Two members of the core SEI staff brought General Synod members up to speed on some recent developments in the Institute’s life during last Friday’s afternoon’s Institute Council session. Both highlighted the call of every disciple to ‘cherish God’s revelation and pass it on.’
The Principal-elect, the Revd Dr Michael Hull, spoke about SEI’s plans for the future of its Lay Learning provision. First, to increase the topics and delve into some in great depth: series are planned on the Ten Commandments, the Four Marks of the Church, and three Creeds of the Church, and on issues such as human identity and how the question of dignity impacts upon the ethical choices made in life. Second, to use more professional means to improve both the quality of the audio and the video. Third, to widen the range of presenters involved; Dr Euan Grant will offer a series on natural theology and St Thomas Aquinas, and the Revd Dr Jane Edwards one on bereavement and liturgy. Fourth, to use other means of delivery than simply a talking head; dialogue, for instance. Fifth, to offer not just a series during Advent and Lent, but at least four a year.
Mike spoke likewise about growth and development in SEI’s postgraduate programmes of study, with the addition of a new MA in ‘Worship and Liturgical Studies’ alongside the existing programmes in ‘Theology, Ministry and Mission’ and ‘Contemporary Christian Leadership’. He ended by saying:
I want to point out to you that the Scottish Episcopal Institute, like the Scottish Episcopal Church, punches above its weight. We are the only theological education institution in the UK running three MA’s from Durham. We are the only theological education institute in the UK, and to my knowledge in the Anglican Communion, that produces a quarterly peer-reviewed Journal. And, to the very best of my knowledge, we are the only theological education institution, that receives such close and personal attention from its Church. Bridget Campbell, the Convener of the Standing Committee; Bishop Andrew, the Acting Convener of the Institute Council; and all of you here at General Synod support SEI with your generosity of time, talent and treasure. By God’s grace you and I have taken up Paul’s mantle. We are God’s vessels, instruments and ambassadors, passing on the Faith.
The Revd Liz Crumlish, IME2 Officer, then introduced the support now being offered to those in their first three years of authorised ministry, an endeavour that is facilitated across the Province and draws on a wide range of internal, ecumenical and partnership resources. Liz grounded her vision for this work in the story of the Woman at the Well, named in Eastern Orthodox traditions as ‘Photene’, bearer of light. This, she said, was ‘a fitting image for the whole church, called as we are to be bearers of the light.’
Liz outlined how IME2 seeks to build on the characteristics nurtured during IME1 by providing further nuance and depth, ‘nudging folk on from knowing the role to inhabiting the role and discovering their own God-given identity within it.’ The programme values the learning and experience of those in their first three years of ministry, creating opportunities for them to share this with one another and reflect on how their formation continues in their different contexts and ways of living out their varying vocations.
What is now being offered is a regular pattern of monthly online gatherings, each with some input as well as space for connection and reflection, plus two face-to-face gatherings: a day conference in November and a residential in May. At these, questions about contextual mission today, the theology of pastoral care, stewardship and creation, interfaith dialogue, work with children and young people, and ministry with older people – to name but some of the topics – are considered.
Liz ended her input by saying:
The story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the well is a story of mutual learning and transformation; both were changed by the encounter. But the transformation did not stop there; a whole community was transformed as the woman shared her story and her neighbours rushed to see for themselves. Those who serve in ministry are formed in community – it’s an endeavour of the whole church and community working together for transformation.
At our recent IME2 Residential, the well became a campfire around which folks gathered, forging connection and being ignited to return to the mission of God wherever they are serving. My hope in fulfilling the role of IME2 Officer is that we will continue to be light bearers, transforming communities as we and the communities we are called to serve encounter one who is the water of life.
Photos courtesy of Anne Tomlinson and Liz Crumlish
