sabbatical: tantur jerusalem

7/28/2019 Sabbatical: Tantur Jerusalem

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Tantur Ecumencial Institute: Celebrating 40 Years

Photography John Walker msc

TanturEcumenicalInstitute:Celebrating40Years

Tantur Ecumenical Institute: Celebrating 40 YearsPhotography John Walker msc

Rev. Tim Lowe, current rector of Tantur,and his wife Lisa.


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Tantur Ecumencial Institute: Celebrating 40 Years

Photography John Walker msc

TanturEcumenic

alInstitute:Celebrating40Years

Tantur Ecumenical Institute: Celebrating 40 YearsPhotography John Walker msc


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Forty years ago, Tantur opened its doors. It had hoped to break ground in June, 1967, buta certain war dramatically changed the landscape as what was once a hilltop underJordanian control now came under Israeli control. Tanturs location on the seam between

Jerusalem and Bethlehem has determined much of its short history. As the regionalpolitics go, so does Tantur. A case could be made that is has been both a blessing and acurse, but finally it simply is what it is. No one can change this. The discussion on whereto build a new Ecumenical Institute in the 1960s was critical to its mission. The divisionbetween Christians was long and painful. If an Institute was going to be created to focuson theological and practical issues separating the churches, why not build on the one spotuniversally recognised as the mother of us all, Jerusalem? Why not go back to ourPentecostal beginnings as both the beginning and the end of our journey? It was a choiceof history, theology and spirituality all wrapped in one location. Good choice? Badchoice? Well, that is too simple. Let us just say, It is complicated.

Tantur lives within the complexities of Jerusalem, past and present. It does so as atransient community of people who come together for varying lengths of time, yet bringingwith them the history and diversity of the Christian people of God. Together the mysteryof Pentecost happens again and again as an eschatological sign and hope to all who areable to experience it. It is an oasis. It is a gift. It continues to be an offering to allChristians by its original founders and visionaries to come, learn and pray together in a

land often called Holy. This is what we celebrate today and in this 40th Anniversarybook.

Rev. Timothy Scott LoweRector, Tantur Ecumenical Institute, JersualemDecember, 2012


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The iconic Crusader gatehouse entrance to the Tantur campus


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Tantur residence and main entrance


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Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C.generously responded to the call of PopePaul Vl by leading the efforts ofdistinguished Catholic, Protestant, andOrthodox scholars in the establishment ofthe Institute of Ecumenical Studies atTantur, between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.The challenges Father Hesburgh met fromthe start of this collaborative endeavourwere formidable and often unforeseen. Butwith the help and support of many placinghis confidence in the guidance of the HolySpirit, he brought this inspired project tofruition.

Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh CSC

President Emeritus

University of Notre Dame


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A view towards the library and administration centre


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Early morning view towards Bethlehem


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The 40th anniversary celebrations begin with a two day colloquium.


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The installation and blessing of the newly commissioned icon in the garden


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Views from Tantur


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To the right Tony Pohlen and his wife Esther. Tony isthe recently appointed program director. He holds aBA in theology and sociology from the University ofNotre Dame, and an MSc in violence, conflict and

development from the University of Londons School ofOriental and African Studies. Tony hails fromMinnesota, and Esther from the Netherlands.

A new program director


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sabbatical: tantur jerusalem

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