Ecumenical Principles Description Evaluation And Application Training

Objectives:
• Define ecumenism and its historical context within Christianity.
• Identify key ecumenical councils and their significance.
• Explain the biblical foundations for unity among believers.
• Outline the scope of the course and learning outcomes.

Topics:
• What is ecumenism? Definitions and scope.
• Historical overview: Early church divisions and councils.
• Biblical basis for unity: John 17, Ephesians 4.
• The modern ecumenical movement: World Council of Churches.
• Overview of South African ecumenical context.
• Course structure and assessment criteria.

Objectives:
• Analyse the Nicene Creed and its role in unity.
• Compare the Apostles' Creed and Chalcedonian Definition.
• Evaluate the Barmen Declaration and its contextual relevance.
• Discuss the role of confessions in ecumenical dialogue.

Topics:
• The Nicene Creed: origins, content, and authority.
• Apostles' Creed and Chalcedonian Definition.
• The Barmen Declaration (1934) and resistance to ideology.
• Confessional traditions and their ecumenical implications.
• Case study: The Belhar Confession in South Africa.
• Group exercise: Comparing creeds for common ground.

Objectives:
• Define ecclesiology and its relation to ecumenism.
• Describe different models of church unity (organic, conciliar, etc.).
• Analyse the concept of 'reconciled diversity'.
• Apply models to local church contexts.

Topics:
• What is the church? Theological and sociological perspectives.
• Models of unity: organic unity, conciliar fellowship, reconciled diversity.
• The Toronto Statement (1950) and its implications.
• Case studies: United churches in South Africa.
• Challenges to unity: denominationalism and autonomy.
• Workshop: Assessing models for your context.

Objectives:
• Compare sacramental theology across traditions.
• Identify areas of convergence and divergence in baptism and Eucharist.
• Discuss the Lima Document (BEM) and its impact.
• Explore ecumenical worship practices.

Topics:
• Sacraments: definitions and number (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox).
• Baptism: modes, infant vs. believer's, mutual recognition.
• Eucharist: real presence, sacrifice, and intercommunion.
• The Lima Document (Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry).
• Ecumenical worship: shared services and liturgical exchange.
• Group discussion: Barriers to shared communion.

Objectives:
• Explain the link between ecumenism and social justice.
• Analyse key ecumenical statements on economic and racial justice.
• Evaluate the role of churches in reconciliation post-apartheid.
• Develop a framework for ecumenical social action.

Topics:
• Prophetic witness and ecumenical social ethics.
• The Kairos Document and its challenge to the church.
• Economic justice: Accra Confession and global inequality.
• Racial reconciliation: South African church initiatives.
• Gender justice and ecumenical feminism.
• Workshop: Designing an ecumenical social project.

Objectives:
• Distinguish between ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.
• Explore the theology of religions (exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism).
• Analyse ecumenical documents on interfaith relations.
• Practice interfaith dialogue skills.

Topics:
• Ecumenism vs. interfaith dialogue: definitions and goals.
• Theology of religions: key positions and debates.
• Vatican II's Nostra Aetate and other statements.
• The World Council of Churches and interfaith relations.
• Case study: Interfaith initiatives in South Africa.
• Role-play: Facilitating interfaith conversation.

Objectives:
• Develop criteria for evaluating ecumenical projects.
• Analyse case studies of successful and failed initiatives.
• Apply evaluation frameworks to local contexts.
• Identify obstacles to ecumenical cooperation.

Topics:
• Evaluation criteria: theological fidelity, inclusivity, impact.
• Case study 1: The South African Council of Churches.
• Case study 2: Local ecumenical partnerships.
• Common obstacles: doctrinal differences, power dynamics.
• Tools for assessment: surveys, interviews, outcomes.
• Group work: Evaluating a hypothetical project.

Objectives:
• Design an ecumenical action plan for a local context.
• Develop strategies for overcoming resistance.
• Integrate ecumenical principles into ministry planning.
• Practice collaborative decision-making.

Topics:
• Steps to building ecumenical partnerships.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation in ecumenical settings.
• Planning joint worship, mission, and social projects.
• Communication strategies for diverse groups.
• Case study: Successful ecumenical ventures.
• Workshop: Drafting an ecumenical covenant.

Objectives:
• Synthesize key learnings from the course.
• Present ecumenical action plans for feedback.
• Reflect on personal growth and future commitments.
• Complete course evaluation and assessment.

Topics:
• Recap of core ecumenical principles and models.
• Presentations: Ecumenical action plans.
• Peer and facilitator feedback.
• Personal reflection: Challenges and opportunities.
• Written assessment: Case study analysis.
• Course evaluation and certification.