Notre Dame-Heidelberg Reformation series to examine authority and interpretation of Scripture | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › Notre Dame-Heidelberg Reformation series to examine authority and interpretation of Scripture Notre Dame-Heidelberg Reformation series to examine authority and interpretation of Scripture Published: March 10, 2017 Author: Amanda Skofstad In the third of four gatherings between the University of Notre Dame and Heidelberg University commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, scholars from both universities will gather March 12-15 in McKenna Hall to examine the authority and interpretation of the Bible—arguably one of the most disputed topics in the history of ecumenical dialogue. Multiple Reformations and the Authority and Interpretation of Scripture, co-sponsored by one of the largest faculties of Catholic theology and one of the largest Protestant faculties in the world, will feature seven to 10 theologians from each university along with presentations by Notre Dame English, history and American studies faculty and by faculty from other universities in the United States and Canada. In addition to discussing the Reformation’s cultural, political and intellectual legacies and investigating potential long-term research collaborations, scholars in these four meetings are examining how this pivotal event contributed to the globalization of Christianity and identifying ways forward for ecumenical scholarship and dialogue. “In an age of polemics, our model for Christian unity is what Cardinal Walter Kasper calls a ‘reconciled diversity’ in ecumenical dialogue,” said J. Matthew Ashley, associate professor and chair of theology at Notre Dame and co-organizer of the Multiple Reformations series with Jan Stievermann of Heidelberg. “This means we meet, listen, enjoy one another’s company and identify both differences and areas of overlap. This helps us jointly own the complicated shared history of the Reformation and see how we can come to terms with it.” “Our Catholic mission, after the Second Vatican Council, demands a commitment to ecumenical dialogue, and this is particularly so at Notre Dame, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of sponsorship of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute,” said Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., the University’s president. “As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation, we renew our commitment to dialogue, scholarship and prayer that will draw all who share the name of Christian to deeper unity.” Father Jenkins will address the conference attendees the opening night and will convene the first meeting of a new Tantur Ecumenical Institute Advisory Board later in the week. This series of conferences is one of several fruits of the 2014 memorandum of understanding signed by Notre Dame and Heidelberg. The first two Multiple Reformations conferences took place at Notre Dame’s Rome Global Gateway and Heidelberg University; the fourth will be held at Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem March 11-14, 2018. Contact: Matt Ashley, 574-631-7811, ashley.2@nd.edu Posted In: Faith Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related October 03, 2022 dCEC to Award 2023 ND Evangelium Vitae Medal to Robert P. George September 22, 2022 In memoriam: Rev. Richard Warner, C.S.C., longtime leader for Notre Dame, Congregation of Holy Cross September 15, 2022 In new book on global Catholicism, Provost John McGreevy explores modern history, current challenges of the Church September 15, 2022 Death penalty abolitionist Sister Helen Prejean to speak at Notre Dame September 14, 2022 Apostolic nuncio to Great Britain to deliver the 2022 Keeley Vatican Lecture For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn