Supervised Reading Unit: Ecumenical Studies (DU3418M)

This SRU relates to the 'sacrament stream' of 'Ecumenical Studies' (please see: https://ums.divinity.edu.au/scheduled-units/8907), making adjustments to meet requirements of a level 3 student.

This unit explores sacramental ministry in the Uniting Church in Australia. Approaching the subject through ecumenical lenses reveals both the UCA’s relationship to supposedly ‘catholic’ (‘universal’) tradition and connections to other churches. At the same time, it also shows some of the UCA’s denominational distinctiveness. Hence it is being housed as a unit in ‘ecumenical studies’.

On learning outcomes: As the unit is being run, item 1 will not feature, item 2 will focus on just one WCC publication, ‘Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry’, and item 3 will be broadened to consider Uniting Church liturgical resources for sacramental celebration. While UCA liturgical resources reflect a catholic-ecumenical centre, the wider ecumenical scene is not a major focus in what will be considered in this unit.

Schema: Each week of study will have a particular focus, as follows--

WEEK 1: Looks at the Basis of Union on the sacraments, the World Council of Churches’ document Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry (BEM)—sometimes said to be the most important ecumenical document of the twentieth-century--and the Uniting Church's response to BEM.

WEEK 2: ‘The Congregation is not an audience’

WEEK 3: EUCHARIST in Uniting in Worship 2

WEEK 4: Focus on Eucharistic Prayer: Reformed and Ecumenical Patterns (Mid-semester break)

WEEK 5: Manual Acts, Mass Confusion? Eucharistic Presidency in the UCA

WEEK 6: Coconut Theology—Ecumenical Explorations in Pasifika

WEEK 7: BAPTISM in Uniting in Worship 2

WEEK 8: Focus on the Flood Prayer

WEEK 9: The UCA and the Catholic RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)—An Ecumenical Exploration

WEEK 10: Timkat and Theophany—Ecumenical Explorations in Orthodoxy

WEEK 11: Controversies in Sacramental Practice

WEEK 12: Sacramental Spirituality

Delivery: This unit will not meet face-to-face as advertised, but on-line each Tuesday in semester through the Zoom link provided.

Resources provided: Some readings will be provided hard copy. Most, however, will be made available as either .pdf files or links to external websites. See the 'Bibliography' section for basic readings. Further readings will also be provided. Students will need to have to hand a copy of Uniting in Worship 2, which is not provided. This is available for purchase from the Reception Desk of the CTM, Parkville, and here: https://www.mediacomeducation.org.au/shop/uniting-in-worship-2/

Attendance Expectations: Unless prevented by personal circumstances, 80% attendance is expected. Any absences should be noted in an email to Stephen.Burns@pilgrim.edu.au

Workload Expectations: Students in this unit are expected to set aside 12 hours per week in order to complete the required readings, class participation activities, and assessment tasks.

Support: For help with assessment tasks, in the first instance contact Stephen.Burns@pilgrim.edu.au. For general advice on study techniques and essay writing, check out the resources on the Academic Skills ARK page.

Inclusive language: Inclusive language should be used in class and for assignments, without exception for human persons, and with encouragement for naming towards the divine.

Extension forms: For late assignments an extension form must be submitted to your lecturer (at Stephen.Burns@pilgrim.edu.au) prior to the due date. These forms can be found on the Pilgrim ARK page.

Plagiarism: If you are uncertain about whether a practice would be considered plagiarism, please do not hesitate to ask your lecturer (at Stephen.Burns@pilgrim.edu.au).

Assessment: to be determined in interactive work with the student.