Press Release 10/34e12.07.10 12:47 Academic Theology in Europe: Jeopardised or in demand? Third Consultation of Theological Faculties in Europe “Theology cannot be replaced by Religious Studies. Theology has a major role to play within the University by countering stereotypes, demonstrating ways of dealing with religious conflict, and working out its own unique specificity in dialogue with other disciplines,” said Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) in a keynote address at the Third Consultation of Theological Faculties in Europe. Representatives of Theological Faculties and Church Theological Institutes from 22 different European countries gathered at the Catholic Theological Faculty of the Karl-Franzens University of Graz from the 7th-10th July 2010. The consultation was organized by CEC jointly with the Catholic Theological Faculty. This consultation built upon the previous two meetings in 2002 and 2006, and continued their concern to establish a network between European theological faculties of different Christian confessions, and further cooperation in the areas of theological education and research. The second keynote speech was given by Bishop Michael Bünker, General Secretary of the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE). He stated that “education provided by theological faculties is essential and complements practical ministerial training.” Cardinal Karl Lehmann, Bishop of Mainz, the third keynote speaker, spoke about the essential relationship between theology, reason and faith. He stressed that, “Reason includes both listening and asking questions, and a thinking faith is necessary to interpret the gospel in a way that a pluralistic world can hear and receive.” Greetings were addressed to the conference by Prof. Dr Alfred Gutschelhofer, Rector of the Karl-Franzens University of Graz, Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, President of CEC, Bishop Egon Kapellari, Bishop of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau, Metropolitan Michael of Austria, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Austria, and Superintendent Hermann Miklas of the Evangelical Church in Styria. The consultation demonstrated the rich interweaving between university, church, state and society. The participants agreed upon a number of proposals and recommendations for the future of the Graz process, expressed in the Final Statement. Prof. Dr. Viorel Ionita, Acting General Secretary of CEC stated that, “This consultation focused on questions of cooperation between the different networks of Theological Faculties in Europe as well as on finding new ways for promoting theological research in Europe. The development of the so called Graz process was also discussed. In these terms this consultation continued the work of the two previous gatherings and registered a good progress in relations to them. On behalf of the Conference of European Churches I would like to express our thanks to the Theological Faculty of the Karl-Franzens University of Graz, especially to the dean of this Faculty, Prof. Dr. Hans-Ferdinand Angel and his staff for their support for and commitment to the Graz process.” ***** The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is a fellowship of some 120 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic Churches from all countries of Europe, plus 40 associated organisations. CEC was founded in 1959. It has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Strasbourg. For more information: |
