Author:

Keywords:

ecumenism, distance learning

Abstract:

This paper aims to present an innovative project by the Institute of Ecumenical Studies at the Ukrainian Catholic University – the world’s first Distance Learning Master’s Program in Ecumenical Studies. Offered in English, the program brings together an international ecumenical community of teachers and learners, and offers a first step into the professional and academic world of ecumenism, a supplementary education for those working in other areas, and an opportunity for spiritual growth for all. Students can apply both for the program as a whole, and for individual courses within it. The inspiration to create a distance learning program in ecumenism comes from the nature of the field itself. Ecumenism and the ecumenical movement are driven by a desire to gather the dispersed people of God. Distance learning provides an opportunity to gather from around the world those who are deeply concerned by the disunity of the Body of Christ, creating an on-line community that, in being educated together, engages critical questions and seeks possibilities for healing. The inspiration comes also from the unique character of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies. It is located in the city of Lviv, in Western Ukraine - an ancient meeting place of East and West, of Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic, Orthodox, and to some extent Protestant traditions. Working over the last three years on that soil, rich in opportunities for conflict but also for cooperation and mutual understanding, the Institute of Ecumenical Studies has organized ecumenical conferences and retreats all over Europe, with the participation of clergy and laity from many branches of Christianity. Today, the Institute is eager to share with a broader community the human and academic resources that it has discovered in its quest to increase dialogue among the churches of God, and to welcome the contribution of students.