Home
Various Faiths Join in 'Ecumenical School of Theology'
CROMWELL, CT (November 14, 2005) - Covenanters here have been participating in
a successful pilot program called the Cromwell Ecumenical School of
Theology, a joint effort involving four churches and four ministry
related organizations designed to focus on various spiritual areas of
mutual interest.
Registration has far exceeded expectations. "We hoped for 30 to 40
people, and after two sessions, we've registered over 100," says Judy
Swanberg, associate superintendent of the East Coast Conference of the
Evangelical Covenant Church. "We're having a lot of fun with it."
Swanberg is teaching a class on "Praying the Psalms." She co-chairs the
program with the rector of Holy Apostles (Catholic) College and
Seminary. Another class on "Understanding Islam from a Christian
Perspective" is taught by Covenant Village of Cromwell resident R.
Marston Speight, a retired Methodist minister with a doctorate in
Islamic Studies.
The courses are held on four consecutive Sunday evenings with students
asked to consider a $5 donation for each class.
Ten pastors, including five Covenant ministers, have had input into the
project as part of the local clergy association. Swanberg, also a member
of the association, developed the idea with the assistance of three
other association members.
In addition to the Covenant, three other churches are participating -
one Catholic, an independent Congregational church, and a Lutheran
church. Four institutions also are involved - the Children's Home of
Cromwell, Covenant Village of Cromwell, the East Coast Conference
offices, and Holy Apostles. Members of four other denominations make up
a smaller percentage of participants.
"Feedback from participants has been most enthusiastic," says Swanberg.
Another four-week series is being planned for Lent.
Tim Stohlberg, pastor of Hilltop Covenant Church, says the ecumenical
project is a logical outgrowth of existing relationships among the
churches. "We have a number of joint worship services throughout the
year," he says. "We also have a number of events that we sponsor."
To learn more about the Cromwell Ecumenical School of Theology, contact
Swanberg by email at judyecceast@sbcglobal.net.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
