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Tel 01722 424800Forthcoming Courses
Mon 01Tue 02Exploring Theology: Exploring Modern Developments in Theological Conversations
Tue 2 March, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pmThu 04Meet the Academic Staff
Kim Stephens
Chaplain, Sarum Centre for Formation in Ministry Read more
Jill Hopkinson
Director of Studies and Tutor in Rural Ministry, Centre for Formation in Ministry Read more
Julia Mourant
Tutor in Spiritual Formation and Biblical Studies Read more
All academic staff

Christian Initiation
- Course Dates: Mon 8 March, 2:00 pm to Thu 11 March, 2:00 pm

Over the last 50 years, many have witnessed significant revision within baptismal liturgies and initiation rites within the Western church due to the changing place of the church in society. Those shifts and changes have often taken into account various cultural and social traditions and theologies of the context in which the liturgies and rites are being enacted.
For this module, we will be looking at the development of thought in relation to baptism and initiation into the Christian community from the New Testament era to the present day. We will be looking at the ways in which Christian initiation is practiced in different traditions – from Anglicanism in England and other parts of the world, Pentecostalism, Roman Catholicism, Baptist, and non-denominational online communities – and considering other aspects such as the liturgical features of baptismal fonts through the ages and the use of song and hymnody in initiation rites.
This module is focused on ecumenical and both UK and international perspectives, and will be of interest to anyone who wishes to delve deeper into theology, thought and practice related to initiation and baptism in the Christian liturgical and worship traditions.