LEST VI - General information
Over the past ten years, Leuven Encounters in Systematic Theology (LEST) has established itself as an inspiring platform for theological reflection and exchange. This series of conferences has convened around the following themes: The Myriad Christ. Plurality and the Quest for Unity in Contemporary Christology (LEST I: 1997), Sacramental Presence in a Postmodern Context (LEST II: 1999), Theology and Conversation. Towards a Relational Theology (LEST III: 2001), Religious Experience and Contemporary Theological Epistemology (LEST IV: 2003) and Godhead Here in Hiding. Incarnation and the History of Human Suffering (LEST V: 2005). Following this series of theological investigations, the Department of Systematic Theology (Faculty of Theology, KU Leuven) is organising a sixth Leuven Encounters in Systematic Theology from 7-10 November 2007 under the theme: “Believing in Community: Ecumenical Reflections on the Church”. The aim of the conference is to provide an opportunity for academic and ecumenical reflection on the Church. The main title of the conference emphasises the church’s character as a community. What are the challenges the church, as a community, is facing in an age of individualisation? How do the churches respond to this challenge together? Additional questions arise from the church’s character as both a local and global community. How are communities held together? What is the community to which we belong to and what is this community’s identity based on? What is the relationship between the sacramental identity of the churches and their openness towards other communities? What are the limits of theological or ethical diversity within the Church? What is the future of the ecumenical enterprise and bilateral dialogues? All speakers and participants are welcome to participate in the discussion.
The 6th International LEST conference will take place from Wednesday, November 7th, 2007 at 7.00 p.m. until noon on Saturday, November 10th, 2007 followed by a closing banquet at 1.00 p.m. Even although the number of available slots for plenary lectures is unavoidably limited, senior scholars are welcome to share their reflections on the theme in parallel paper sessions. On Wednesday, November 7th, 2007 from 11.00 a.m. to 6 p.m., a Junior Scholars’ Conference will be held.
Main speakers on LEST 2007:
S. Wesley Ariarajah (Drew University)
André Birmelé (Université Marc Bloch & Centre for Ecumenical Research of the Lutheran World Federation) William T. Cavanaugh (University of St. Thomas)
David Chapman (co-secretary of the British Methodist - Roman Catholic Committee)
Peter De Mey (KU Leuven)
Bradford Hinze (Fordham University)
Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen (Fuller Theological Seminary)
Wolfgang Thönissen (Johann-Adam-Möhler Institut für Ökumenik)
Ioan Sauca (Bossey Ecumenical Institute)
Myriam Wijlens (Universität Erfurt)
Susan K. Wood (Marquette University)
Michael Nazir-Ali (Bishop of Rochester, UK)
In view of the presence of a substantial English-speaking international student body at the Faculty of Theology of the KU Leuven, the main conference language will be English. Translation of main lectures in French and German into English will be available.The conference will take place in the Faculty of Theology, located in the centre of Leuven. Leuven is located 25 km from Brussels and is directly connected by train to Brussels International Airport. Please note that Leuven (in French: Louvain) is not the same as Louvain-la-Neuve. Participants may select and arrange their lodgings from a wide variety of options.
