North American Academy of Ecumenists records, 1950 -- 2011

Collection context

Creator:
North American Academy of Ecumenists
Abstract:
Established in 1967, the North American Academy of Ecumenists (NAAE) is composed of college, university and theological seminary professors engaged in studies related to Christian unity. The collection includes records relating to the founding of the organization, correspondence, administrative records and information on annual conferences.
Extent:
7 linear feet (7 linear feet; 15 boxes)
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection contains administrative documents relating to the structure of the organization from its inception as the Professors of Ecumenics, including minutes and membership records; correspondence relating to the NAAE; conference materials, including planning records, participant lists, reports, pamphlets, agendas, and notes; as well as the original materials relating to the establishment of NAAE, including materials which discuss the advances made in introducing ecumenical studies to theological schools, the Dirks Report, which emerged from the desire to establish an institute in the Western Hemisphere dedicated to ecumenical study, and syllabi from courses gathered at the meeting of the Professors of Ecumenics in 1957.

Biographical / historical:

The idea of a national association for ecumenists was first discussed at the Oberlin, Ohio meeting of the North American Faith and Order conference in 1957. Several people concerned with this topic were gathered at that conference and they established the Association of Professors Teaching in Ecumenics. Discussions continued at the Faith and Order conferences held in Denver in 1960 and Montreal in 1963. The Professors of Ecumenics established a Continuation Committee in Montreal. Led by Robert Tobias, Nils Ehrenstrom, Samuel McCrea Cavert, Paul Macy, and Paul Minear, the North American Academy of Ecumenists (NAAE) officially began with their inaugural conference held in 1967. At this time, the Continuation Committee of the North American Professors of Ecumenics was dissolved in favor of the formation of the NAAE. The Academy was composed of college, university and theological seminary professors engaged in studies related to Christian unity. Their goal was "to inform, relate, and encourage men and women professionally engaged in the study, teaching and other practice of ecumenism." The organization is still in existence with an active membership and continues to hold yearly meetings each September. According to a recent NAAE newsletter, membership includes "ecumenically active clergy and laity as well as professors and students. It is an "Academy" by virtue of its members' shared concern for the theological reflection and scholarship that must accompany the movement toward mutual religious understanding and the unity of the Christian Churches."

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Onsite storage.

Terms of access:

Some material in this collection may be protected by copyright and other rights. Information concerning copyright, fair use, and reproduction requests can be consulted at Columbia's Copyright Advisory Office.

Preferred citation:

Item description, WAB: North American Academy of Ecumenists Records, series #, box #, folder #, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.

Location of this collection:
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Contact:
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