60th session: (applications already closed)
God Has Given Us the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5-18):
Poverty and Wealth and Overcoming Violence
15 September 2008 - 15 February 2009
61st session: (application deadline 30 November 2008)
Healing Memories: Building Reconciled and Healing Communites
14 September 2009-29 January 2010
62nd session: (application deadline 30 November 2009)
"Seek Peace and Pursue It" (Ps 34:14)
13 September 2010-28 January 2011
The Graduate School of Ecumenical Studies is an intensive period of study, research and community life. It is primarily for young theologians and pastors and for students of other disciplines with a suitable level of theological literacy.
According to the University of Geneva rules, successful completion of the Graduate School of Ecumenical Studies programme is equivalent to 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. These are granted upon request, to students who are registered as regular students at the University of Geneva.
The programme of the Graduate School
The programme includes a study of the issues at stake in the ecumenical movement comprising:
the hopes, interests and actors who helped to shape the movement in its most formative moments;
a review of the specific contribution of the World Council of Churches together with other institutional expressions of the ecumenical movement;
an analysis of the resources - biblical, ethical, historical, liturgical, political, sociological and theological - of importance to ecumenical thinking or reflection;
an introduction to those elements of contemporary life that currently most challenge ecumenical thinking and action;
a careful look at the issues and themes which are at the forefront of contemporary ecumenical dialogue;
the problem of conflict within the ecumenical movement and an examination of the possible methods for its resolution;
the prophetic role of the churches and their contributions to promoting justice, peace, reconciliation and healing in the world.
The academic reflection is being enriched through the proximity of the WCC and international community of Geneva. Each year the Graduate School has a specific focus given by the chosen theme, which will be reflected upon during the semester in the workshop on Biblical Hermeneutics.
To explore themes relevant to ecumenism and to study the ecumenical movement and its history, including the organization and activities of the World Council of Churches, ecumenism in the Roman Catholic Church and ecumenism among Evangelical and Pentecostal groups not affiliated with the WCC.
To live together as an ecumenical and multicultural community in which many different confessions, backgrounds and philosophies of life are represented; to share in an adventure in which people who come from divided churches and diverse life-situations seek to build genuine community in the face of inherent tensions and conflicts.
To worship together and do Bible studies together recognising and respecting different liturgical and theological traditions.
lectures and discussions
work in modules and seminars
individual research resulting in two research papers
study visits (to the offices of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, to Rome, to Swiss Reformed parishes, to Orthodox liturgies)
participation in social and cultural events