This paper explores the challenges of cultivating ecological engagement in the context of congregations and describes pedagogical strategies for cultivating transformational approaches to care for the Earth. Working with data from clergy taking part in an online program for education and support on climate and environmental issues, we imagine what…

This study examines how monks (bhakats) at Hindu monasteries (satra) in Assam become legitimate members of their monastic community. Rooted within the Neo-Vaishnavite tradition of the fifteenth century, satras were established to foster an egalitarian society and became vital spiritual and cultural institutions where religious teachings were…

The spiritual environment in America has transformed due to demographic shifts, disaffiliation, and political polarization, forcing religious organizations and ministers to adapt their practices. Ministers often face challenges as a result of inadequate training and a lack of preparedness for complex ministry demands, leading to burnout and…

Practices and strategies for sustaining resilient spiritual leadership are critical in this time of climate crisis. Learnings from participants in the Seminary of the Wild eco-ministry certification program offer guidance for engaging in practices of education and formation that can help people of faith meet the challenges of these times and…

A descriptive case study approach was utilized in a southeastern United States Catholic Diocese to gain a better understanding of the conflict competency of eight ministry leaders to explore their competence in dealing with conflict pre and post education intervention. Participants were provided with a conflict scenario in a preliminary interview…

This study demonstrates the value of the field of public theology for cathedral studies. Both of these fields are concerned with the continuing role of religion in public life in contemporary societies, and yet those writing within these fields often do not draw from the work of the other. Therefore, in this study I show some findings of my PhD…

The American College of St Maurice at Münster in Westphalia was founded in 1867 to train priests for the Catholic missions in the United States. This paper outlines the history of this short-lived educational institutions (1867-1879), with particular focus on the 68 seminarians, who attended this theological seminary for their pastoral formation,…

Questions about what walking a synodal path means for the Church in different local contexts undoubtedly occupy a central place in academic and pastoral discussions regarding the currently convoked synod on synodality. A particular concern is how the youth can be actively involved in this process. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role…

A well-informed perception of leaders is critical in how members of worship congregations experience spiritual formation. This study focuses on six selected worship congregations of Kenya's Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM). The Straussian grounded-theory design was employed to analyze interviews and focus group discussions. The findings…

Preachers are professional voice users (PVUs) who regularly experience high vocal demands, often leading to vocal difficulties or disorders. Research has established that this often occurs due to a lack of sufficient knowledge of the vocal mechanism and vocal hygiene in this population. Student preachers are therefore also considered to be a…

This paper explores experiences of pastoral staff, working in social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) special secondary schools, regarding the psychological impact of their work. To date, attention has been given to the educational experiences of pupils attending SEMH schools and teachers working with pupils with SEMH needs in mainstream…

The assassination of Ignacio Ellacuría and seven others at the Universidad Centroamericana José Simeon Cañas (UCA) in San Salvador in 1989 has had a deep and profound impact on the world-wide Jesuit community and the Catholic Church. His philosophy and theology of liberation have been carefully studied, as has his vision and operation of the UCA…

Metaphors were introduced to the science of cathedral studies by Muskett in her book, "Shop window, flagship, common ground." Such metaphors have the power to inform and shape the perception of cathedrals, but lack theological or ecclesial authority. Gary Hall's analysis of "The purpose of cathedrals" offers a different…

The role of religion in the social fabric of the United States is changing, and pastors face significant threats to their longevity in the profession. Similarly, the field of clinical pastoral education is changing, moving beyond its Protestant Christian roots. Pastoral identity, or the self-understanding and expression of the pastoral role is an…

This article explores the delivery and pedagogy of initial ministerial training for lay and ordained candidates in the Church in Wales by its training arm, the St. Padarn's Institute. I discuss how logistical challenges force us into a more pragmatic approach where practical considerations are as influential as philosophical and pedagogical…