Utrecht, Netherlands

Old Catholic Theology: Communion as Calling and Challenge

This track consists of two connected courses that offer in the first week an introduction to Old Catholic theology in its ecumenical context and in the second week the possibility to deepen your understanding of Old Catholic Theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The first week will offer a broad overview of main topics and themes in Old Catholic theology and spirituality which will be deepened in the courses of the second week.

The courses in the second week are especially linked to an apparent paradoxical key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can a modern church be so 'traditional' at the same time?

The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: the history of Old Catholicism, fundamental and liturgical theology, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. Case studies that will be explored cover topics such as marriage, the ordination of women and mission.

The courses will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology on the faculty of the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht, together with staff of the Institute of Old Catholic Theology, University of Bonn.

The course includes excursions a.o. to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catharijneconvent). The beginning of the course is marked by attending the Eucharist in St. Gertrud’s Cathedral, facilitating an encounter with ‘lived Old Catholicism’.

Besides the programme of lectures and seminars social activities will be organised to meet and get to know each other. This, we believe, is important because studying theology is also studying in practice, in relation with the other students from all different contexts.

At the end of the course, students will have a deepened knowledge of, and insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early Church and will be able to apply this knowledge in theological reflection and research. The course is partly at the introductory level of an M.Div. curriculum and partly at the advanced level of a MA curriculum. Good BA students may also apply, as well as others. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.

This track combines the two courses of Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context and The Early Church as Ideal. It is also possible to participate in only one of the two weeks.

Course leader

Prof. dr. Peter-Ben Smit

Target group

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 interesting in Old Catholicism and ecumenism. The course is of specific interest for students with Anglican, Orthodox, Lutheran, Old Catholic, and ecumenical backgrounds.

Course aim

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 have a deepened knowledge of Old Catholic theology its appeal on the Early Church; 4) The student will be able apply this knowledge in theological reflexion and research; 6) The student will be able to undertake further independent study of aspects of Old Catholic theology.

Fee info

EUR 800: Course + course materials
EUR 450: Housing fee (optional)