spirituality and will be able to pursue further independent study of the subject. The course is at the introductory level of an M.Div. curriculum; good BA students may also apply. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course. This course can be combined with a second week of advanced studies: Old Catholic Theology beyond the Basics: In search of being Church in Communion. That course is offered in immediate connection with the introductory course. Target audience • Students of theology interested in Old Catholicism and ecumenism; • Clergy and theologians interested in Old Catholicism and ecumenism; • Laypersons with formal or informal theological training interested in Old Catholicism and ecumenism. The course is of specific interest for students from Anglican, Orthodox, Lutheran, Old Catholic, and ecumenical backgrounds. Aim of the course The goals of the course are, the following; Upon completing the course: 1. the student will be familiar with central aspects of Old Catholic identity and theology; 2. the student will be able to contextualize Old Catholic theology within the broader spectrum of theology and religious studies; 3. the student will be able to undertake further independent exploratory studies of specific aspects of Old Catholic theology. Study load 4 contact hours/day, about 40 hours of preparatory self-study will be required. Costs Course fee: € 425 Registration Application deadline: 1 May 2023 3 LECTURERS The Rev. Prof. Dr. Peter-Ben Smit The Rev. Dr. Mattijs Ploeger The Rt. Rev. Dr. Dirk Jan (Dick) Schoon Prof. Dr. Peter-Ben Smit holds the Chair of Ancient Catholic Church Structures at Utrecht University, on behalf of the Old Catholic Seminary. Lecturer in Biblical and Ecumenical Theology at the Old Catholic Seminary in Utrecht. Dean at the Old Catholic Seminary in Utrecht. Lecturer in Systematic Theology and Liturgy. Lecturer in Church History at the Old Catholic Seminary in Utrecht. Also Bishop of Haarlem. Systematic Theology and Liturgy Church History Ecumenism The Rev. Jutta Eilander-van Maaren MA Adriaan Snijders LL.M. Lecturer in Practical Theology at the Old Catholic Seminary in Utrecht. Lecturer in Canon Law at the Old Catholic Seminary in Utrecht Practical Theology and Spirituality Canon Law 4 PROGRAMME PART I Time Location Description Lecturer Saturday, 1 July 12.00-18.00 Key pick-up You will find the exact key pick-up location in the pre-departure information, available after you have paid the course fee Sunday, 2 July 10.00 Mass at St. Gertrud's Cathedral, Willemsplantsoen 2, Utrecht Attendance of Mass and subsequent coffee hour with the local priest and parishioners 12.00 Informal lunch and guided tour through St. Gertrud’s Cathedral The coffee hour will be followed by an informal lunch and tour through the cathedral and its immediate forerunner, the St. Gertrud’s Chapel. Lunch will be provided Monday, 3 July 10.00-12.00 Course Introduction Location t.b.a. 12.00-13.30 Lunch Break 13.30-15.30 Lecture - Location t.b.a. Orientation on the course, introduction to sources and resources for Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context; sharing of the preparatory reflection papers on the motivation for the course. Prof. Dr. Peter-Ben Smit Perspectives on Old Catholic praxis and spirituality Jutta Eilander-van Maaren, MA Tuesday, 4 July 10.00-12.00 Lecture - Location t.b.a. 12.00-13.30 Lunch Break 13.30-15.30 Excursion – Start Amsterdam Central Station Introduction to the history of the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands. Dr. Dick Schoon Hidden churches - publicly known. A tour of (Old) Catholicism in Amsterdam. Dr. Dick Schoon 5 PROGRAMME PART II Time Location Description Lecturer Wednesday, 5 July 10.00-12.00 Lecture - Location t.b.a. 12.00-13.30 Lunch Break 13.30-15.30 Excursion - Museum Catharijneconvent Utrecht Old Catholic Approaches to Theology Dr. Mattijs Ploeger Excursion to National Museum Catharijneconvent (Utrecht) Richard de Beer MA, curator of the Old Catholic collection Thursday, 6 July 10.00-12.00 Lecture - Location t.b.a. 12.00-13.30 Lunch Break 13.30-15.30 Lecture - Location t.b.a. Old Catholic Liturgy: An Introduction Dr. Mattijs Ploeger Introduction to Old Catholic Canon Law in its Ecclesiological Context Adriaan Snijders, LL.M. Friday, 7 July 10.00-12.00 Lecture - Location t.b.a. Concluding seminar 12.00-13.30 Informal lunch. Location t.b.a. Lunch will be provided. The Most. Rev. Bernd Wallet, MA (Archbishop of Utrecht) 6 F U R T HE R I N F O R M A T I O N For more INFORMATION or to apply for this course check: Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context Going BEYOND the basics? Old Catholic Theology beyond the Basics: In search of being Church in Communion Being very AMBITIOUS? Check the TRACK (with discount): Old Catholic Theology: Communion as Calling and Challenge Scholarships: For information regarding financial assistance, please contact the course director at [email protected]. Disclaimer: This programme is provisional and may be subject to minor changes due to unforeseen circumstances. 7