The International Colloquium on “The Forthcoming Council of the Orthodox Church: Understanding the Challenges” is organised by Institut Saint-Serge, Paris Centre of Ecumenical Research, and the Catholic University of Leuven, in partnership with Revue de théologie orthodoxe Contacts and the Collège des Bernardins (Paris)
During recent years, the efforts of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the other Orthodox Autocephalous Churches to remove all remaining barriers to organising the long-announced Great Pan-Orthodox Council have been redoubled. It is therefore essential to organise a theological reflection concerning the major themes of this great forthcoming event.
In this conference, we will discuss some of the major themes which were already determined during the first pre-conciliar conference in 1976 but which remain highly relevant in the present context. This colloquium will present an academic reflection and will be enriched by contributions of different theologians, all expressing their individual opinions.
This discussion will take place with the active presence of specialists in Orthodox theology from other Christian denominations. This will result in a fruitful interaction of Orthodox and non-Orthodox theologians, characterized by ecumenical openness.
From April 1, a registration form will be downloadable from the following website:
Participation costs will be 60 EUR for the entire conference or 30 EUR/day (meals included) with reductions for students and for attendance only.
* The conference languages will be English and French but a working translation of all lectures will be made available during the conference.
* The organisers will take care of the accommodation of all main speakers, and can provide guidance to others looking for accommodation.
* CALL FOR PAPERS: Professors and doctoral students are encouraged to write a paper addressing one of the five conference themes and to present it during the conference. Only a limited amount of slots are available. Proposals are to be made in the form of an abstract of approximately 250 words. Deadlines for paper proposals are set for July 1st and September 1st 2012, but it is advisable to submit a proposal by the first date. Please also include a short academic profile of yourself. Authors of accepted proposals will be notified shortly after the deadline.
A full programme is available here.