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2008

INSTITUTE for

INTERRELIGIOUS Leadership

For close to twenty years, the Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers (formerly NADEO) and the Bishops’ Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs have co-sponsored continuing education for ecumenical and interreligious leadership. These annual six-day institutes have been very worthwhile experiences for ecumenical officers, commission members, clergy, religious and laity in providing an in-depth understanding of Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs.

Who should attend? New Ecumenical/Interreligious Officers, diocesan commission members, diocesan education personnel, members of religious communities that have ecumenical/interreligious apostolates, Seminarians.

What is the Institute for Interreligious Leadership? It is an educational opportunity for those who are called upon to serve the Catholic Church in the field of interreligious relations. Its program will include an exposition of Catholic theological and pastoral principles governing such relations, especially on the local level. Key documents, major events, and the history of practical experience with dialogue will be reviewed. Attention will be given to the beliefs and practices of the world religions that are represented in the United States as a result of several waves of immigration. The Institute will address such questions as how to initiate and maintain dialogue programs, how to develop curricula on world religions, how to respect cultural sensitivities in pastoral work, and how to pursue conflict resolution. Participants will have a hand in shaping the agenda according to their specific needs and interests, depending on the circumstances in their dioceses and regions.

Who sponsors the Institute? The Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers (CADEIO) and the Bishops’ Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (BCEIA) of the USCCB.

Academic Credit? The University of Saint Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary offers academic credit for participation in the event. Contact the local host for details.

What happens? Daily liturgies, lectures, expert panels, visits to religious sites and ceremonies, discussion of key issues and ideas, reflection on theological aspects of interreligious relations, analysis of documents of the magisterium by lecturers who have an extensive background in this ministry.

Free time? The grounds of Mundelein Seminary are exceptionally beautiful and lend themselves to quiet walks. Because of the schedule of site visits and lectures, leisure time is limited. Socializing most evenings is part of the experience of developing a network of collaborators in the field.