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#406076 06/01/14 01:38 PM
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Here are some thoughts [priestofthechurch.wordpress.com] about the value of theological education for clergy and laity alike, and what we are trying to do in the UK to make it possible.

As always, if it interests you at all, feel free to comment here for the sake of discussion, or on the source blog. I appreciate your thoughts, whether for good or ill.

Last edited by Slavophile; 06/01/14 01:39 PM.
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Bless, Father!

This is an excellent idea - I can't imagine anyone who would say otherwise.

There is a real crisis in our parishes and it may have less to do with how many laity have theological knowledge than with the more pragmatic issues of training in prayer, meditations, liturgical worship etc.

There won't be a lot of people in my parish, for instance, who would want to get involved with theology courses.

And perhaps one could say that the majority needn't get involved.

But there can be no question that every layperson needs background and practical training in the purpose, meaning and "how-to" with respect to prayer and liturgical worship - and the necessity of our participation in them.

This is all theology, to be sure - the best kind.

But that practical knowledge is something that our parishes must be about actively teaching and training to laity.

Alex

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Thanks very much for your comments, Alex. You make a very important point, and it is one I should probably re-visit.

The vision of TICS was always to interpret 'theology' as you describe it, and although the current line-up of courses do not obviously reflect that in their titles, we are certainly interested in making the sort of training you describe available.

As it is, I see the work I do within my parish as very much connected with what we do through TICS, and the parish is the venue in which I will be offering courses in prayer, spirituality, and liturgical participation. Over time, though, I will be happy to foster a concrete connection.


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