This course aims to develop skills, tools, and theoretical/reflective capacity for engaging in neighborhood and community ministries from a holistic and theologically-grounded community organizing lens. The course will draw on case studies and center the role of theological reflection, spiritual practices and formation, and the Episcopal tradition as essential aspects of a faith-rooted community organizing …
View course details “Cultivate, Theologize, Organize! Community Organizing Fundamentals for the Church”

What does it mean to lead during a time of religious, sociocultural, and environmental upheaval? What can churches do differently to better reflect and nurture gospel values and God’s dream of a just, reconciled, Spirit-filled world? This course in missional leadership will ask these and related questions. We will explore concepts and experience practices of …
View course details “Changing Church: Missional Practices and/for Beloved Community”

Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria Each year the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society collaborates with colleagues at the Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets to offer programming of interest to both scholars and members of the local community. This year our day-long workshop will involve scholars and professionals in a moderated public conversation about …
View course details “Where We Live: Critical Perspectives on Our Natural and Built Environments”

Drawing on resources from academia, the arts and family life Canadian Churches have been doing work over the years to attend to the brokenness in our history of unjust relationships with Indigenous people in Canada. More work is needed, and the work moves at a human pace. Yet, when we get stuck, be it from …
View course details “Unlocking Capacity for Just Relationship”

In many parts of today’s world, Christians are deeply divided from their neighbours—and from one another—by political allegiances. The stakes seem so high, and biblical teaching about government so clear and urgent, that agreement on politics is often treated as a test of faith. In this course we will take a step or two back …
View course details “Christianity & Politics”

Recognizing that our social structures and personal biases can get in the way of commitment to respecting our colleagues and community members, this interactive workshop will engage themes of prejudice, power and privilege in a manner that honours all voices in the room while also challenging the biases and structures that privilege some over others …
View course details “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Nurturing a Community of Belonging”

Discerning God’s Power, Navigating Worldly Power in Leadership, Conflict, and Mission Amidst the revelations of abuse of power, political division, and church conflicts, we have a moment to carefully consider the question of power—the way God’s power in Christ is radically different than worldly power, and how we might discern and make space for God’s …
View course details “Renew Conference: Reckoning with Power”

This short course explores the interplay of Howard Thurman and August Wilson as prophetic voices. The course will focus on four Wilson plays, accompanied by examinations of Thurman’s spiritual foundation for social change. These August Wilson plays were chosen because in each there is a transforming power of transcendent forces. Howard Thurman (1899-1981) was an …
View course details “Social Change and Black Mysticism: Prophetic Voices of Thurman & Wilson”

This course focuses on practical and theological foundations for engaging authentically and meaningfully with communities where life experiences, identities, and/or demographic characteristics reveal a social divide that can preclude others (and ourselves) from recognizing their full humanity. Readings and other course content integrate literature from social science, practical theology, and personal narratives of experience. The …
View course details “Pastoral Care with Marginalized Communities”

Are you ready to embark on an inspiring and informative journey alongside Dietrich Bonhoeffer – one of the most courageous people in modern history? Gain a deeper understanding of his life and theology by exploring his resistance to Nazi Germany in historical context. Reflect on the relevance of his faith journey in today’s world, exploring …
View course details “The Rise of Bonhoeffer: Faith, Resistance and Theology in Action”