Theology

The Mennonite-Catholic Theological Colloquium (MCTC) formed in 2000 in order to:

  1. initiate a sustained theological conversation between Mennonite and Catholic scholars
  2. gain a clearer understanding of the issues historically in contention between Mennonites and Catholics
  3. provide background information and analysis for the international ecumenical dialogue that had begun the previous year between representatives of the Mennonite World Conference and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

Since then, the MCTC has held various colloquia, both in person and virtual, exchanging papers on topics for Mennonite-Catholic relationships, as well as held two conferences, most recently at the University of Notre Dame. Some of these dialogues have been published by Pandora Press in its Bridgefolk Series, and other exchanges are available online in the colloquia section.

L to R: John Lapp, Drew Christiansen SJ, Margaret Pfeil, Earl Zimmerman, Nancy Heisey (speaking)

In addition, the MCTC seeks to gather other theological resources and publicize the results of other dialogues between Mennonites and Catholics. By far the most significant to date has been the first-ever international dialogue from 1998-2003 between the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) and the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. In 2004, the international dialogue issued its final report, Called Together to be Peacemakers.

  • Colloquia: MCTC conversations appear here as they develop. This includes both face-to-face gatherings and “virtual” conversations online. Publication information on past colloquia is also available.
  • International Dialogue: Provides the text of the final report, Called Together to be Peacemakers in various languages, as well as commentary and responses. Information on the abridged study edition with discussion questions is also available.
  • Theological Resources: Gathers together additional resources for theological dialogue and reflection on topics of interest to MCTC and Bridgefolk participants.
  • Bridgefolk Series: MCTC and Bridgefolk publications available through Pandora Press.
  • We Are Each Other’s Bread and Wine: Mennonite and Roman Catholic Reflections on Eucharist and Peacemaking.