Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Global Ecumenical Theology
6 weeks: 10 ECTS credits
Meant for students having completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree certificate in Christian theology, or in a closely related discipline or demonstrating a suitable level of theological literacy and who demonstrate a good command of written and spoken English. Suitable for academics, professionals and practitioners in the church related context, and beyond, who are interested in how the ecumenical movement relates to sensitive and cutting-edge issues in contemporary society.
The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Global Ecumenical Theology/le Certificat de formation continue (CAS) en Théologie œcuméniques globale is accredited by the University of Geneva under the Swiss Higher Education Programme for Continuing Education in accordance with the requirements of the Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities (CRUS) with 10 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits.
The CAS in Global Ecumenical Theology accompanies major events of the World Council of Churches and can be achieved during a period of 6 weeks (4 weeks distance learning, 2 weeks residential) according to the study modules described below.
Study Modules:
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Core Course on Global Ecumenical Theology (5 ECTS credits)
Overview of the development of modern ecumenism, and an introduction to selected contemporary themes in relation to a globalised world and a changed ecclesial and religious landscape. Global Ecumenical Theology is introduced with a special focus on emerging global theological currents derived from diverse contextual engagements around the following thematic clusters: Historic-theological, Eco-theological, Practical-diaconal, Intercultural-interreligious and Just-relations. Methodologically the module is a blended learning experience that requires regular participation, fulfilment of both distance and residential learning phases and all assigned tasks.
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Thematic Workshops (1 ECTS credit)
The workshops discuss contemporary challenges with reference to the theme. The module requires regular participation and fulfilment of all assigned tasks. In 2024-2025, the theme is “Where now for visible unity?”. This theme addresses how to move towards unity in its diversity.
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Practical Ecumenical Workshop (2 ECTS credits)
The workshop offers a reflective experience on the contemporary global ecumenical movement by participating in the spiritual and thematic sessions that provide insights into the historical-cultural modes of transmission and communication of religion in practice. The module requires regular participation and fulfilment of all assigned tasks.
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Contextual Study Visits (1 ECTS credit)
The contextual study visits enable face-to-face encounters in concrete localities: places of worship for religious communities, places of faith-based social work among vulnerable groups in society, meeting places of local or regional ecumenical organisations, places of historic significance and select academic institutions. The module requires participation in all study visits, including preparatory and debriefing sessions.
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Final Research Project (1 ECTS credit)
The final research project (min. 2000 words) is written on one of the topics (or related topics) addressed during the program. It has to be submitted and successfully passed at the end of the study period.
Please find application guidelines and form, as well as frequently asked questions here.